Samsung galaxy s26: fast charging fumbles & battery blues?
Samsung's 2026 lineup: a mixed bag
Hello tech enthusiasts! Lisa Johnson here, diving into the freshly unveiled Samsung Galaxy S26 series. The launch event was packed with announcements, but one aspect left me scratching my head: charging speeds. While Samsung touts its 'Super Fast Charging,' I'm questioning if the terminology is still relevant in 2026.
The galaxy s26: a battery capacity hiccup
The standard Galaxy S26 boasts a 4,300 mAh battery. Not terrible, but not impressive either. The S26 Plus steps up to 4,900 mAh, and the S26 Ultra boasts a 5,000 mAh battery. Now, that’s a solid foundation, but the charging speeds don't quite live up to the potential.
Charging speeds: are they really 'super fast'?
Samsung is using terms like Super Fast Charging 2.0 and Super Fast Charging 3.0. However, the Galaxy S26 is limited to 25W, the S26 Plus reaches 45W, and the S26 Ultra tops out at 60W. This is a significant gap compared to competitors like Xiaomi and OnePlus, who offer 100W and even 120W charging in some markets.
The competition: 100w and beyond
Many phones available outside the US, particularly from brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, offer significantly faster charging. A 100W charge can replenish a phone's battery from 0% to 80% in around 30 minutes. The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) also delivers a 68W charge, surpassing Samsung's top-tier offering. It's a demonstration of what's possible, and it raises the bar for flagship devices.
A glimmer of hope: improved charging on the ultra
Fortunately, there's a bright spot. The Galaxy S26 Ultra does see an improvement in charging speeds compared to its predecessor. It utilizes Super Fast Charging 3.0, delivering approximately 75% charge in about 30 minutes. This is a welcome upgrade, especially for users who need a quick top-up. The S26 and S26 Plus remain at 25W and 45W respectively.
Pricing and value proposition
While the Galaxy S26 Ultra now offers faster charging, the price bump is considerable. The S26 and S26 Plus also see price increases. At these price points, the charging speeds feel underwhelming. For a premium device, you'd expect a charging experience that's closer to the 100W mark offered by competitors. While inflated prices are common, a more substantial charging speed upgrade would be a significant improvement.
The verdict: a call for honest labeling
Samsung is known for its bold claims, but the use of 'Super Fast Charging' at 25W and 45W feels misleading in today’s market. It’s time for the company to be more transparent. If the Technology is truly 'super fast,' it needs to be comparable to the fastest charging available on competing devices. Until then, I'd prefer Samsung to stick to more realistic descriptions. The 60W on the Ultra is a step up, and a good one, but even it feels a little underwhelming when compared to the competition.