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Battery capacity confirmed by certification
A recent certification from China's Quality Certification Center has confirmed the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra battery's rated capacity at 4,855 mAh. That figure aligns closely with the Galaxy S25 Ultra's battery specification (an advertised typical capacity of 5,000 mAh), effectively quashing earlier hopes for a 10% bump to 5,500 mAh. For users focused on battery life, this means Samsung is keeping the same energy cell size for the S26 Ultra rather than pursuing a larger 6,000–7,000 mAh approach that some competitors are adopting.
Features and charging improvements to watch
What stays the same
The S26 Ultra is likely to retain the same physical battery footprint as its predecessor, so raw battery capacity and endurance may not change significantly. That said, software optimizations, chipset efficiency improvements, and display power management can still influence real-world battery life.
Potential charging upgrade
The most promising development for power and charging enthusiasts is a recurring rumor about faster wired charging — possibly up to 65W. If Samsung implements 65W charging, it would mark a step up from the current 45W limit and significantly improve top-up speeds for power users who prioritize fast charging over sheer battery capacity.
Comparisons and market relevance
Compared with an emerging trend among Chinese flagship smartphones that may ship with 7,000 mAh batteries, the S26 Ultra appears conservative in terms of battery capacity. Samsung's hesitation to adopt Si/C (silicon/carbon) cell technology — which enables higher capacities — helps explain why the company is sticking with its existing battery chemistry and capacities for now. In the competitive flagship segment, Samsung seems to be prioritizing camera innovation and system performance over battery size.
Advantages, use cases and practical impact
- Advantages: Reliable, proven battery design; potential for much faster charging speeds; consistent thermal and longevity characteristics.
- Use cases: Mobile professionals and photographers who need fast top-ups will benefit from 65W charging if confirmed. Users who prioritize multi-day battery life may still prefer larger-battery rivals.
- Practical impact: Expect similar all-day endurance to the S25 Ultra, but much shorter recharge windows with a 65W adapter.
Overall, the S26 Ultra looks set to compete on performance, camera hardware, and charging speed rather than pushing battery capacity. That strategy will influence buyers who weigh battery life versus fast-charging convenience when choosing a flagship smartphone.
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