Recent speculation suggests that the upcoming iPhone 18 series may feature larger batteries than Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and possibly even the future Galaxy S27 series. This shift marks a significant change for Apple, traditionally known for prioritizing user experience over technical specifications. This development should be a wake-up call for Samsung, which has been criticized for stagnating in terms of spec upgrades, particularly concerning battery capacity.
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy models have maintained a 5,000 mAh battery since the Galaxy S Ultra’s debut in 2020. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max already surpasses this with a 5,088 mAh battery, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to increase this further to 5,425 mAh. Reports indicate that the Galaxy S27 Ultra may only feature a 5,000 mAh or 5,200 mAh battery, potentially lagging behind Apple’s offerings.
The situation is more pronounced with Samsung’s foldable phones. Since the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the battery capacity has remained at 4,400 mAh. The forthcoming Fold 8 series is anticipated to see an increase, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra possibly reaching 5,000 mAh. However, Apple’s first foldable is rumored to include a 5,500 mAh battery, highlighting Samsung’s need for improvement.
Charging speeds are another area where Samsung has been slow to innovate. The base Galaxy S model has been capped at 25W for six years, while Apple has advanced to 40W charging across its iPhone 17 lineup. Similarly, wireless charging capabilities have seen limited progress, with Samsung’s latest models only now reaching 25W wirelessly, a standard Apple has already implemented.
Samsung has also limited certain features to its premium models, such as the Privacy Display and anti-reflective Gorilla Armor glass, which remain exclusive to its Ultra models. Meanwhile, Apple has incorporated similar features across its entire lineup.
Despite these challenges, there are indications that Samsung is responding to the competition. Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S27 series may introduce a new 16MP front camera and potentially include Privacy Display across all models. While these changes are not yet confirmed, they suggest that Samsung is ready to innovate and enhance its offerings.
