Samsung is setting a new record for its foldables with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s battery capacity, but the improvement feels more like catching up than leading. The device is rumored to pack a nearly 5,000 mAh battery, marking a noticeable jump from the 4,400 mAh cell in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, in a segment where competitors push toward 6,000 mAh and beyond, Samsung still trails behind in raw battery capacity, an unusual stance for a company once known for aggressive hardware upgrades.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to house two battery cells – one around 2,369 mAh and another about 2,485 mAh – combining for a total capacity Samsung will market as 5,000 mAh. This is a step up from earlier folds like the Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 7, which remained stuck around 4,400 mAh despite improvements in design and display technology. A variant called the Galaxy Wide Fold might see a similar upgrade, potentially reaching about 4,900 mAh through slightly differently sized battery cells.
Yet this increase pales compared to offerings from brands like Honor and Oppo. The Honor Magic V6 boasts a 6,660 mAh battery globally and even more in its Chinese market version, while the Oppo Find N6 is rumored to come equipped with a 6,000 mAh pack. Even Apple, late to foldables, reportedly plans to fit its upcoming iPhone Fold with a battery exceeding 5,500 mAh, possibly tipping over 5,800 mAh. Samsung’s conservative battery strategy has increasingly placed it behind the competition in endurance and charging potential.
For years, Samsung prided itself on leading the spec race in smartphones, but that edge has dulled-especially with foldables. The company still relies on a relatively modest 25W charging speed, lagging behind others offering 45W or higher. If Samsung wants to maintain credibility in a competitive foldable segment, improving battery size and charging speed can’t stay on the back burner. Otherwise, foldable enthusiasts might start looking at alternatives that offer longer-lasting use and faster top-ups straight out of the box.