What’s happened? The latest leaked version of One UI 8.5 includes a new charging label, suggesting the Galaxy S26 series could get a much-awaited charging speed upgrade.
- According to an Android Authority report, the One UI 8.5 code contains references to “Super Fast Charging 3.0.”
- Furthermore, there’s a new “level 4” entry in the code, strongly suggesting that Samsung is preparing its custom user interface for 60W wired charging.
- The increased charging speed could benefit the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra (as it is rumored to get a charging speed boost).
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Why is this important? For years, Samsung’s top-tier flagship, the ‘Ultra’ variant of the Galaxy S lineup, has stuck with 45W wired charging, while the competition has moved up to 80W, 100W, or even 120W.
- For instance, the upcoming OnePlus 15, which recently received FCC approval, features a 7,300 mAh battery that supports 80W wired charging. Globally, the handset supports 120W wired charging.
- An upgrade to 60W wired charging for the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be a meaningful and welcome addition, especially if the company decides to increase the handset’s battery capacity over 5,000 mAh.
Why should I care? For those planning to upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 60W wired charging speed could translate to significantly shorter charging sessions.
- That means less waiting for your phone to charge, especially if you plug in on the go and need a quick power boost.
- If you’re using an old Galaxy S series device, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, or the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the faster wired charging speed might encourage you to upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
OK, what’s next? Given that Super Fast Charging 3.0 has only been spotted in internal code, it could change before the official release.
- Samsung might be limiting the 60W wired charging to the Galaxy S26 Ultra due to hardware constraints.
- As the official launch of the Galaxy S26 series approaches, watch for information on first-party accessories, such as 60W adapters.
- The Galaxy S26 series is also expected to debut with a magnetic ring in its back panel, making it fully compatible with the Qi2 charging standard.
