If you bet on Samsung finally adding built-in magnets to the Galaxy S26 series this year, then you lost. For the second year in a row, Samsung is ditching native Qi2 magnetic hardware across the entire S26 lineup.
No MPP (Magnetic Power Profile), no satisfactory plugging into your wireless charger. Just a phone sitting on a surface and hoping for the best when it comes to alignment. The reason? Apparently space.
Samsung did not include magnets for wireless charging due to “space reasons”.
When asked why the Galaxy S26 still doesn’t have magnets, a Samsung executive told Daily Sparkz at the Unpacked event that it’s probably due to a lack of space. They didn’t delve deeply into the technical process behind it, but ruled out that there were any thermal concerns in the decision.
So the internals are just too busy to accommodate a ring of magnets. Sure, Samsung. We believe you. I would say that Google’s decision to finally equip the Pixel 10 series with wireless magnetic charging – called Pixelsnap charging – gives the series a clear advantage in terms of everyday charging convenience.
Things are really getting better here – at least on paper. Wireless charging speeds have increased across the range: the S26+ now maxes out at 20W and the Ultra even hits 25W Qi2. The base S26 is still at 15W, but the jump in the two larger models is real and welcome.
Faster wireless charging – on supported models – is a bit confusing
The catch? These higher speeds come with conditions. More specifically, a magnetic case. Without one, your phone is limited to what the Qi spec’s extended power profile allows – namely 15W, period.
Anything beyond that is within the magnetic power profile range, and this standard physically requires magnets to fix the alignment and draw higher wattage from the charger. No magnets on the phone means no alignment, so no extra speed (via 9To5Google).
Samsung’s own 25W wireless charger is itself a magnetic puck, which tells you everything – it barely works without a magnetic case in the picture.
At least you get new magnetic cases and charging accessories
To Samsung’s credit, the company doesn’t let its buyers down. A new range of first-party magnetic cases has been launched alongside the S26 series – silicone options with built-in Qi2 magnets, a transparent patterned ‘Rugged’ variant and a returning clear case.
Samsung also launched a new magnetic wireless charger (a slim 4.4mm Qi2 puck with a fabric USB-C cable, currently on sale for $34.99 instead of $49.99) and a 5,000mAh magnetic power bank with stand.
Third-party brands like Belkin, ESR and dbrand are also represented with magnetic S26 cases that offer full MagSafe-style snap-on functionality.
Is it a bit absurd that you have to buy a case just to use a full speed charger? Absolutely. But at least the ecosystem around this workaround is really good now.
