What's the Deal?
Some S26 Ultra owners are frustrated that they can't hit the advertised 25W wireless charging speed. The honest reality: the 25W capability is real, but achieving it requires conditions that feel impractical.
Why You're Probably Not Getting 25W
Your Charger Isn't New Enough
The S26 Ultra needs a Qi2.2 certified charger for 25W speeds. Your existing wireless charger—even Samsung models from a couple years ago—likely tops out at 10–15W.
What most chargers deliver:
- Qi2.2 chargers: up to 25W
- Older wireless chargers: 10–15W
- Random chargers: probably 10W
Your Case Is in the Way
Some official Samsung cases limit charging to 15W even with the right charger. Thicker cases, cases with metal elements, or MagSafe-style rings can make things worse.
The Phone Gets Warm
When the phone heats up, it throttles charging to protect the battery. This happens during:
- Hot weather
- Using the phone while charging
- Long charging sessions
Alignment Matters More Than Expected
The S26 Ultra seems sensitive to placement. Slightly off-center = significantly reduced speeds.
What Samsung Says
Samsung acknowledges the feedback but hasn't pushed fixes. Their advice:
- Use Samsung Qi2.2 chargers
- Remove your case when charging
- Don't use the phone while wirelessly charging
What Should You Do?
If speed matters: Use the cable. 60W wired charging is fast and reliable.
If convenience matters: Accept that 15W overnight charging is plenty for most people.
If you want 25W wireless: Buy a Qi2.2 charger, remove your case, and place the phone precisely.
Is This a Defect?
Not really—more like overpromising in marketing. The 25W capability exists, but conditions required to achieve it are unrealistic for daily use.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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