Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: A Wireless Charging Upgrade, But No Built-in Magnets

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is generating significant buzz, and while some anticipated features may be missing, the tech giant is still planning a notable upgrade in one key area: wireless charging.

The Qi2 Magnet Saga Continues

For months, rumors swirled that Samsung would finally embrace the Qi2 wireless charging standard with built-in magnets in the Galaxy S26 lineup. This would have aligned Samsung with Apple’s MagSafe technology and the latest Android devices featuring native magnetic alignment. However, recent leaks suggest Samsung has once again decided against integrating magnets directly into the devices themselves.

This decision is particularly puzzling given that Samsung has been developing various first-party accessories that rely on magnetic attachment, including wireless chargers and battery banks designed around the Galaxy S26’s camera bump. The company appears to be taking the same approach as with the Galaxy S25 series, requiring users to purchase separate magnetic cases to enable the full Qi2 experience.

Qi 2.2.1: The Hidden Upgrade

Despite the magnet disappointment, Samsung is pushing forward with another wireless charging enhancement. New listings have appeared on the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) database for three Samsung smartphones with model numbers SM-K772, SM-K777, and SM-K778. These are widely believed to be the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, respectively.

The critical detail here is that these devices are listed with support for the Qi 2.2.1 specification, which represents an upgrade from the Qi 2.1.0 standard used in the Galaxy S25 series. This newer specification is significant because it’s the first version of Qi that supports charging speeds beyond 15W, potentially enabling the rumored 20-25W wireless charging speeds that have been circulating in the tech community.

What This Means for Users

The Qi 2.2.1 upgrade positions the Galaxy S26 series alongside other flagship devices like the Pixel 10 Pro XL and the latest iPhones in terms of wireless charging capabilities. Faster wireless charging could significantly improve the user experience, reducing the time needed to top up devices without cables.

However, the absence of built-in magnets means users will still need to rely on magnetic cases for optimal wireless charging alignment and to take full advantage of Samsung’s growing ecosystem of magnetic accessories. This decision may frustrate users who were hoping for a more seamless, integrated solution.

The Countdown Begins

With Samsung’s Unpacked event expected on February 25, 2026, the tech world doesn’t have long to wait for official confirmation of these details. The company has historically used this event to unveil its latest flagship devices, and all signs point to the Galaxy S26 series being the star of the show.

As we approach the launch, the question remains: will Samsung’s wireless charging upgrade be enough to offset the disappointment of missing built-in magnets? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the competition in the flagship smartphone market continues to intensify, and every specification decision matters.

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