Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Charging Speed Test: Real-World Performance Beats Official Claims

Samsung’s journey with high-speed charging has been a long and conservative road. The first "Ultra" model, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, introduced 45W wired charging to the lineup, which was quite competitive several years ago. However, Samsung decided to stick with that same 45W limit for the next five generations of flagships. This stagnation led to significant criticism, especially as competitors began pushing boundaries with 100W or even 200W solutions. With the release of the newest flagship, the narrative is finally changing.

The Move to 60W: A Long-Awaited Upgrade

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung has finally delivered a meaningful boost to its power delivery system. The device now supports up to 60W wired charging. According to official company data, this upgrade allows the phone to reach a 75% charge in 30 minutes. While this was already a step up from previous years, actual usage reports suggest that Samsung might have been being modest about the phone's true capabilities

Real-World Testing: Surpassing Expectations

Renowned tech insider Ice Universe recently shared findings on X (formerly Twitter) that paint an even more impressive picture. According to his reports, the Galaxy S26 Ultra actually hits an 80% charge within the first 30 minutes, beating Samsung's 75% estimate. The momentum continues as the device reaches 91% in just 37 minutes, finishing the full 100% cycle in only 50 minutes. While these may not be the fastest speeds in the entire smartphone industry, they represent a massive leap forward for the Galaxy ecosystem.

When compared to its biggest competitor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the differences are stark. Apple's latest flagship manages to reach 65% in 30 minutes and requires approximately one hour and twelve minutes for a full charge. It is important to note that while the S26 Ultra supports these higher speeds, Samsung does not include a power brick in the box. To achieve these results, users will need to purchase the official 60W charger separately.

What is the official charging speed of the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra officially supports 60W wired charging, which is a significant upgrade from the 45W charging standard Samsung used for the previous five generations of Ultra devices.

How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

In real-world tests, the Galaxy S26 Ultra can reach a 100% charge in approximately 50 minutes. It hits the 80% mark in just 30 minutes and 91% in 37 minutes.

Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra charge faster than the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster. While the S26 Ultra hits 80% in 30 minutes and fulls in 50 minutes, the iPhone 17 Pro Max reaches 65% in 30 minutes and takes 72 minutes for a full charge.

Is a 60W charger included in the box?

No, Samsung does not include a charging brick in the retail box. To utilize the full 60W charging potential, you must purchase a compatible 60W Samsung charger separately.

🔎 The Galaxy S26 Ultra marks a pivotal moment for Samsung as it finally addresses one of the most persistent complaints from its power users. By breaking the 45W barrier and delivering real-world results that exceed marketing claims, Samsung has solidified its flagship as a productivity powerhouse. For users who value quick top-ups during a busy day, the ability to reach 80% in half an hour is a game-changer that brings the Galaxy experience closer to the top tier of charging efficiency.