Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery Woes and Charging Limitations Revealed
Rumors about Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra are already making waves, and the latest leak might disappoint many fans. Despite earlier whispers about the inclusion of silicon-carbon battery technology, it appears the company will not be shifting to this new tech anytime soon. Reports suggest the battery capacity will remain similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with no major upgrade in sight. If true, this means the S26 Ultra will continue to ship with a 5,000mAh battery, failing to keep up with the increasingly powerful battery capacities of its competitors.
One of the most notable limitations is the fast-charging capability, with rumors indicating that the S26 Ultra will still be capped at 45W, far below the 65W charging seen in some Chinese rivals. This seems to contradict previous reports suggesting that Samsung was considering a leap to silicon-carbon batteries, which could have enabled a larger battery and faster charging speeds. For now, it seems that Samsung is sticking with its tried-and-true battery formula.
The decision to forgo silicon-carbon technology is likely tied to Samsung’s continued focus on space management. With the S Pen taking up valuable room inside the device, it’s understandable that Samsung might have to make some compromises in the battery department. However, the competition is clearly not standing still, and even Apple is reportedly eyeing this battery technology for its future devices.
In fact, a tweet from @PandaFlashPro highlighted that the S26 Ultra may not see any significant change in its battery capacity, staying under 5,400mAh. Fans hoping for a major upgrade in battery performance will likely be disappointed. Add to that the 45W charging cap and it’s clear that Samsung’s focus is not on leading the charge in these key areas.
It’s also worth noting that Samsung has been trailing behind its Chinese competitors when it comes to battery capacity and fast-charging technology. Even the S25 Edge, a sleek and slim flagship, missed out on the silicon-carbon battery, opting instead for AI-driven efficiency improvements. While these software optimizations can make a difference, there’s only so much you can do before the hardware becomes the limiting factor.
At the end of the day, Samsung’s reluctance to embrace cutting-edge battery technology might put the S26 Ultra at a disadvantage. As rivals continue to push the envelope in battery performance and charging speeds, it’s unclear whether Samsung’s strategy will still resonate with premium buyers. The company will need to rethink its approach if it wants to maintain its position as a flagship powerhouse.