Outdated regulations are stifling smartphone battery innovation in Europe, with current rules restricting the popular 5,000 mAh battery size. This limit, common in Samsung devices, aligns with US regulations that cap battery capacity just below an arbitrary threshold. Although companies like Vivo and Xiaomi don’t sell their phones in the US, similar regulations might exist in the EU, affecting devices like the Vivo X200 Pro, which offers a 5,200 mAh battery instead of a potentially larger 6,000 mAh.
A promising workaround could be dual-cell batteries, featured in models such as the OnePlus 13. These batteries cleverly navigate regulations by having individual cells with capacities over 20 Wh, while keeping the total capacity under 100 Wh. However, manufacturers often lack transparency about why battery capacities are reduced in certain markets.
Looking ahead, the situation might intensify by 2026, with Chinese smartphones set to debut with impressive 7,000 to 9,000 mAh batteries, which could further highlight the limitations of current regulatory frameworks in other regions.
