Samsung Galaxy S26: Why Magnetic Charging Is Missing From the 2026 Flagship

SAN FRANCISCO—Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series will launch without magnetic wireless charging, a feature becoming increasingly common among competitors like Apple and Google. Despite the Galaxy Z Fold 7 supporting wireless charging, the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra will rely on standard Qi2 wireless charging without the magnetic alignment benefits. This decision prioritizes faster wired and wireless charging speeds over the convenience of magnetic attachment.

Wireless Charging: A Quick Overview

Most smartphones priced above $500 or $600 support wireless charging using the Qi standard, allowing devices to replenish their batteries when placed on a compatible charging pad. Although, precise alignment of the charging coil in the phone and the pad is crucial for efficient charging. Misalignment can interrupt the charging process.

The Rise of Magnetic Charging: MagSafe and Pixelsnap

Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 in 2020, utilizing magnets to align the charging coil and secure the phone to the charging pad. This solved the alignment issue and ensured a consistent charging connection. Google followed suit, rebranding its magnetic charging feature as Pixelsnap with the Pixel 10 series, building upon its earlier implementation of magnetic alignment. Both companies promote these features as key advantages of their respective ecosystems.

Samsung’s Prioritization: Speed Over Convenience

Samsung has opted to prioritize rapid charging speeds with the Galaxy S26 series. According to Samsung, customer research indicates that most users charge their phones twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening. The company believes faster charging is more valuable to its users than the convenience of magnetic alignment.

Galaxy S26 Charging Specifications

The Galaxy S26 series supports Qi2 wireless charging, but lacks the Magnetic Power Profile component. Specific charging capabilities vary by model:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: 5,000mAh battery, 60W wired charging, 25W wireless charging. Samsung claims a 0% to 75% charge in 30 minutes with the appropriate charger.
• Galaxy S26+: 4,900mAh battery, 45W wired charging, 20W wireless charging.
• Galaxy S26: 4,300mAh battery, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging.

Samsung did not provide specific charging times for the S26+ and S26 models.

A Magnetic Option: Samsung’s Branded Cases

While the Galaxy S26 phones themselves lack built-in magnets, Samsung offers branded phone cases with magnetic capabilities for an additional $60. This allows users to add magnetic charging functionality if desired.

Is Magnetic Charging a Dealbreaker?

Magnetic charging offers convenience and peace of mind, ensuring proper alignment and a secure charging connection. However, it’s not a necessity for all users. While some may choose a Pixel over a Galaxy S26 due to this feature, it’s unlikely to be a major deciding factor for most consumers. It remains a disappointment that Samsung, a leading smartphone manufacturer, has not included this popular feature in its flagship devices.