After months-long investigation into the Galaxy Note 7 explosions, Samsung concluded that the accidents were caused by battery problems. Surprisingly, batteries from both suppliers Samsung SDI and Amperex Technology were involved in overheating incidents. Samsung is taking a new eight-point approach to beef up battery testing procedures to avoid a repeat of Note 7 with its upcoming Galaxy S8.
Galaxy S8 is Samsung’s chance to regain consumers’ trust
The Korean electronics giant is also being extra choosy regarding suppliers. Japanese publication Nikkei Asian Review and Korean site Han Kyung have learned from their respective sources that Samsung is in talks with Murata Manufacturing Company for the supply of Galaxy S8 batteries. Murata is the company that acquired Sony’s battery business last year.
Samsung is reportedly impressed with the reliability and performance of Sony’s lithium-ion batteries. The Korean company cannot afford another Galaxy Note 7-like debacle if it wants to regain the trust of customers. Some users would already be skeptical of the S8 battery because of what happened with the Note 7.
Murata to get only a small portion of orders
Murata will not be the sole supplier of S8 batteries, though. Having learned its lessons from the Note 7 disaster, Samsung SDI has grabbed a large chunk of orders. Depending on how the talks proceed, Murata could replace Amperex Technology, reports Nikkei Asian Review. Han Kyung claims that the Kyoto-based company would be responsible only for 2% to 8% of the Galaxy S8 batteries.
Previously, there were speculations that the Galaxy S8 could feature batteries from LG Chem as Samsung was seeking to diversify its supplier base to reduce the risk. But LG Chem batteries are unlikely to power Samsung’s next-gen flagship smartphone.
Samsung may tease Galaxy S8 on February 26
Korean publication ITcle learned from its sources earlier this week that the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus would feature 3,250mAh and 3,750mAh batteries, respectively. Since the S8 will have a 5.8-inch display and its bigger sibling would sport a 6.2-inch screen, larger batteries are necessary to power them all day long. But ITcle’s report contradicts prolific tipster Evan Blass’ claim that the upcoming phones will have 3,000mAh and 3,500mAh battery packs.
The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus are expected to run Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 processor, which is said to be 20% more energy efficient than its predecessor. The new phones would get rid of the physical home button. While the home functionality will be incorporated into the display, the fingerprint scanner has been moved to the rear. The fingerprint sensor now sits on the right of the main camera.
The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus would be unveiled on March 29, and hit the store shelves on April 21st. However, the Korean company is rumored to show off a one-minute video on the S8 at its Mobile World Congress event on February 26.
