The era of genuinely “new” phones may be behind us, but Samsung’s continued reluctance to embrace quality-of-life improvements feels increasingly frustrating.
The latest chatter surrounding the Galaxy S26 series suggests the company is poised to repeat a familiar mistake: launching a flagship lineup without built-in magnets for proper Qi2 wireless charging. While faster wireless charging is always welcome, the real benefit of Qi2 lies in its magnetic alignment, a feature that significantly enhances the user experience.
This isn’t merely a matter of convenience. it’s about usability. I’ve experienced the seamlessness of magnetic wireless charging with both iPhones and Google’s Pixel 10 range, and it fundamentally changes how you interact with your phone daily. It’s a level of simplicity that Samsung seems determined to overlook.
Leaks Suggest a Familiar Smartphone Collection
The most significant leak concerning the S26 range, as reported by Trusted Reviews, reads like a predictable Samsung product cycle: a series of incremental upgrades that, while sensible, lack a certain spark. The rumored lineup consists of the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, without a successor to the S25 Edge. The chipset split is expected to continue, with Exynos 2600 processors powering devices in the UK and EU, while US models will receive the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. All models are anticipated to feature 12GB of RAM.
Screen sizes are also expected to see minor adjustments, with the standard S26 receiving a 6.3-inch display. The S26 Plus and S26 Ultra will retain their 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. The S26’s slightly larger screen will accommodate a 4300mAh battery, while the Plus and Ultra models will maintain the same battery capacities as their S25 counterparts. Camera improvements are anticipated, but the core sensor configuration – 50MP main, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide – is expected to remain consistent across the S26 and S26 Plus. The Ultra is rumored to receive an improved f/1.4 aperture on its main lens, along with tweaks to the zoom and ultrawide lenses, but resolutions will remain unchanged.
These aren’t necessarily negative changes, but they are remarkably familiar. When a flagship range feels this iterative, smaller usability enhancements become even more critical – and that’s where the lack of built-in magnets for Qi2 becomes particularly disappointing.
Full Qi2 Was Rumored, But It’s Not Looking Good
For a time, it appeared the Galaxy S26 range might fully embrace Qi2, including the magnetic alignment feature. We’ve seen this implemented effectively in recent iPhones and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, making it a relatively straightforward addition for Samsung. However, recent certification information suggests otherwise.
While the S26 models are expected to support the Qi 2.2.1 standard, offering faster wireless charging, listings lack any mention of the Magnetic Power Profile marker, which indicates the presence of internal magnets. In other words users will likely need to rely on magnetic cases to achieve the “snap-on” experience with chargers, mounts, and accessories.
This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s an unnecessary inconvenience. Especially considering the price point of Samsung’s flagships, users should expect a seamless experience without the need for additional accessories.
Magnets Make Accessories Much Easier to Use
The true benefit of magnets lies in the simplicity they bring to accessory usage. Wireless charging without magnets often requires minor adjustments to ensure proper alignment, a process that can be frustrating. Magnetic alignment eliminates this issue, ensuring a secure connection every time.
This extends beyond charging. Car mounts become easier to use, battery packs stay securely attached, and wallet add-ons provide a convenient all-in-one solution. For content creators, magnetic tripod mounts and camera grips offer enhanced stability and control.
While a case can provide magnetic functionality, it adds cost, bulk, and the need for careful selection. Samsung should deliver a fully integrated experience, not one that requires additional purchases.
Still Getting Faster Qi2 Charging, But It’s Not Enough
Faster wireless charging is a welcome improvement, with leaks suggesting 15W support for the S26 and S26 Plus and 25W for the Ultra. However, speed isn’t the primary issue Qi2 addresses; it’s alignment and ease of use.
Samsung needs a change that feels genuinely modern and improves the daily user experience. Built-in magnets are that change. It’s a practical improvement that will be appreciated by users, especially given the competition is already offering it on similarly priced devices.
