Danny Weber
European energy labels list 1,200 full charge cycles for Samsung's new foldables, down from 2,000 for the previous generation.
Samsung's new foldable smartphones unexpectedly come with a lower rated battery lifespan than the previous generation. According to European energy labels, the batteries in the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are rated for at least 1,200 full charge cycles, after which available capacity may fall to 80% of the original level.
By comparison, the specifications for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 list at least 2,000 cycles. That is an 800-cycle gap in favor of the older models. Actual degradation will still depend on temperature, charging habits and operating conditions.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 has a 4,300 mAh battery, so at the 80% threshold its estimated available capacity would be about 3,440 mAh. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 would retain roughly 3,840 mAh from its 4,800 mAh battery, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra would have around 4,000 mAh left from 5,000 mAh.
The lower cycle rating coincides with Samsung's switch to silicon-carbon batteries in its new foldables. The technology makes it possible to fit more capacity into a thinner body. However, EPREL data does not explain the shorter rating and does not prove that battery chemistry is the decisive factor.
Even after the reduction, a 1,200-cycle rating remains comparable with a number of modern smartphones. Samsung has not officially explained the gap between generations, so it is unclear whether it comes from cell design, certification methods or a different durability margin.
© A. Krivonosov