Why I Might Pass on the Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Missing Qi2 Feature

As excitement builds around the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, a recent rumor has thrown a wrench in the gears of anticipation. It appears that one key feature—full Qi2 support equipped with built-in magnets—might not be included after all. For many fans of Samsung’s flagship line, myself included, this revelation has dampened enthusiasm for what was supposed to be a groundbreaking release.

The Galaxy S series has been enjoyable for many, consistently ranking among the world's best-selling smartphones alongside the Galaxy A lineup. However, over the past few years, Samsung's flagship devices have faced criticism for their lack of innovation. Each new model seems to offer only minor upgrades, relying heavily on past successes rather than breaking new ground.

The Absence of Qi2: A Frustrating Setback

One of Apple’s standout features over the last several years has been MagSafe technology, a game-changer for usability. As a devoted user of this feature, I can attest to how quickly you become reliant on it. The versatility it provides is unmatched. That's why I was particularly looking forward to Samsung's potential integration of Qi2 into the Galaxy S26 Ultra—an opportunity to step up to what Google is now offering with its Qi2-powered Pixelsnap system.

While it’s true that you could still use magnetic accessories with third-party or Samsung cases, this workaround comes with considerable trade-offs. The absence of embedded magnets means that spontaneous use of such accessories is virtually impossible. If you prefer to go caseless, you lose out entirely on a major usability feature.

Samsung has the capability to seamlessly integrate magnets into their devices; Apple has done it for years, and Google is showing that it's both feasible and beneficial. So, why is Samsung hesitant?

Samsung's Stagnation is Growing Tiresome

As someone who has consistently favored Samsung products, I find myself increasingly disheartened. My first smartphone purchase was a Samsung, and I’ve remained loyal ever since, appreciating One UI’s unmatched customization options and overall aesthetic. However, the reality is that the hardware updates in recent Galaxy S Ultra models have been underwhelming.

While design changes may suggest progress, they often hide the truth: there’s not much that separates these latest flagships on the inside. For instance, the rumored 5,000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S26 Ultra will mark the sixth consecutive year without a significant battery upgrade. Meanwhile, competitors are pushing forward with astonishing battery capacities, leaving Samsung’s efforts in the dust.