A significant upgrade may be coming to Samsung’s next flagship, as prominent leaker Ice Universe has revealed test results for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, suggesting a move to a 60-watt charging system. According to the data, the smartphone is capable of charging its battery from 0 to 75% in just 30 minutes, a notable improvement over the 45W charging used in its predecessors.
A Long-Awaited Boost
The testing was reportedly conducted in controlled laboratory environments by Samsung, a detail that is separately emphasized. This means that external factors that could affect charging speed, such as device temperature, battery condition, and background processes, were eliminated. In real-world usage, performance may vary, potentially being faster or slower. The move to 60W charging would end years of stagnation for Samsung, whose Ultra models have been capped at 45W for several generations. This upgrade is supported by the quiet release of a new 60W power adapter (model EP-T6010) on Samsung’s official website, which utilizes the USB PD 3.1 PPS standard for more efficient and flexible power delivery.
Market Context and Competition
While a significant step for Samsung, a 60W charging speed positions the Galaxy S26 Ultra competitively but not at the absolute top of the market. For comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its 45W system, takes just under an hour for a full charge. Meanwhile, competitors like OnePlus have offered 80W to 120W charging for some time, with the OnePlus 13 reportedly filling its 6,000mAh battery in about 30 minutes. Other brands in early 2026, such as Honor and Redmi, are pushing speeds of 100W and even higher, often paired with larger batteries. However, Samsung has historically prioritized sustained charging speeds and battery health over achieving the highest peak wattage, a strategy that may continue with the new 60W system.
Other Expected Enhancements
The charging upgrade is just one of several improvements rumored for the S26 Ultra. Ice Universe has also hinted at significant camera enhancements and has previously called the Galaxy S26 the best flagship smartphone in Samsung’s history. The company has reportedly become more stringent about internal leaks following a recent flood of information regarding the upcoming Galaxy S26 and S27 series.
Ice Universe calls the Galaxy S26 the best flagship smartphone in Samsung’s history. Major camera improvements are expected.
The Credibility of the Source
Ice Universe has a strong track record of accurate leaks, having previously been the first to reveal trends like “waterfall” displays, the iPhone X’s notch, the iPhone 14’s new design, and Samsung’s 200-megapixel image sensor. His information is often sourced from contacts within Samsung’s research and development department, lending significant weight to these latest claims.
A Look to the Future
The move to 60W charging, while not industry-leading, marks a crucial and long-requested modernization for Samsung’s flagship line. It addresses a key area where the company has lagged behind its Android rivals. Combined with rumored improvements to the camera, display, and processor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a substantial overhaul. This upgrade signals that Samsung is listening to user feedback and is ready to compete more aggressively on features that directly impact the daily user experience, ensuring its place at the forefront of the premium smartphone market.
