Samsung s26 ultra's 60w charging: a practical power-up, not just a number

Published on 05/03/2026 00:38 in technology • Linda Jackson

Forget the marketing hype and the spec sheet wars—the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's move to 60W fast charging finally delivers a tangible benefit. After years of stubbornly clinging to 45W, Samsung has given users a reason to celebrate, but does it live up to the anticipation?

The speed test showdown: samsung vs. the competition

I put the S26 Ultra through its paces, pitting it against the current crop of flagship contenders: the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, boasting a slightly larger battery and 45W speeds, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which, despite its premium status, settles for 40W. The conditions were meticulously controlled – a 22°C (71.6°F) studio environment to eliminate thermal throttling and ensure consistent results. Every 15 minutes, I documented the charging progress, aiming to see who'd break the 50% threshold first and ultimately conquer the full charge.

The results were clear: the S26 Ultra demonstrated a decisive advantage. In just 30 minutes, it reached 76%—a significant leap compared to the Pixel 10 Pro XL's 60% and the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 65%. The S26 Ultra ultimately completed a full charge in a brisk 49 minutes, leaving its rivals trailing behind at 1 hour 24 minutes and 1 hour 22 minutes respectively.

Living with the S26 Ultra’s 60W charging has been surprisingly impactful. It’s a shift from meticulously planning your charging schedule to a more fluid, “plug-in-and-go” mentality. It's easy to take for granted until you revert to slower speeds.

Now, let's be realistic. While 60W is a welcome upgrade, the S26 Ultra works with a comparatively smaller battery than some of the Asian powerhouses. The OnePlus 15, for example, packs a massive 7,300 mAh battery and still reaches full charge in a mere 45 minutes – an impressive feat, to be sure.

But here's the crucial difference: those record-breaking speeds from OnePlus and others come with a significant caveat. You’re locked into their proprietary charging brick and cable. With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, I can rely on my trusty Anker charger, achieving those top-tier speeds without the hassle of carrying extra gear. That's a level of convenience that matters in the real world.

Ultimately, 60W isn’t about chasing the absolute highest wattage number. It's about finding a practical sweet spot. A 76% charge in just 30 minutes is more than enough to get you through a demanding day. Samsung might not have the biggest battery capacity or the flashiest charging spec, but they’ve won where it counts: versatility and user experience. It’s fast, reliable, and seamlessly integrates with the charging accessories you already own.