Galaxy S26 Ultra 60W Charging Test Results Leak, Show Modest Gains
Leaked internal testing data from Samsung's upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, has surfaced, detailing the performance of its new 60W wired charging capability. The results, while confirming the spec bump, have been met with a tepid response from the tech community, as they indicate only a marginal improvement over the previous generation.
The Numbers Behind the Leak
The leaked test, reportedly conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery charging from 0% to 75% in a 30-minute window. This represents a 15-watt increase over the Galaxy S25 Ultra's maximum 45W charging. However, when compared directly, the gain appears modest. The S25 Ultra was capable of reaching approximately 72% charge in the same 30-minute period in prior reviews.
This incremental gain occurs despite rumors of a battery capacity increase for the S26 Ultra. Speculation points to a potential 5,200mAh cell, which would be a 200mAh upgrade from the S25 Ultra's 5,000mAh battery. It should be noted that other reports conflict, suggesting the battery size may remain unchanged. The combination of higher wattage and a potentially larger battery yielding such a small percentage gain has led to questions about the efficiency and thermal management of the new charging system.
Context and Confirmation
The 60W charging speed for the Ultra model had been all but confirmed by Samsung's recent launch of a new 60W charger, marketed in preparation for the next flagship series. This leak provides the first purported performance figures. Further unconfirmed rumors suggest the S26 Ultra may also receive a wireless charging upgrade, from 15W to 25W, and will support new magnetic accessory cases.
It is important to highlight that this charging upgrade seems exclusive to the Ultra variant. The standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models are expected to retain their 25W and 45W maximum charging speeds, respectively, maintaining the tiered differentiation within the series.
Market Implications and Expectations
The reaction to these figures underscores a growing sentiment in the smartphone market, where raw wattage numbers are becoming less indicative of real-world charging speed. Factors like sustained peak power, thermal throttling, and charging curve optimization play critical roles. For Samsung, a company that has historically been conservative with charging speeds compared to some Chinese manufacturers, this leak suggests its approach remains incremental rather than revolutionary.
While a 75% charge in half an hour remains perfectly serviceable for most users, the context of a "60W" label sets certain expectations. The test results indicate that the actual user experience may not feel significantly faster than the outgoing model, potentially making it a less compelling upgrade point for consumers focused on charging technology.
Conclusion
The leaked charging test for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra paints a picture of cautious, iterative improvement. The move to 60W charging is confirmed in spirit by the accessory launch and now in early performance data, but the results fail to deliver a dramatic leap forward. As the February launch window approaches, these details will factor into the broader evaluation of whether the S26 Ultra's upgrades justify its anticipated premium. For now, the charging story appears to be one of specification over substance, a narrative Samsung will need to address upon the phone's official unveiling and independent testing.