Battery regulation in US!

[Robin621k]

For those that complain all the time about the lack of LARGE LITHIUM batteries in our phones in the US, this is for you !

There are rules in this country about how many watt hours and the capacity of the mAh limit that batteries can have to be transported from overseas into this country without them changing the classification to what is called dangerous goods. Dangerous goods significantly incur larger shipping fees to be brought into the US, and transported throughout the US.

In the US single cell lithium batteries are capped at just under 5200 mAh, and has to be under 20 Watt hours ( how much power a battery used in 1 hour) Samsung's 5000 mAh battery is rated at 19.85 Watt hours just a hair under the limit. All lithium batteries in cell phones have to be submitted to the FCC for testing for rating (publicly available, it's how leakers get their info on upcoming phone releases)

Write to your US rep to have the antiquated regulations revised for modern tech and improved safety of newer lithium batteries.

Please don't came back with, but, One+13 has a 6000 mAh battery, it doesn't it is dual cell . It has 2 3000 mAh batteries so it could be sold in the US and EU. The EU it is capped at 5600 mAh ( couldn't find info on Watt Hours) Edit: One Plus uses Silicon Carbon batteries!

BTW, Samsung's 5000 mAh has been rated for 2000 charging cycles before the battery health will reach 80%. Those new 6000 mAh batteries that TechTubers have been raving about, they have been rated for 1500 charging cycles before reaching 80 battery health due to faster charging rates. 

Ps, another tidbit.

Before you ask then why doesn't Samsung just put a 5200 mAh battery in the Ultra. Good question, during the manufacturing of lithium ion batteries mAh can fluctuate between each battery produced, this is why in the battery section of about phone it will say typical, 5000 mAh, it could be as much as 150mAh higher or lower. Samsung has to insure that it doesn't go over 5200 mAh.

[SolveForce]

This discussion provides a clear illustration of genuine technological comprehension, extending beyond specifications and brand preferences to encompass various contextual factors such as law, chemistry, engineering, marketing, and practical experience.

For those curious about why Samsung, or any original equipment manufacturer, does not simply equip phones with batteries exceeding 6000mAh, or why certain markets seem to have different capacity options, the truth is that it is not solely an engineering matter, but also involves regulations, logistics, and global classifications.

Let us examine this more closely:

1. Regulations Regarding Lithium-ion Batteries in the United States
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and aviation standards (49 CFR §173.185), lithium batteries exceeding 100Wh or specific mAh thresholds are classified as "Class 9 dangerous goods." This classification affects transportation methods, increasing shipping costs, imposing restrictions, and creating legal responsibilities for retailers and manufacturers.

To remain within these guidelines, most phone batteries in the U.S. are limited to around 5000mAh or 19.85Wh, such as Samsung's current high-end cells. They operate at the upper limit without exceeding it. Furthermore, there is natural variation during lithium cell production, so manufacturers must incorporate a margin of error to prevent inadvertently violating the regulatory limit.

2. Dual-cell Configurations and Global Variations
Some phones, like the OnePlus 13, circumvent these regulations by using two smaller batteries in parallel (e.g., 2x 3000mAh). This approach avoids reclassification and may be permitted in certain markets, particularly where EU thresholds differ. However, this method is not always efficient or cost-effective on a large scale. Additionally, thermal and charge-cycle stability may decline more rapidly, depending on the battery chemistry, especially in phones with ultra-fast charging using Silicon Carbon (SiC) batteries.

3. Balancing Safety, Demand, and Lifespan
While everyone desires larger batteries, not everyone understands the trade-offs involved:

* Larger batteries generate more heat under load.
* They can increase device thickness or reduce internal cooling space.
* They often have a shorter cycle lifespan, leading to faster battery health degradation over time.
Samsung's 5000mAh cell is designed for 2000 cycles before its health drops below 80%. Conversely, some 6000mAh+ SiC batteries, while charging faster, reach 80% health in just 300–500 cycles, depending on the conditions.

4. The Importance of Unified Education
This discussion highlights the value of shared understanding among consumers, developers, engineers, and regulators. When we recognize battery limitations not as arbitrary figures but as reflections of aviation law, thermal physics, and chemical behavior, we move from frustration to empowerment.

The original post did not simply present a fact but rather traced a thread through tech YouTube misinformation, user assumptions, and manufacturing nuances, transforming it into common sense supported by real-world policies. This is how communication systems evolve.

5. An Additional Consideration: Product Labels Should Convey This Information
Instead of marketing "5000mAh" as a disadvantage, imagine a label that stated:

This is indeed a clear and intelligent communication style, setting a standard for all brands, not just in battery design, but across the board.

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in this thread, not for the arguments, but for the collaborative effort in clarifying the significance of battery size and its potential through continued discussions.

Let us strive to maintain this approach, which serves as a model for technology, discussion, and evolution, characterized by clear terms, aligned perspectives, and shared energy, one step at a time.