Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will be the company’s first smartphones with built-in Qi2 magnetic charging, supporting up to 25W wireless charging on the Ultra model. The base S26 will feature a 6.9mm-thin design with a magnetic ring visible in leaked diagrams, enabling seamless alignment with Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible accessories, a feature Apple pioneered in 2020 with the iPhone 12.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is set to introduce a feature the company has resisted for years: built-in magnetic wireless charging. Fresh leaks confirm the Galaxy S26 will be Samsung’s first phone with integrated Qi2 magnets, finally matching the convenience of Apple’s MagSafe system introduced in 2020. The base model will measure just 6.9mm thick while packing a magnetic ring on the back, a significant engineering achievement that addresses one of Android’s biggest accessory gaps.
Table of Contents
What Is Qi2 Wireless Charging?
Qi2 is the latest wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium, with Apple playing a major role in its creation. Unlike the original Qi standard, Qi2 incorporates a magnetic alignment system nearly identical to Apple’s proprietary MagSafe technology. This means chargers and accessories snap precisely into place, ensuring optimal charging efficiency and enabling a whole ecosystem of magnetic mounts, wallets, and battery packs.
The Qi2 standard offers two charging tiers: standard 15W and the newer Qi2 25W specification (part of the Qi 2.2.1 update). Phones with built-in magnets can take full advantage of these speeds without requiring special cases, unlike Samsung’s previous “Qi2 Ready” devices that needed magnetic cases to work with Qi2 accessories.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Gets Built-In Qi2 Magnets
Reliable tipster @UniverseIce shared a leaked diagram showing the Galaxy S26’s rear design with a visible magnetic ring, clear evidence of integrated Qi2 hardware. This marks a dramatic shift from the Galaxy S25 series and Galaxy Z Fold 7, which carry only “Qi2 Ready” certification. Those older models support the Qi2 charging protocol but lack internal magnets, forcing users to buy third-party magnetic cases for accessory compatibility.
The leaked image also reveals a triple-camera setup housed in a vertical pill-shaped module, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s design language. Samsung reportedly surveyed users earlier this year about trading device slimness for built-in Qi2 magnets, suggesting the company carefully weighed customer demand before committing to the feature.
How Fast Will Galaxy S26 Wireless Charging Be?
According to a report from Korean publication ETNews, Samsung is implementing differentiated wireless charging speeds across the S26 lineup:
- Galaxy S26: 20W wireless charging
- Galaxy S26+: 20W wireless charging
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: 25W wireless charging
All three models represent significant upgrades over the Galaxy S25 series, which maxed out at 15W wireless charging. The S26 Ultra will also support 60W wired charging, up from the S25 Ultra’s 45W, while the base models stick with 25W wired charging.
The 20W wireless charging speed for the standard S26 models aligns with Apple’s approach for the iPhone Air, which fully supports Qi2 but caps out at 20W rather than the full 25W specification. This confirms Samsung is implementing genuine Qi2 compliance rather than a proprietary solution.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Specifications (Leaked)
Based on multiple credible leaks, here’s what to expect from the base Galaxy S26:
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S25 (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 3000 nits peak | 6.2-inch, 120Hz, 2600 nits |
| Processor | Exynos 2600 (2nm) / Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 |
| RAM | Up to 12GB | Up to 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto |
| Battery | 4,300mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 20W Qi2 with magnets | 15W Qi2 Ready (no magnets) |
| Thickness | 6.9mm | 7.2mm |
| Operating System | Android 16 with One UI 8.5 | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
The upgraded ultrawide camera sensor (50MP vs 12MP) and improved battery capacity are notable improvements beyond just the magnetic charging addition.
Will Qi2 Magnets Work with MagSafe Accessories?
Yes, but with some limitations. The Qi2 standard is based directly on Apple’s MagSafe technology, meaning Qi2-certified phones like the Galaxy S26 should work with the vast ecosystem of MagSafe accessories already on the market. This includes magnetic car mounts, wallet attachments, portable battery packs, and even PopSockets designed for MagSafe.
However, there are a few caveats. Apple’s proprietary MagSafe chargers can deliver up to 15W to iPhones but may only provide standard Qi speeds (7.5-10W) to non-Apple devices. Samsung’s official Qi2 accessories will likely deliver the full 20W speeds advertised for the S26. Additionally, some ultra-thin MagSafe accessories designed specifically for iPhone dimensions may not align perfectly with the S26’s camera module placement.
One advantage Samsung may retain over Google’s Pixel 10 is reverse wireless charging capability. Google had to remove this feature when adding built-in Qi2 magnets to the Pixel 10, though it’s not a universal requirement the HMD Skyline offers both native Qi2 and reverse charging.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: Wireless Charging Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S26 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Charging Speed | 20W (Qi2 standard) | 25W (MagSafe) / 15W (Qi2) |
| Wired Charging Speed | 25W | 30W (rumored) |
| Built-in Magnets | Yes (Qi2 certified) | Yes (MagSafe) |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Likely yes | No |
| Thickness | 6.9mm | ~7.8mm (rumored) |
| Weight | Lighter than iPhone 17 (rumored) | Heavier than Galaxy S26 (rumored) |
According to recent leaks, all Galaxy S26 models will be slimmer and lighter than their iPhone 17 counterparts despite including magnetic charging hardware. This suggests Samsung has optimized the internal layout more aggressively than Apple’s 2020 MagSafe implementation.
When Will Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch?
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in January 2026, likely at an Unpacked event held in late January or early February. This timeline aligns with Samsung’s traditional flagship launch schedule and follows the company’s reported decision to scrap the “Galaxy S26 Pro” and “Galaxy S26 Edge” models in favor of the standard base, Plus, and Ultra trio.
Pricing expectations:
- Galaxy S26: ₹80,999 – ₹84,999 in India (approximately $950-$1000 USD)
- Galaxy S26+: ₹95,000 – ₹1,00,000 estimated
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: ₹1,35,000 – ₹1,40,000 estimated
Global availability should follow 2-3 weeks after the announcement, with pre-orders likely opening immediately after the launch event.
Comparison Tables
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: Key Improvements
| Feature | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S25 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | 20W Qi2 with magnets | 15W Qi2 Ready | +33% speed, built-in magnets |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP | 12MP | +317% resolution |
| Battery Capacity | 4,300mAh | 4,000mAh | +300mAh |
| Display Brightness | 3,000 nits peak | 2,600 nits | +400 nits |
| Thickness | 6.9mm | 7.2mm | 0.3mm thinner |
| Processor Node | 2nm (Exynos 2600) | 3nm | More efficient |
Qi2 vs Standard Qi Wireless Charging
| Aspect | Qi2 | Standard Qi |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Alignment | Yes (built-in magnets) | No (manual placement) |
| Maximum Speed | 25W (Qi 2.2.1 spec) | 15W |
| Charging Efficiency | Higher (perfect alignment) | Lower (misalignment issues) |
| Accessory Ecosystem | Extensive (MagSafe-compatible) | Limited |
| Heat Generation | Lower (optimized contact) | Higher (variable contact) |
| Cost | Higher (additional hardware) | Lower |
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S26 Qi2 Wireless Charging: Pros
First Samsung with built-in magnetic charging – No need for magnetic cases
33% faster wireless charging – 20W vs 15W on Galaxy S25
MagSafe accessory compatibility – Access to vast ecosystem of magnetic mounts, wallets, chargers
Perfect alignment every time – Magnets ensure optimal charging efficiency
Thinner design despite magnets – 6.9mm vs 7.2mm on S25
Future-proof standard – Qi2 is the industry direction
Samsung Galaxy S26 Qi2 Wireless Charging: Cons
Slower than wired charging – 20W wireless vs 25W wired
May interfere with S Pen – If Ultra model gets magnets (concern from Reddit users)
Potentially higher device cost – Additional hardware increases manufacturing cost
Possible loss of reverse wireless charging – Google removed this feature on Pixel 10 with Qi2
Not full 25W Qi2 spec – Base models capped at 20W instead of 25W maximum
Technical Specs Section
Samsung Galaxy S26: Complete Technical Specifications (Leaked)
Display Technology
- Size: 6.3 inches
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: FHD+ (likely 2340 x 1080)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive
- Peak Brightness: 3,000 nits
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Armor (expected)
Processor & Performance
- Chipset: Samsung Exynos 2600 (2nm) for most markets
- Alternative: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) for select regions
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0
- Operating System: Android 16 with One UI 8.5
Camera System
- Primary: 50MP wide-angle, OIS
- Ultrawide: 50MP (upgraded from S25’s 12MP)
- Telephoto: 10MP, 3x optical zoom
- Front: 12MP
- Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps
Battery & Charging
- Capacity: 4,300mAh
- Wired Charging: 25W
- Wireless Charging: 20W Qi2 with built-in magnets
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Likely 4.5W (unconfirmed)
Connectivity
- 5G: Sub-6GHz + mmWave
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
- Bluetooth: 6.0
- NFC: Yes
- USB: Type-C 3.2
- Location: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: Approximately 146.5 x 70.5 x 6.9mm
- Weight: Lighter than iPhone 17 (specific weight TBD)
- Build: Aluminum frame, glass back with magnetic ring
- Water Resistance: IP68 (dust and water resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
Security
- Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor
- Face recognition
- Samsung Knox security platform
Audio
- Stereo speakers
- Dolby Atmos support
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Featured Snippet Boxes
What is Qi2 wireless charging?
Qi2 is the latest wireless charging standard featuring magnetic alignment similar to Apple’s MagSafe. It ensures perfect positioning for optimal charging efficiency and enables magnetic accessories like car mounts and wallets. Qi2 supports up to 25W charging speeds in its latest specification.
Does Galaxy S26 have built-in Qi2 magnets?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S26 will be Samsung’s first smartphone with built-in Qi2 magnets integrated into the device. Previous Samsung phones like the Galaxy S25 were only “Qi2 Ready,” requiring magnetic cases to work with Qi2 accessories.
How fast does Galaxy S26 wireless charging work?
The Galaxy S26 supports 20W wireless charging, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches 25W wireless charging. Both models represent significant upgrades over the Galaxy S25’s 15W wireless charging limit.
When will Samsung Galaxy S26 launch?
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series in January 2026, likely at an Unpacked event in late January or early February. Global availability should follow 2-3 weeks after announcement.
Will Galaxy S26 work with MagSafe accessories?
Yes. Qi2 is based on Apple’s MagSafe standard, so Galaxy S26 should work with most MagSafe accessories including magnetic car mounts, wallets, and battery packs. However, charging speeds may vary depending on accessory compatibility.
How thin is the Galaxy S26?
The Galaxy S26 measures just 6.9mm thick, making it 0.3mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 despite adding built-in Qi2 magnets. This makes it one of the thinnest flagships with magnetic wireless charging.
