Get ready for a charging revolution! For the first time in years, Samsung is shaking things up with significantly faster wireless charging for its upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. But here's where it gets controversial: while the speeds are set to soar, a key feature that enables seamless magnetic alignment might be missing.
The latest intel from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) database has spilled the beans on the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. These devices, identified by their masked model numbers SM-K772, SM-K777, and SM-K778 respectively, have been certified to support the Qi 2.2.1 standard. This is a notable upgrade, mirroring the capabilities seen in the Pixel 10 series and promising speeds of 20W for the standard and Plus models, and an even zippier 25W for the S26 Ultra.
However, and this is the part most people miss, the certification also reveals that these new Galaxies will be using the Base Power Profile (BPP). What does this mean for you? It means that, unlike some newer Qi wireless charging technologies, these phones will not have built-in magnets. This is a departure from what some earlier rumors suggested and could mean that you'll need to rely on a special case with integrated magnets to ensure perfect alignment with accessories like Qi2 chargers, power banks, and magnetic wallets.
But is this a step backward or a smart move by Samsung? While the absence of built-in magnets might seem like a downgrade, it could allow for thinner device designs, a trend Samsung has been pursuing. It also means that for those who already use magnetic cases, the experience will be largely the same, and for those who don't, it offers an opportunity to customize their setup.
To complement this enhanced charging capability, Samsung has also reportedly developed a new 25W wireless charging puck specifically designed for the S26 series. This accessory, which we've exclusively seen images of, features a durable nylon braided cable and is expected to launch soon.
For context, the current Galaxy S25 series, along with the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, are certified with the older Qi 2.1.0 standard, capping their wireless charging speeds at a more modest 15W. They also require magnetic cases to work with Qi2 accessories.
So, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you excited about the faster charging speeds, or do you feel the lack of built-in magnets is a missed opportunity for a more integrated user experience? Let us know in the comments below!