Samsung might finally be addressing one of its most criticized shortcomings. A new leak suggests the base Galaxy S26 will jump from 25W to 45W charging, matching what the Plus model has offered for years.
The upgrade would pair with a reported 4,300mAh battery, up from 4,000mAh in the S25. That combination could push charging from roughly 55% in 30 minutes to around 70%, assuming Samsung’s implementation is efficient.
The S26+ reportedly stays at 45W, while the Ultra moves to 60W. Incremental, but overdue. Wireless charging gets more interesting: all three models may support Qi2.2 with built-in magnets, enabling better alignment and potentially faster speeds. The base and Plus models would handle 20W wireless, with the Ultra reaching 25W.
What’s notable isn’t the numbers themselves since competitors have been doing this for years. It’s that Samsung is finally closing a gap it had no real reason to maintain. The company has long defended slower charging as a battery longevity play, yet that argument rings hollow when rivals offer both speed and durability.
For most users, 45W won’t transform daily routines, but it removes a legitimate complaint. Combined with larger batteries and potentially smarter thermal management, it’s a sign Samsung is listening, even if reluctantly.
The leak also reinforces the chip split: Exynos 2600 for the S26 and S26+, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the Ultra. That divide remains Samsung’s bigger problem than charging speeds ever were.
