Newer phone batteries hold more power, and Apple and Samsung lag

A new kind of phone battery is making the usual 5,000mAh size look small. Android Authority argues that these silicon-carbon batteries have changed the game, and that Apple and Samsung have not matched their rivals yet. For anyone buying a phone, it is a reason to look past the camera and screen.

What changed

Silicon-carbon batteries mix silicon with carbon to store more energy in the same amount of space. The mAh number (milliamp-hours) is a rough measure of battery size. A bigger number generally means more power on board. For years, 5,000mAh has been the standard size on many phones. Next to the newer batteries, it is starting to feel increasingly small.

Who it affects

Anyone who relies on a phone all day is touched by this. That includes people who use it for work, maps, calls and photos. The source says Apple and Samsung have not matched rivals yet. That is Android Authority's view, so it is one outlet's judgment, not a verdict from the companies.

What we do not know

The material does not say which phones use these batteries, how large they are, or how much longer they last in daily use. It also does not say whether Apple or Samsung plan to adopt them, or when. Battery size alone does not decide battery life, since the screen and chip also use power.

What to do

• Check the battery size in the specs before you buy a new phone.
• Compare it with the 5,000mAh benchmark that many phones have used.
• Weigh battery alongside the camera and screen, not after them.