The tech world is buzzing with anticipation for Samsung's next flagship lineup. While all eyes are also on the innovative Galaxy Z TriFold, the Galaxy S26 series remains the bedrock of the company's smartphone strategy. Just last week, rumors swirled about potential upgrades to wireless charging across the board. Now, a fresh leak has seemingly confirmed the wired charging specifications for all three models, revealing a strategy that prioritizes the Ultra model while leaving some potential disappointments for the base variant.
The Leak: A Tale of Three Chargers
The new information comes from a reliable source on X, Anthony (@TheGalox_), who has a track record of sharing accurate Samsung-related news. According to the leak, the wired charging speeds for the Galaxy S26 series will be a mixed bag:
- Galaxy S26: Will maintain 25W wired charging, the same speed as the current Galaxy S25.
- Galaxy S26 Plus: Will also stick with 45W wired charging, mirroring its predecessor.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: This is where users will see a welcome upgrade. The top-tier model is tipped to support 60W fast wired charging, a significant jump from the 45W capability of the current Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This clear differentiation suggests Samsung is reserving its most significant hardware advancements for the Ultra model, further widening the feature gap within the series.
Efficiency Over Raw Power? Samsung Claims a Win Against Apple
One of the most intriguing parts of the leak addresses the seemingly modest 25W on the base Galaxy S26. The leaker notes that while Apple's iPhone 17 supports a faster 35W charging speed, the Galaxy S26 is expected to charge its battery from zero to full faster than its Apple rival.
How is this possible? The claim is backed by a comparison to current models. A screenshot from GSMArena's charging test reportedly shows the Galaxy S25 (with a 4,000mAh battery) completing a full charge more quickly than the iPhone 17 (with a 3,988mAh battery), despite the 25W vs. 35W disparity. This points to superior charging efficiency and battery management on Samsung's part.
The case for the Galaxy S26 is expected to be even stronger, as it is rumored to be equipped with a larger 4,300mAh battery. If the software optimization holds, users could see impressive real-world charging times that defy the on-paper specifications.
A Competitive Landscape: Can 25W Still Compete?
Notwithstanding the potential efficiency gains, the decision to keep the base Galaxy S26 at 25W is likely to be a point of criticism for many tech enthusiasts. In today's market, where mid-range phones often feature 65W or even 100W charging, 25W feels increasingly conservative.
For comparison, the new OnePlus 15 is reported to support blazing-fast 120W wired charging. Furthermore, OnePlus includes the necessary adapter in the box—a practice Samsung and Apple have moved away from. For the average consumer, the prospect of charging a phone completely in under 20 minutes is a powerful selling point that Samsung's base model simply cannot match on paper.
A Silver Lining: Wireless Charging Sees a Welcome Upgrade
If the wired news for the standard S26 is disappointing, the wireless charging story is decidedly more positive. The leak confirms earlier reports that the entire S26 series is in for a wireless speed boost.
- The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are expected to be upgraded from 15W to 20W wireless charging.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra will lead the pack with support for up to 25W wireless charging, a substantial upgrade from the 15W on the S25 Ultra.
This means that users who invest in compatible wireless chargers will experience significantly faster power-ups without plugging in a cable, making the ecosystem of Samsung accessories more compelling than ever.
The Bottom Line
Based on this leak, Samsung's strategy for the Galaxy S26 series is coming into focus. The company appears to be using charging speed as a key differentiator to push consumers toward the premium Ultra model. While the base Galaxy S26's 25W charging may seem underwhelming in a spec sheet battle, its real-world performance, fueled by a larger battery and efficient power management, could still be a pleasant surprise.
Ultimately, the 60W upgrade for the Ultra and the across-the-board improvements in wireless charging show that Samsung is listening to feedback, even if it's being selective about where it applies the most dramatic changes. As we get closer to the official announcement, it will be crucial to see how these specs translate into actual battery life and user experience.
*What do you think about Samsung’s reported charging strategy? Is 60W on the Ultra enough, or is the base model’s 25W a deal-breaker for you? Let us know in the comments below.*
Galaxy S26: 25w wired & 20w wireless
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) November 15, 2025
Galaxy S26 Plus: 45w wired & 20w wireless
Galaxy S26 Ultra: 60w wired & 25w wireless
I know many will compare the 25w on the base to the 35w on the iPhone 17, but just like the S25, the S26 will end up charging faster than the iPhone. pic.twitter.com/9WXk2GlswT