Why big phone brands are falling behind on battery life

Smartphone battery life is a big deal for users, but top brands like Samsung, Apple, and Google are struggling to keep up. Many people feel frustrated when their Galaxy, iPhone, or Pixel hits 20% battery too quickly. In 2025, flagship phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra still use 5,000 mAh batteries, which only last about eight hours under heavy use.

This isn’t enough for today’s power-hungry features like AI tools and advanced cameras. Meanwhile, Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo are leading the way. Their phones often pack 6,000 mAh or larger batteries, offering longer life even with slim designs. They’re using new silicon-carbon technology, which stores more energy than older batteries. Samsung and Apple are rumored to be testing this tech, but they’re moving slowly, possibly due to past safety concerns like Samsung’s Note 7 issues.

Google’s Pixel phones also face battery problems, with some models overheating or losing capacity over time. While Apple is adding AI-based battery-saving features in iOS 26, it’s not enough to close the gap. Chinese brands are setting a new standard, leaving the big three to catch up or risk losing fans who want phones that last all day.