Galaxy S26 Ultra's 60W Charging: A Step Forward, But Is It Enough?
Galaxy S26 Ultra's new 60W charging promises a 0-75% charge in 30 mins, but leaked tests leave many unimpressed. Is Samsung finally upgrading or still playing catch-up?
TL;DR: The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to feature 60W wired charging, an upgrade from the S25 Ultra's 45W. However, leaked internal test results showing a 0% to 75% charge in 30 minutes have left many tech enthusiasts and analysts underwhelmed, suggesting Samsung might still be playing catch-up in the fast-charging race.
What's New
For years, Samsung has maintained a somewhat conservative stance on fast-charging technology, with its flagship Ultra series sticking to 45W wired charging for an extended period. The news that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will finally bump this up to 60W is, on the surface, a welcome development. This marks the first significant upgrade in charging speeds for Samsung's top-tier phones in quite some time, signaling an acknowledgment of the industry's rapid advancements in this area. The revelation comes courtesy of the reliable leaker Ice Universe, who shared insights from internal testing. According to these tests, the S26 Ultra's 60W charging capability can replenish its battery from a completely drained state (0%) to a substantial 75% in just 30 minutes. This data was reportedly gathered under controlled laboratory conditions, implying a best-case scenario for performance.
While any increase in charging speed is inherently positive, the context of these numbers is critical. For users accustomed to the 45W speeds, a jump to 60W should, in theory, offer a noticeably quicker top-up, especially during those crucial moments when time is of the essence. However, the tech world's reaction has been less enthusiastic than one might expect for an 'upgrade'. The sentiment largely points to this being a modest improvement rather than a groundbreaking leap, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the broader smartphone market.
Why It Matters
Fast charging has evolved from a niche feature to a critical differentiator in the competitive smartphone landscape. In an era where phone batteries are constantly taxed by powerful processors, high-refresh-rate displays, and demanding applications, the ability to quickly replenish a device's power is paramount for user convenience and productivity. Companies like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and iQOO have been pushing the boundaries, regularly launching devices with 100W, 120W, and even 200W+ charging solutions that can fully charge a phone in less than 20 minutes. Against this backdrop, Samsung's 60W, while an improvement, feels somewhat anachronistic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new charging speed expected for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
A: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature 60W wired charging. This represents a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which was limited to 45W wired charging. This increase in wattage is intended to provide users with a faster and more efficient way to power up their devices, addressing a long-standing desire for quicker charging speeds in Samsung's flagship line.
Q: How does 60W charging compare to previous Samsung models, and what's the significance of this upgrade?
A: The 60W charging on the S26 Ultra is a significant step up from the 45W found in the S25 Ultra and other recent Samsung flagships. For a brand that has maintained 45W for several generations, this marks the first substantial increase in wired charging speed in quite some time. The significance lies in Samsung finally pushing past a long-standing ceiling, even if it's still behind some competitors, showing an intent to improve user convenience for daily charging.
Q: What does the leaked test result of 0% to 75% in 30 minutes actually mean for users?
A: For users, achieving 0% to 75% charge in 30 minutes means a substantial power boost in a relatively short period. This is particularly useful for quick top-ups during a busy day, before heading out, or when you suddenly realize your battery is low. It implies that even a brief connection to the charger can provide enough power to last for several hours, significantly improving the phone's availability and reducing charging anxiety for many.
Q: Why are these test results considered 'unimpressive' by some tech enthusiasts?
A: These results are considered 'unimpressive' because, while an upgrade for Samsung, they still lag significantly behind many competitors in the Android market. Brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and iQOO offer devices with 100W, 120W, or even faster charging, capable of a full 0-100% charge in less than 20 minutes. In comparison, 75% in 30 minutes, even at 60W, doesn't stand out as leading-edge technology in today's rapid-charging landscape, making Samsung appear conservative.
Q: How does Samsung's 60W charging stack up against its closest competitors in the premium smartphone segment?
A: Against its closest competitors in the premium segment, Samsung's 60W charging still places it in the middle to lower end of the spectrum for charging speeds. While Apple's iPhones typically max out around 27W, many Android flagships from brands like OnePlus (e.g., 100W SuperVOOC), Xiaomi (e.g., 120W HyperCharge), and even Google's Pixel series (around 30W) offer varied speeds. The 60W is competitive with some, but far from the fastest on the market, especially when considering Chinese brands.
Q: Are there any potential downsides or concerns associated with faster charging technologies?
A: Yes, faster charging technologies can come with potential downsides. The primary concern is battery degradation over time, as high charging speeds generate more heat, which can stress the battery's chemical components. While manufacturers implement safeguards, excessive heat can reduce a battery's overall lifespan. There are also concerns about the need for specific, higher-wattage chargers and cables, and the potential for increased power consumption if not managed efficiently, though these are generally minor for end-users.