Galaxy S26 Ultra Still Stuck at 5,000mAh Battery — Samsung Must Do More

Back in 2020, Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 Ultra with a massive 5,000mAh battery. Fast forward to 2025, and that number hasn’t changed. Even the upcoming S26 Ultra is expected to stick with the same capacity. While the company has optimized efficiency and software to extend battery life, rival brands have made even greater strides. It’s becoming clear that Samsung needs more than just optimization to stay competitive.

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Samsung needs to pack bigger batteries in Ultra flagships

Despite a substantially larger cell, the Galaxy S20 Ultra couldn’t outlast its rival iPhone 11 Pro Max, with a 3,969mAh unit. It reflects one of Apple’s enduring advantages: tight integration of hardware and software. Because Apple designs both the chipset and the operating system, it wrings more performance per watt out of its batteries. In contrast, Android manufacturers must accommodate many hardware variables and OS layers, which often reduces overhead.

Over the years, Samsung has managed to close the gap, even though Apple has increased the battery capacity of top-tier iPhones. Samsung did that while keeping the same 5,000mAh cell, which is impressive. However, in actual endurance tests, Galaxy flagships still often fall short of competing iPhones. Now, with its latest release, Apple has pushed capacity beyond the 5,000mAh mark.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with a 5,088mAh battery (for eSIM-only models) according to teardowns and regulatory disclosures. Unsurprisingly, it crushes the Galaxy S25 Ultra in battery tests. Apple not only matched Samsung’s battery spec but outdid it, and continues to lead in runtime thanks to superior efficiency. This is a double blow to the Korean giant.

Because Apple no longer trails Samsung on battery capacity, Samsung’s longstanding excuse (“we have the bigger battery”) is losing weight. If it halts further battery increases and the iPhone maker continues improving efficiency, the Galaxy Ultra series risks falling far behind.

Maybe something on the Galaxy S27 Ultra?

Leaks and rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will again use a 5,000mAh battery. At this point in development, it may be too late to change that. If true, the only hope for Samsung to reclaim ground may lie in breakthroughs in efficiency, battery chemistry, or charging tech.

Many observers believe a real capacity upgrade might only come with the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Until then, Samsung fans may have to live with Apple users bragging about battery life and wonder when Samsung will finally take the lead again.