Samsung's New Qi2 Magnetic Charger Targets Galaxy S26 Users With 25W Speeds

Samsung has quietly launched its new Magnet Wireless Charger alongside the Galaxy S26 series, bringing Qi2-certified magnetic charging to the company's ecosystem. The charger features a slim 4.4mm profile and a durable 1.5m fabric USB-C cable, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Apple's MagSafe charger, which currently retails for $37 on Amazon.

The new charger delivers up to 25W wireless charging speeds, but there's a significant caveat: only the Galaxy S26 Ultra can take full advantage of this maximum speed. The Galaxy S26 Plus is capped at 20W, while the standard Galaxy S26 tops out at 15W. This tiered charging approach mirrors what we've seen from competitors like Google, where only flagship models receive the fastest wireless charging capabilities.

Here's the catch that might frustrate some buyers: the Galaxy S26 phones don't have built-in magnets. Users will need to purchase a magnetic case to use the charger effectively. Additionally, to reach the advertised 25W speeds on the Ultra model, you'll need a 45W adapter, which isn't included with the charger.

Samsung claims the 25W charging can deliver 50% battery in under an hour on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, though real-world performance will vary based on factors like battery temperature and background processes. The charger is also backward compatible with Galaxy S25 devices and other Qi2-certified smartphones, making it a viable option for users with multiple devices.

Priced at $49.99, the charger comes with an early launch discount dropping it to $34.99 on Samsung's website. This pricing puts it slightly above Apple's MagSafe charger but includes the longer fabric cable, which should prove more durable than standard rubber cables over time.

The timing of this launch is interesting, as it comes just as the Qi2 wireless charging standard is gaining traction. Qi2 brings magnetic alignment similar to MagSafe, ensuring optimal charging efficiency by keeping devices perfectly aligned with charging coils. This standardization should lead to better compatibility across brands and more consistent charging speeds.

For Galaxy S26 owners, this charger represents a convenient charging solution, especially if you're already invested in Samsung's ecosystem. However, the requirement for a magnetic case and a separate fast charger means the total cost of entry is higher than the $34.99 price tag suggests. Users with older Galaxy devices or those considering switching from Apple's ecosystem will find this charger offers similar functionality to MagSafe at a comparable price point.

Source: Samsung (1), (2)