NEWS
Samsung Galaxy S25 series supports Qi 2.1 but is limited to 15W charging speed
The Galaxy S25 series, like all the Galaxy S series smartphones, is packed with cutting-edge specifications and features. Now, a new report claims that the Galaxy S25 series is the first smartphone series to support the latest Qi 2.1 wireless charging standard. The Galaxy S25 series includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
According to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series is the first Qi 2.1 device and the second device after HMD Skyline to support Qi 2.0.0 and above on Android. Most other smartphones, even recently launched ones, are still using Qi 1.3.3.
Qi 2.1, announced at CES 2025, brings support for an extension of Qi2, “Qi2 Ready”, which allows phone makers to use magnetic cases for perfect alignment with the charger instead of building magnets into the phone. However, this Qi 2.1.0 lacks the “Magnetic Power Profile,” as Samsung’s new phones lack built-in magnets.
The Qi 2.1 charging support for the Galaxy S25 series is an exciting upgrade, although it doesn’t come with faster charging speeds. It’s worth noting that the S25 series remains at the same 15W wireless charging speed as the previous phones, the Galaxy S24 models.
Previous reports claim that the Galaxy S25 series would come with can reach 25W with certain accessories. Samsung might unlock higher speeds later, as the Apple iPhone 16 series supports 25W fast charging.
The battery capacity and charging of the Galaxy S25 series are the same as previous Galaxy models, but the power efficiency of the new chip promises to further improve battery life. The Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Plus battery charges up to 65% in about 30 minutes with a 45W adapter, while the Galaxy S25 battery charges up to 50% in about 30 minutes with a 25W adapter and 3A USB-C.
Samsung is working on the One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 QPR2 on the Galaxy S25 series. The One UI 8.5 is Samsung’s latest version of Android customisation for Galaxy smartphones. Now, the reportred tha Samsung may offers more refined UI design for the upcoming One UI 9, which is based on Android 17.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung has replaced the rectangular bottom bar with the rectangular tabs found in One UI 8.
According to @tarunvats33, One UI 9 will further enhance the pill-shaped design across all apps. Therefore, Samsung fans are hoping the company will add frosted glass and smoother animations in the upcoming update.
A tipster shared images of Quick Share from One UI 9.0 on their X handle. As you can see in the images below:
It has a more compact floating pill-shaped bottom bar compared to One UI 8.5, and the tabs also look more rounded.
We expect One UI 9 to officially launch around July 2026, probably alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. On the other hand, Samsung hasn’t yet confirmed when One UI 9 will arrive, so keep an eye on the Samsung Members app for the official roadmap later this spring.
This update will be based on the Android 17 operating system. The foldable devices will be the first to launch with the latest OS pre-installed.
Samsung is gearing up to launch its next flagship S series smartphones, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, and now we have the latest “possible” look via unofficial leaked renders, showing the phones in black from different angles.
Certain tipsters have suggested the design of the new Galaxy S26 series way before its launch. Some said that it could bring a vertical pill shape bump in the base layer, encompassing three rings on the back, just like its predecessor, while others are now hinting at a box-like imaging system.
Amid this confusion, alleged renders of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra are emerging from YTECHB, showing what the devices could actually look like. It may adopt stunning dynamic shades this time: Black, showing the device from all angles.
Looking at the renders in detail, the biggest design change is the rear camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead of the old separate rings, it now features a single camera island inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 7, giving the back a clean, modern look.
With the launch approaching on February 25th, official renders of the Galaxy S26 series have leaked, and we expect more interesting leaks to emerge soon. Samsung has also started taking pre-reservations for it in many countries, including the US and India.
Here’s how it looks.
Samsung is preparing to launch its new Galaxy S series phones, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, later this month. We’ve already seen numerous leaks and rumors about these devices, detailing their specifications and indicating that the launch is imminent. Now, a reliable industry insider has provided new information about 4 design changes coming to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Leaker “IceUniverse” has shared new information about four design changes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to the leak, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have slightly more rounded corners, giving it a softer overall look.
Regarding the second change, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slightly larger front camera cutout. This is due to the front camera’s wider field of view, which should allow more people to fit into group selfies.
Furthermore, there is no difference in the bezel width between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Fourth, and most importantly, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slightly larger display. It measures 6.89 inches, compared to the 6.86-inch display of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Recently, disappointing news for fans has emerged from an online listing. It appears that Samsung has not included Qi2 magnets in the device. Users will need to purchase compatible accessories to utilize Qi2 charging.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will be officially launched on February 25th. The event will take place in San Francisco, and an official livestream will be available for fans. More details will be revealed as the launch date approaches. Stay tuned.
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