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Samsung is reportedly going for bigger batteries for the Galaxy S8

Published Jan 31st, 2017 9:34AM EST

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Samsung blamed the Galaxy Note 7 fires on two independent battery issues that turned the phablet into an explosive device. But it also acknowledged that its quest to deliver a bigger battery capacity in a thinner smartphone was one of the reasons why the Note 7’s batteries overheated and exploded. Samsung said it’s taking a new approach to ensure the battery quality of its upcoming smartphones, revealing an eight-point testing program.

The Galaxy S8 will be the first flagship device that will benefit from that program, and Samsung certainly can’t afford any more mistakes. A new report from South Korea reveals the first details about the Galaxy S8’s battery. If true, it looks like Samsung is still looking to increase battery capacity in its upcoming flagship handset. At the same time, Samsung shouldn’t stop increasing battery size in future smartphones as long as it can ensure their safety.

Sources familiar with the matter told ITcle that Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus handsets will pack 3,250 mAh and 3,750 mAh batteries, respectively.

Last year, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge had 3,000 mAh and 3,500 mAh batteries, respectively. Respected leaker Evan Blass said recently that the Galaxy S8 phones will use the same battery capacities as their predecessors.

Most reports say the Galaxy S8 will have a novel, all-screen design. A bigger display will also consume more energy, which might hurt battery life so bigger batteries may be required to ensure decent battery life. On the other hand, the phone is supposed to pack more energy-efficient chips and a new AMOLED screen that might also be more efficient than previous versions.

The Galaxy S8 should be unveiled in late March, and it’s likely Samsung will dedicate plenty of time to explaining the Galaxy S8’s battery and why it’s going to be safe for consumers.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.