The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally catch up to OnePlus with a key battery upgrade

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

  • A reliable tipster has suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could get 60W wired charging
  • This would be a substantial upgrade over the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 45W wired charging
  • The upgrade supposedly allows the phone to charge from 0% to 75% in 30 minutes under test conditions

A reliable tipster has suggested that Samsung could give the rumored Galaxy S26 Ultra a big charging upgrade by increasing its wired power draw.

Noted leaker and tipster Ice Universe has suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will support 60W wired charging, up from 45W on the Galaxy S25 Ultra released in 2025.

Ice Universe added that Samsung had recorded the Galaxy S26 Ultra charging from 0% to 75% in 30 minutes in controlled conditions, but also said that this could vary in real-world usage.

Ice Universe is a known name when it comes to smartphone rumors, and has a good track record when it comes to these kinds of tips.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra already boasts one of the best power draw capabilities of any widely available flagship phone. But it's eclipsed by the OnePlus 15’s 80W wired charging, as well as various models from Chinese brands like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Honor, all of which frequently release phones with support for very high powered charging.

A 60W wired charging capability would put Samsung on a more even footing with these rival brands. Competing with OnePlus is likely the priority here, as it’s the only Chinese phone maker with a significant presence in the US.

This latest tip from Ice Universe aligns with previous rumors shared by German publication WinFuture (auto-translated by Google), in a report which also suggests a 45W power draw for the Galaxy S26 Plus and 25W for the standard Galaxy S26.

That would make the Galaxy S26 Ultra the only member of the new lineup to get a wired charging upgrade – meaning Samsung fans could need to shell out to make the most of this new tech (especially if rumored Galaxy S26 price rises are confirmed).

Personally, I think charging speed is a make-or-break factor when buying a phone. I use the Oppo Find X9 Pro day-to-day with a first-party 80W charger, and the difference it’s made to my phone routine is simply massive. A high-charging wattage minimizes the amount of planning a user has to do around charging, making it easy to top up on the go or at the start of the day.

Hopefully Samsung users will be able to make the most of truly fast charging soon – be sure to keep an eye on our list of the best Samsung Galaxy phones for new models.


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Jamie Richards
Mobile Computing Staff Writer

Jamie is a Mobile Computing Staff Writer for TechRadar, responsible for covering phones and tablets. A lifelong tech-obsessive, Jamie began his writing career as a music blogger before studying journalism at Goldsmiths College, and joined TechRadar in 2024. He thinks the iPhone 5S is the greatest phone of all time, but is currently an Android user.

As well as reporting on the latest in mobile hardware, software, and industry developments, Jamie specialises in features and long-form pieces that dive into the latest phone and tablet trends. He can also be found writing for the site's Audio and Streaming sections from time to time, or behind the decks as a DJ at local venues around London.

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