Galaxy S26 Ultra 60W charging confirmed: One UI 8.5 leak reveals Super Fast Charging 3.0 upgrade

GigaNectar Team

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra displaying One UI interface with multimodal AI features and customizable home screen layout showing app icons and widgets against gradient background

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra appears set to address a longstanding complaint from users through firmware evidence pointing to faster charging capabilities. Leaked One UI 8.5 code reveals references to “Super Fast Charging 3.0,” which correlates with multiple reports suggesting the upcoming flagship will support 60W wired charging.

The firmware discovery comes from analysis by developers who examined early builds of One UI 8.5, the software version expected to launch with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. The code includes a new “level 4” charging tier, positioned above the current 45W “level 3” designation used by Galaxy S25 Plus and S25 Ultra models.

Samsung has maintained 45W as its maximum charging speed for Ultra models since the Galaxy S22 Ultra in 2022. The S26 Ultra is rumored to retain the same 5,000mAh battery capacity while implementing the faster charging technology, which would reduce waiting times for users who frequently need quick top-ups. The upgrade puts Samsung closer to competitors offering higher wattage charging, though still below the 80W-120W speeds found in some Android devices.

Samsung’s Charging Speed Evolution

From 25W to 60W: Tracking the progression of Samsung’s fast charging technology through firmware leaks

Galaxy Flagship Charging History

Samsung’s approach to charging speeds has varied across different Ultra models, with some generations seeing increases while others maintained conservative specifications for battery longevity.

2020
Galaxy S20 Ultra
45W
Super Fast Charging 2.0
2021
Galaxy S21 Ultra
25W
Super Fast Charging
2022-2025
Galaxy S22/S23/S24/S25 Ultra
45W
Super Fast Charging 2.0
UPCOMING 2026
Expected Early 2026
Galaxy S26 Ultra
60W
Super Fast Charging 3.0

Charging Speed Comparison

The firmware leak suggests a 33% increase in maximum charging power from the current Galaxy S25 Ultra to the expected S26 Ultra specification. Real-world charging times vary based on battery temperature, charge level, and power management algorithms.

Galaxy S25 Ultra
45W
Super Fast Charging 2.0
Galaxy S26 Ultra (Expected)
60W
Super Fast Charging 3.0
Power Increase
+33%
Higher wattage delivery
Estimated Charging Time Comparison
Based on 5,000mAh battery capacity and typical charging curves
Select Battery Percentage:
50%
S25 Ultra (45W) – Current
~25 min
S26 Ultra (60W) – Projected
~19 min

Technical Details From Firmware Analysis

The One UI 8.5 firmware leak provides insights into Samsung’s implementation strategy for 60W charging, revealing system-level optimizations beyond simple hardware upgrades. The code suggests deep software integration for power management.

🔋
5,000mAh Battery Maintained
Multiple leaks indicate the S26 Ultra will retain the same battery capacity as previous Ultra models while delivering faster charging through improved power delivery efficiency and thermal management systems.
📱
One UI 8.5 Launch Software
The S26 series is expected to ship with One UI 8.5, an intermediate update before One UI 9 arrives mid-2026. This version appears focused on charging optimizations and Galaxy AI features based on leaked code analysis.
⚙️
Power Delivery Architecture
The firmware suggests Samsung is building charging infrastructure that could scale beyond 60W in future generations, with system-level integration rather than simple hardware component swaps.
🌡️
Thermal Management Priority
Samsung historically reduces charging speeds as batteries approach full capacity to manage heat. This conservative approach prioritizes long-term battery health over maximum speed ratings.
📏
Thin Chassis Design
Leaks suggest the S26 Ultra will measure under 7.9mm in thickness while accommodating 60W charging technology, indicating advances in component density and heat dissipation engineering.
🎯
Market Positioning
The 60W specification positions Samsung between Apple/Google’s conservative approach and Chinese manufacturers offering 100W+ charging. The upgrade addresses user feedback while maintaining Samsung’s focus on battery longevity.

The One UI 8.5 firmware leak provides the strongest evidence yet for 60W charging on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The code contains specific references to “Super Fast Charging 3.0” and a new charging tier above the current 45W maximum, aligning with earlier rumors about the device’s specifications.

Samsung’s charging speeds have remained at 45W for Ultra models since 2022, making this the first significant increase in three years. The S26 Ultra is expected to launch in early 2026 with Qualcomm’s next flagship processor and camera improvements alongside the faster charging capability.

The firmware analysis was conducted by developers examining leaked One UI 8.5 builds. Official confirmation from Samsung has not been provided, and specifications may change before the device’s release. The information presented represents current leaks and firmware evidence rather than final product details.

Source References:
SamMobile (X/Twitter)

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