The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces 60W wired charging, significantly reducing full charge times to 42 minutes while highlighting a growing gap in battery capacity compared to Android rivals.

Key Points

• The Galaxy S26 Ultra features 60W USB-C charging, while the S26 Plus remains at 45W and the standard S26 stays at 25W.
• Achieving 60W speeds requires a USB PD 3.1 charger with PPS support capable of 20V/3A output.
• The device reaches a full charge in 42 minutes, a 12-minute improvement over the S25 Ultra and 20 minutes faster than the S24 Ultra.
• Sustained high-wattage charging has increased peak operating temperatures to 39.6°C, up from 35.3°C in the previous generation.
• Despite faster charging, the S26 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery is smaller than the 6,000mAh and 7,300mAh capacities found in competing Xiaomi and OnePlus flagships.

Why it Matters

This upgrade brings Samsung closer to industry-leading charging speeds, offering users more convenience during short power-up sessions. However, the reliance on smaller battery capacities compared to competitors suggests that Samsung is prioritizing charging efficiency over the multi-day endurance offered by rivals using newer battery technologies.