Samsung to use Sony batteries in Galaxy S8, report

Samsung is reportedly outsourcing the battery production of the most anticipated Galaxy S8 to the rival, Sony.

Following the fire-catching disasters of Note 7 last year, the South Korean tech giant is looking to a variety of battery suppliers for production of batteries for the flagship Samsung Galaxy S8. Wall Street Journal reported that Sony will be third company to supply lithium-ion batteries to Samsung. The other two companies are its two longtime suppliers: a Samsung affiliate SDI Co. and Hong Kong-based Amperex Technology Ltd.

WSJ reports that the order of batteries placed with Japanese phone manufacturer, Sony, is smaller as compared to other two suppliers.

The adoption of the rival’s batteries reflects Samsung’s efforts to regain customers’ trust by providing safe and high-quality products. Last year, Samsung had to recall more than 3 million Note 7 smartphones following the battery exploding incidents which negatively affected the reputation and revenue of the tech giant.

To find the root cause of the debacle, Samsung carefully examined every aspect of the Galaxy Note7, including hardware, software and related processes for several months. The research revealed that the overheating of batteries because of damaged insulation was the main reason behind Galaxy Note7 explosions.

Samsung has taken a number of steps to avoid such incidents in future. The company has formed a Battery Advisory Group of external advisers, academic and research experts to guarantee battery safety and innovation.

Samsung has also reportedly made a deal with another rival, Apple, recently to manufacture about 160 million OLED screens for iPhone 8.

Neither Samsung nor Sony have commented on these reports yet. We will update you when further information is received on the matter.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Image: PhoneArena