Smartphones are impressive in a number of ways, but being able to last an entire weekend without needing to be plugged into the wall for a top-up isn't one of them.
However, Samsung has an innovation planned for its 2021 flagship smartphone series that could bring back the sort of battery life we were used to when the Nokia 3310 ruled the roost. But without sacrificing all of the juicy next-generation features we've come to know and love.
- Samsung Galaxy S11 rumours, release date, price, specs: here's everything we know
- Samsung Note 10 review
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ review
So, how is the Seoul-based company going to achieve this pipe dream? Well, it all comes down to graphene batteries. The material is much more efficient than the lithium-ion technology currently used in all modern smartphone battery cells.
However, serial tipster Evan Blass – who has an extremely solid, although not infallible, track record when it comes to as-yet unannounced products – claims Samsung is gearing up to use the new battery technology by the end of next year, or early 2021 at the latest. If accurate, that means the most likely candidate to be kitted out with a graphene battery cell will be Galaxy S12.
The Samsung Galaxy S series always debuts in the first few months of the year, with the Galaxy Note range appearing on shelves around August.
Blass wrote: "Lithium-ion batteries are...suboptimal. Samsung is hoping to have at least one handset either next year or in 2021, I'm told, which will feature a graphene battery instead. Capable of a full charge in under a half-hour, they still need to raise capacities while lowering costs."
Graphene has a number of properties that makes it an ideal material to use in batteries, including its ability to charge-up incredibly fast, keep cool under intense pressure, and its impressive durability.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
A Samsung-built smartphone with a graphene battery could have seriously impressive battery life – not to mention charge times that put even the OnePlus 7 Pro to shame. Unfortunately, a lot could change between now and 2021, so we wouldn't recommend putting off your next smartphone purchase off – but maybe invest in one of the best portable battery packs and chargers money can buy.
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
Audi A6 e-tron: your up-market EV estate has landed
The Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Quick! This stunning Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker is $200 off, but it'll be gone tomorrow!
The Beolit 20 is one third off right now
By Sam Cross Published
-
Samsung accidentally posts its own Galaxy S25 spoilers
Revealing One UI 7 features gives us a glimpse at future phone powers
By Chris Hall Published
-
This monster 77-inch Samsung OLED TV is less than half price for Cyber Monday – that's crazy!
You can get $1,700 off the Samsung Class S84D OLED at Best Buy right now
By Rik Henderson Published
-
This Samsung Odyssey OLED monitor deal has to be seen to be believed
49-inch, curved, ultra-wide and OLED – it doesn't get any better than this
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Samsung plans to take on Steam Deck and Switch 2 with a unique gaming handheld
Patent suggests Samsung's skill in another area could transform handheld consoles
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Massive Samsung Galaxy upgrade could come from this new camera system
Samsung has developed a new smartphone zoom system that packs its periscope into a much smaller space
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 surprise launch date leaked – could be in your hands in weeks
Pencil the 5 January in your diary
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Why wait for Black Friday? This massive 75-inch Samsung 4K TV is under $550 right now
The monstrous Samsung DU6950 has more than 26% off in an early Black Friday deal
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Samsung's big free software upgrade could be here next week – with some inspiration from Apple!
Samsung Galaxy phone owners could have a big change coming
By Sam Cross Published