Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: You Need the Right Cable for Prompt Charging

Early adopters of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are discovering a crucial detail regarding its fast-charging capabilities: the cable included in the box isn’t optimized for the phone’s maximum charging speed. While the S26 Ultra supports up to 60W charging, the supplied cable limits charging to a standard 3A intensity.

Deliveries and Initial Reports

Deliveries of pre-ordered Galaxy S26 Ultra devices began on March 6, 2026, with wider availability in stores starting March 11, 2026. Users quickly took to social media, like X (formerly Twitter), to report slower-than-expected charging speeds despite using 60W power supplies.

The Cable is the Culprit

Samsung confirmed that the included cable is the bottleneck. According to Samsung, a USB-C to USB-C cable certified for 5A (100W) is required to achieve the S26 Ultra’s full charging potential. “This 5A cable transmits all the power required to fully exploit the charging capabilities of the S26 Ultra,” the company stated in response to user inquiries on social media .

How to Achieve Ultra-Fast Charging 2.0

To experience “Ultra-fast charging 2.0,” Samsung recommends using a PPS Block power adapter and a 5A-rated USB-C to USB-C cable. When properly connected, the phone will display a charging animation indicating the faster charging speed.

Price Point and Cable Omission

Given the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s starting price of 1,469 euros (rising to 1,969 euros for the 1TB storage version) , some users feel Samsung is being cost-conscious by not including a compatible cable. Samsung stopped including chargers with its smartphones several years ago, and now the bundled cable too falls short of enabling the fastest charging speeds.

Battery Charging Considerations

Samsung also reminds users that fast charging is most effective when the battery is low (between 0% and 50%). Charging speed slows down as the battery approaches full capacity to protect battery health – a practice common among smartphone manufacturers.