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Samsung's next flagship may underwhelm fans
Recent certifications and leaks point to another underwhelming revelation for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Expectations that Samsung would finally push fast charging beyond the long-standing 45W cap now look misplaced, and key specs appear largely unchanged from the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Charging: the 60W hopes fade
Rumors earlier this year suggested the Galaxy S26 Ultra might adopt 60W wired charging — a welcome jump from the S25 Ultra's 45W limit. Those rumors were partially fueled by a One UI 8.5 leak, but official certification records tell a different story. China's Quality Certification Center lists the S26 Ultra China model (SM-S9480) with the same charging configurations as its predecessor: 10V/4.5A or 15V/3A. In practical terms, that means a maximum of 45W wired fast charging, not the 60W many fans had hoped for.
Battery capacity remains the same
Alongside the charging spec, the same certification body previously confirmed the S26 Ultra’s battery will stay at 5,000mAh. That removes a likely consolation for users expecting a bigger battery if charging speeds were to stall.
What this means for the wider S26 family
The news isn’t confined to the Ultra. Reports indicate the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge will continue with the 25W charging standard used by prior non-Ultra models. Combined with rumored modest camera improvements, the overall package may feel incremental rather than transformational.
Product features and comparisons
Key S26 Ultra features reportedly include the same 5,000mAh battery, continued 45W wired charging, and incremental camera refinements. Compared to competitors pushing faster wired charging and more aggressive battery or camera leaps, the S26 Ultra risks looking conservative. For buyers comparing the S26 family: the Ultra remains the model with top-tier display and build quality, but not necessarily a dramatic leap in charging or battery specs.
Advantages, use cases and market relevance
Even without 60W charging, the S26 Ultra still targets power users who prioritize premium materials, advanced displays, and Samsung’s best software experience. Advantages include reliable 45W charging (still fast for day-to-day use), a flagship-grade camera system (assuming incremental improvements), and Samsung’s ecosystem integrations. Typical use cases remain intensive mobile photography, productivity on the go, and long-session media consumption.
From a market perspective, the S26 cycle may emphasize refinement over revolution. That strategy will likely protect Samsung’s margins and deliver stable upgrades for mainstream users, but it might disappoint early adopters and power users expecting notable leaps in charging speed or battery capacity.
Source: sammobile
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