Introduction
The anticipation surrounding the Galaxy S26 Ultra has been palpable, but early leaks and rumors suggest that it may not live up to expectations. While fans hoped for significant upgrades including a revamped design and the integration of Qi2 charging technology, it appears many of those ambitions might remain unfulfilled. With details emerging about its accessories and features, it seems the S26 Ultra could be more of an evolutionary step rather than a revolutionary one.
Dodging Qi2 Charging: A Compromise
The Galaxy S26 Ultra looks to be a relatively subdued upgrade, sparking mixed feelings among enthusiasts. Despite initial hopes for a modified design and support for native Qi2 charging, not every rumor turns out to be accurate.
Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen. | Image Credit - NieuweMobiel
Recent leaks from NieuweMobiel unveil images of the S26 Ultra's S Pen and its accessories. The stylus showcases a curved, asymmetrical design, necessitated by its repositioning near the device's edge. Unfortunately, the S Pen will only be available in black and white—making it less colorful compared to previous models—though the tips will be color-matched to the phone’s four rumored variants: Cobalt Violet, Black Shadow, White Shadow, and Galactic Blue.
Only some Galaxy S26 cases will be magnetic. | Image Credit - NieuweMobiel
Additionally, it seems the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature magnetic cases, reinforcing the notion that the device will not support built-in magnets for accessories. This trend was seen in the Galaxy S25, which allowed Qi2 functionality only when using specific magnetic cases.
A Step Backward?
Recent speculations indicate that while the wireless charging speeds might see a slight bump from 15W to 25W, the lack of native Qi2 support could hinder users who were looking forward to a more seamless experience. Samsung will likely introduce some accessories, including a magnetic ring holder and a power bank, but these additions may not suffice to offset the otherwise minimal upgrades.
Additionally, the only prominent upgrades for the S26 Ultra seem to revolve around its camera island and its privacy display feature, alongside the expected chip advancements. While there will undoubtedly be minor enhancements to the user experience, the absence of groundbreaking innovations casts a shadow over this phone's potential appeal.
