Samsung’s excuse for skipping Qi2 magnets in Galaxy S26 ignores the big picture
Source: 9to5Google
The Galaxy S26 series doesn’t have built‑in Qi2 magnets, and Samsung’s official explanation overlooks the broader implications.
Samsung’s Stated Reason
In a statement to 9to5Google, Samsung said the omission of Qi2 magnets is part of its “commitment to thinner, lighter designs.” The phones still support Qi2‑compatible cases, giving users flexibility without embedding the feature directly in the device.
What’s Gained – and What’s Lost
The S26 Ultra’s slimmer hardware is impressive (hands‑on review). However, the trade‑off is that the upgraded wireless‑charging speeds of the S26+ and S26 Ultra can only be fully utilized with a magnetic case.
- The Qi specification’s EPP (Extended Power Profile) caps at 15 W.
- MPP (Magnetic Power Profile) and active alignment are required for 25 W, and no 25 W charger on the market today works without magnetic alignment (previous discussion).
Consequently, achieving the advertised 25 W wireless‑charging speed on the S26 Ultra effectively requires a magnetic case.
User Experience Concerns
Using a puck‑style charger without a magnetic case means carefully aligning the device each time—a cumbersome experience compared to the seamless snap‑in of built‑in magnets.
Originally, Qi2 was intended to have magnets integrated into phones (original plan). The “Qi2 Ready” label later became the excuse for offloading magnets to cases (explanation). This shift introduces several problems:
- Not every case includes magnets.
- Samsung’s expanded lineup of first‑party magnetic cases still coexists with non‑magnetic options (details).
- Third‑party cases vary in quality and magnetic strength.
Early leaks suggested Samsung initially wanted to include Qi2 magnets natively (source), making the current decision a missed opportunity.
Why Built‑In Magnets Matter
Apple has employed Qi2 magnets for several years, and users have come to expect that functionality. Embedding magnets in the phone itself would:
- Standardize the feature across all cases.
- Ensure every user can access the full suite of Qi2 capabilities without relying on case selection.
- Eliminate the need for a separate magnetic case purchase.
Overall Impression
The Galaxy S26 series looks great, and the Ultra feels excellent in hand. However, the lack of built‑in Qi2 magnets undermines the potential of its faster wireless‑charging capabilities.
Pre‑Order Information
The Galaxy S26 series is available for pre‑order with standard Samsung perks, including boosted trade‑in values through March 11.