Galaxy S26 Pro & S26 Edge Charging Speed May Disappoint, Leaker Claims

Recent leaks suggest Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge will stick with the same 25W wired charging speeds as their predecessors, rather than adopting faster rates. Here’s an in-depth look at what that means for power users, how Samsung’s charging roadmap has evolved, and practical tips to optimize your charging experience.

Fast charging has become a critical selling point for flagship smartphones. In the Galaxy S25 lineup, Samsung standardized 25W wired charging on Pro and Edge models, while its Ultra variant offered up to 45W support in some regions. Rumors pointed to Samsung finally bringing 45W speeds to the Pro tier for the S26 series, but recent claims by prominent leaker Ice Universe have dashed those hopes.

Charging Speeds: What We Know

According to Ice Universe’s post on X, both Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge will top out at 25W wired charging—identical to Galaxy S25 Pro and S25 Edge. That contradicts earlier reports of 45W support for the Pro model. Key leaked details include:

• Galaxy S26 Pro: 4,300 mAh battery, 25W wired charging

• Galaxy S26 Edge: 4,200 mAh battery, 25W wired charging

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: Expected to retain 45W wired charging and up to 15W wireless charging

If accurate, Samsung’s decision preserves battery longevity by reducing charging stress but may disappoint users who demand rapid top-ups.

Evolution of Samsung Fast Charging

Historical Context

Samsung’s wired charging has steadily improved since the Galaxy S10 era:

• Galaxy S10 Series (2019): 15W wired, 15W wireless

• Galaxy S20 Series (2020): 25W wired, 15W wireless

• Galaxy S21 Series (2021): 25W wired, 15W wireless

• Galaxy S22 Series (2022): 45W wired (Ultra only), 15W wireless

• Galaxy S23/S24/S25 Pro & Edge (2023–2025): 25W wired, 15W wireless (Pro/Edge); 45W wired (Ultra only)

By reserving the fastest wired speeds for Ultra models, Samsung balances charging speed with battery health, as higher wattages generate more heat and can accelerate battery degradation.

Industry Comparison

Compared to competitors, Samsung’s mid-tier fast charging lags behind:

• OnePlus 12: 100W wired, 50W wireless

• Xiaomi 14 Pro: 120W wired, 50W wireless

• Google Pixel 8 Pro: 30W wired, 23W wireless

This gap highlights a strategic choice: Samsung focuses on long-term battery health over hyper-fast charging, while other brands emphasize speed.

Why Samsung May Avoid 45W on Pro Models

Battery Longevity Concerns

Higher charging currents can accelerate electrode degradation and increase thermal stress. Battery experts caution that repeated rapid charging cycles reduce total lifespan. By capping Pro and Edge models at 25W, Samsung:

• Limits heat generation

• Extends battery cycle life

• Maintains consistent charging performance over years

Cost and Differentiation

Implementing higher-wattage charging components (power management ICs, thicker cables) raises manufacturing costs. Reserving 45W for Ultra models preserves product tier differentiation and controls bill-of-materials (BOM) expenses.

Software Optimization

Samsung continuously refines its charging algorithms. Even at 25W, proprietary thermal management and AI-driven current modulation can deliver swift, safe charging with minimal thermal throttling. Early tests of the Galaxy S25 Pro showed a 0–50% charge in under 30 minutes with optimized charging curves.

Real-World Impact and User Tips

What This Means for Users

• Daily Top-Ups: 25W wired charging delivers roughly 1% of battery per 10 seconds in the mid-range models—adequate for overnight or quick morning boosts

• Travel & On-the-Go: Users relying on ultra-fast charging may need to plan longer plug-in sessions or upgrade to the Ultra model

• Wireless Charging: All S26 models support up to 15W Qi charging; higher wireless speeds are unlikely to change

Optimizing Charging Habits

• Use Official Samsung Chargers: Third-party adapters may not fully support Samsung’s charging protocol, leading to slower speeds.

• Enable Adaptive Battery Charging: Found in Settings > Battery, this feature learns charging patterns to minimize long-term battery wear.

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Charge between 20–30 °C to maintain optimal efficiency and battery health.

• Utilize Wireless Charging at Desk: While slower, placing the phone on a 15W wireless pad provides hands-free convenience during work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will Galaxy S26 Pro ever get 45W charging through a software update? 

No. Wired charging speed is determined by hardware components such as the power management IC and charging circuitry. A software update cannot increase the maximum wattage beyond the device’s physical capabilities.

2. Does using 25W instead of 45W prolong battery lifespan? 

Yes. Lower charging currents generate less heat and stress on battery cells, helping preserve capacity and prolong overall battery health over hundreds of cycles.

3. Can I use third-party chargers for 25W charging? 

You can, but to ensure the fastest and safest charging, it’s best to use Samsung’s official 25W Super Fast Charger or Samsung-certified cables and adapters that support the same charging protocol.

4. How does 25W wired charging compare to 15W wireless charging in real-world use? 

Wired 25W charging is about 60% faster than 15W wireless. For example, a wired session can charge to 50% in roughly 30 minutes, whereas wireless may take closer to 50 minutes under ideal conditions.

5. Is rapid charging available on wireless pads? 

No. The Galaxy S26 series supports up to 15W Qi wireless charging. For faster top-ups, wired charging remains the quickest option.

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