Leak reveals Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Qi2 charger's disappointing limitation
A recent leak has unveiled an intriguing detail about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's charger. The USB-C connector boasts the "Qi2 25W" logo, and the packaging confirms support for the latest Qi2 standard version. This means compatible smartphones can be charged wirelessly at up to 25 watts, including the Apple iPhone 17. However, there's a catch. The Galaxy S25, despite being a Samsung device, can only be charged at up to 15 watts due to a limitation within the smartphone itself, not the charger.
The packaging also highlights a potential limitation for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. It suggests that the phones might not have built-in magnets and will require a Qi2-compatible protective case with magnets for wireless charging. This could mean users will need to invest in additional accessories, limiting the convenience of the Qi2 standard for Samsung devices. According to previous rumors, Samsung is expected to offer a range of magnetic protective cases for all three Galaxy S26 phones, but the absence of built-in magnets could still impact user experience.
This development raises questions about the future of Qi2 support in the Android smartphone market. If Samsung does not include magnets in the S26 series, the selection of Android phones with full Qi2 support beyond the HMD Skyline will remain limited. This could potentially stifle the adoption of the Qi2 standard, which promises faster and more efficient wireless charging.