Samsung Needs Built-in Qi2 Magnets in S26 to Compete with iPhone and Pixel

With iPhones, Pixels, and Android competitors embracing faster Qi2 charging, Samsung risks falling behind unless the S26 series gets native Qi2 25W support.

Qi2 25W: The New Fast Wireless Standard Has Arrived

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has officially launched Qi2 25W, a new wireless charging standard that delivers nearly 70% more power than the original Qi.

• It’s set to roll out with upcoming iPhones, Pixels, and a wave of Android smartphones in the coming months.
• Devices with native magnetic coil support will get the full 25W speed and secure alignment for faster, cooler, and more reliable wireless charging.

Where Samsung Stands Today

Samsung added Qi2 (Ready) support in the Galaxy S25 series, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 — but with a catch:

• These phones require special Qi2-compatible magnetic cases to achieve proper alignment.
• Without built-in magnets, Samsung phones can’t hit the full 25W Qi2 speeds, limiting their competitiveness.
• By contrast, Apple’s iPhone 17 and Google’s Pixel 10 series are expected to feature native Qi2 magnet hardware for full performance.

Why the Galaxy S26 Series Needs Built-in Qi2 25W

With competitors moving forward, Samsung needs to fully embrace Qi2 25W in the Galaxy S26 lineup — and that means integrating magnets directly into the phone.
Key reasons include:

• ✅ Faster wireless charging (up to 25W vs. 15W typical in current models)
• ✅ Improved alignment and thermal control
• ✅ Compatibility with upcoming Qi2 accessories
• ✅ Future-proofing the Galaxy ecosystem

Though it may slightly increase device thickness, the payoff in charging speed, convenience, and ecosystem support would be worth it for most users.

Samsung’s Internal Debate: Speed vs. Slimness

Samsung has already surveyed users on built-in Qi2 magnets, indicating the company is considering a switch.

• Adding a magnetic coil means a slight design compromise in thinness.
• However, relying on cases for Qi2 feels like a stopgap, especially as other brands commit fully to Qi2-native designs.

If Samsung skips native Qi2 support, it could fall behind Apple and Google in the wireless charging experience, particularly as more users shift away from wired charging altogether.

The Industry Momentum Is Clear

“The number of devices in the Qi2 25W certification queue for launch is unprecedented,” said Fady Mishriki, WPC board chair.

• With “hundreds of Android and iOS devices” on track to support Qi2, Samsung needs to act now to remain at the forefront of wireless innovation.

Final Thoughts

Samsung has a clear opportunity to lead — or risk lagging behind — in the wireless charging space.
The Galaxy S26 series should be the one to fully embrace Qi2 25W with built-in magnet support, delivering a faster, smoother, and more future-ready experience for Galaxy users.