Samsung delays Si‑C battery for Galaxy S27 Ultra over cost concerns

Samsung is hesitant to equip its upcoming flagship Galaxy S27 Ultra with silicon‑carbon (Si‑C) batteries because of sharply higher production costs. Industry sources estimate the cost would rise to $22‑28 million per million units, compared with $12‑15 million for conventional lithium‑ion cells. The company is also facing a DRAM shortage that pressures profit margins.

Instead, Samsung is testing larger-capacity lithium‑ion batteries supplied by its SDI unit, targeting 5,600 mAh to 5,800 mAh cells. If these tests succeed, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could launch with a battery exceeding 5,500 mAh, marking the first time the Ultra line surpasses the 5,000 mAh threshold set with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The Si‑C option remains on hold pending further cost and reliability validation.