SHENZHEN  – In an industry long defined by slimmer profiles and incremental camera upgrades, smartphone makers are increasingly competing on a more fundamental metric: how long a device can last without being plugged in.

This week, Realme announced the P4 Power, an Android smartphone built around a 10,001-milliamp-hour battery — more than double the capacity found in most flagship devices. The company says the phone can last up to a week on a single charge under typical use, a claim that, if borne out in real-world testing, would mark a notable departure from the daily charging routine most users have come to accept.

At the center of the device is what Realme calls its “Titan Battery,” a system designed not only for size but also for durability. According to the company, the battery includes enhanced safety protections, adaptive charging and discharging profiles, and measures to slow long-term degradation. While full technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, Realme says the phone’s hardware and design priorities were shaped almost entirely around battery endurance.

Industry observers say the move reflects a growing reassessment of consumer priorities. As reported by Android Authority, the Titan Battery is already in mass production — a significant shift from earlier ultra-capacity batteries that remained confined to concept devices or niche products.

Realme is not alone in pursuing five-digit battery capacities. Earlier this year, Honor unveiled the Honor Power2, which features a slightly larger 10,080 mAh battery. By contrast, premium models such as Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultratypically offer around 5,000 mAh, relying on software efficiency and power management to stretch battery life to a full day.

The shift has practical implications for consumers. Devices capable of lasting several days — or even a week — could reduce reliance on power banks and wall chargers, particularly for travelers and heavy users. At the same time, larger batteries often mean heavier phones and raise questions about charging speed, heat management, and industrial design.

Manufacturers argue those trade-offs are narrowing. According to Android Authority, batteries exceeding 10,000 mAh can now be paired with 80-watt fast charging and reverse charging features without resulting in unwieldy devices, thanks to advances in battery chemistry and internal layout.

Whether ultra-long battery life becomes a mainstream expectation or remains a specialized niche will depend on how consumers respond. But with multiple brands now committing to mass-produced, high-capacity batteries, one thing is clear: the race to last longer is becoming one of the smartphone industry’s most consequential battles.

Founded in 2018, Realme has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing smartphone brands in Asia and parts of Europe, targeting younger consumers with competitively priced devices that emphasize performance, battery life and rapid charging. Originally a sub-brand of Oppo, the company now operates independently and is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, a global hub for consumer electronics manufacturing and innovation. From there, Realme has expanded its international footprint, particularly in India, Southeast Asia and select European markets, competing aggressively with Xiaomi, Samsung and Honor by offering high-end specifications at midrange prices. (zai)