Chinese Smartphones Set to Reach 10,000mAh Batteries by 2026 — Leaving Galaxy S26 Ultra Far Behind

Battery Revolution: Chinese Brands Target 10,000mAh Milestone

Smartphone battery life is on the verge of a breakthrough, and Chinese smartphone manufacturers are leading the charge. According to recent leaks, the first half of 2026 could see mainstream Chinese phones equipped with massive 10,000mAh batteries — a development that could redefine smartphone endurance and user expectations.

Rapid Advances in Battery Capacity

In the past twelve months, battery capacities have climbed to unprecedented levels. Honor has already made headlines with the X70, which packs a gigantic 8,300mAh battery into an ultra-slim 7.76mm chassis. Earlier, the Honor Power set a new standard in the mid-range market with its 8,000mAh cell. Not to be left behind, brands such as OnePlus, iQOO, and Xiaomi are reportedly working on flagship devices with battery capacities exceeding 7,000mAh, targeting launch windows before the end of 2025.

Breakthroughs in Battery Technology

Significant progress in battery technology is making these extraordinary capacities possible, without sacrificing portability. The Honor X70 exemplifies how silicon-carbon battery advancements—delivering greater energy density—enable large batteries to fit in slim devices. To further maximize space, manufacturers are also reengineering internal layouts. Notably, upcoming models are said to feature ultra-compact PCBs (printed circuit boards), freeing up valuable room for larger cells.

This innovation isn’t restricted to one brand; OnePlus previously showcased similar concepts in the 13T, emphasizing how engineering tighter internal structures can accommodate bigger batteries. These technical leaps require substantial investment in research and development, underscoring the commitment of leading Chinese smartphone companies to push the boundaries of mobile power management.

Market Dynamics: Will Global Giants Catch Up?

While Chinese brands push forward, global giants like Samsung, Apple, and Google have yet to embrace ultra-large batteries. Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra, for instance, is rumored to retain a 5,000mAh battery when it launches in 2026—a far cry from the lofty targets set by their Chinese competitors. The reluctance to scale up battery size may be attributed to different design priorities, regulatory considerations, or user experience philosophies among these global leaders.

User Impact: Longer Battery Life, New Use Cases

For consumers, the prospect of 10,000mAh batteries could mean smartphones that last several days on a single charge, opening doors for more intensive gaming, all-day video streaming, and professional multitasking on the go. As battery technology continues to evolve, users can expect to enjoy more powerful and versatile smartphones without compromising on portability.

Who Will Be First?

It remains to be seen which Chinese smartphone brand will be the first to officially release a 10,000mAh mainstream model. Given its recent innovations, Honor stands as a strong contender. Regardless, 2026 is shaping up as the year smartphone batteries finally break into five-digit territory, setting a new benchmark for the global industry.