A new rumor suggests Samsung's standard Galaxy S26 could see its charging speed jump to 45W, finally matching the Plus model and closing a gap with competitors that has existed for years.
For years, a frustrating disparity has existed within Samsung's own flagship lineup. While the Galaxy S Plus and Ultra models have offered 45W charging, the base Galaxy S model has been stuck at a comparatively slow 25W. This isn't just a minor spec sheet difference; it translates to significantly longer top-up times for users who opt for the standard model. A new rumor from the usual channels suggests this is about to change with the upcoming Galaxy S26.
According to the leak, the vanilla Galaxy S26 will see its wired charging capacity increase to 45W. This would bring it to parity with the rumored Galaxy S26+, which is expected to remain at 45W, and represents a substantial 80% increase over the 25W limit of the Galaxy S25. The flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra is still expected to push even further, potentially adopting 60W charging.
Why This Matters for Everyday Use
Charging speed isn't just about bigger numbers. It's about practical convenience. A 25W charger on a ~4,000mAh battery (typical for base models) can take over an hour to reach a full charge from empty. Stepping up to 45W could potentially shave 20-30 minutes off that time, making a real difference for users who need a quick power boost before heading out. More importantly, it closes a feature gap that has long pushed power-conscious users toward the more expensive Plus model, even if they didn't need its larger screen or extra cameras.
This move would align Samsung's entry-level flagship with market expectations. Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Oppo have been offering 80W, 100W, and even faster charging for years. Even Samsung's own mid-range devices have offered higher wattages in some markets. Sticking with 25W in 2026 would have been an increasingly difficult position to defend.
The Chipset Situation: Exynos vs. Snapdragon
The same rumor also sheds light on the processor strategy for the S26 series. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ are said to be powered by Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 chipset. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, however, is expected to stick with Qualcomm's silicon, specifically the rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
This continues a long-standing pattern for Samsung, which often reserves its top-tier Snapdragon chips for its most expensive models and certain key markets (like North America), while equipping the more affordable variants with Exynos processors. The performance and efficiency of the Exynos 2600 will be critical; if it can match or come close to the Snapdragon variant while enabling the 45W charging, it makes the base S26 an even more compelling value proposition.
A History of Hesitation
This potential upgrade comes after years of Samsung playing it safe with charging speeds on its base models. The Galaxy S10 and S20 series offered 25W as an optional extra, and the S21, S22, S23, and S24 all kept that as the standard. The S25 continued this tradition, leaving the base model feeling a generation behind in this specific metric.
It's important to remember that these are unconfirmed rumors. Samsung has not officially announced any details about the Galaxy S26 series. However, if this information proves accurate, it signals a welcome shift in thinking. It shows Samsung is paying attention to the expectations set by the wider market and is willing to bring its most affordable flagship more in line with its siblings and rivals. For consumers, this could mean faster charging and a more balanced feature set without the need to upgrade to the Plus model.
The Galaxy S26 series is rumored for an unveiling around February 25, 2026, so we won't have to wait too long to see if this long-awaited charging upgrade finally becomes a reality.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion