Galaxy S26 Series Gets Qi 2.2.1 Certification, But the Missing Magnets Raise Concerns

Galaxy S26 Series Gets Qi 2.2.1 Certification, But the Missing Magnets Raise Concerns

Samsung’s next flagship lineup — the Galaxy S26 series — has recently appeared in the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) database with support for the latest Qi 2.2.1 wireless charging standard, a clear upgrade over older wireless charging protocols. However, despite this positive certification, reports reveal that the phones lack built‑in magnets, which has raised significant concerns among tech enthusiasts and early adopters alike.

Introduction to Qi 2.2.1 and Wireless Charging

Wireless charging has become a standard feature in modern flagship smartphones, enabling users to power up their devices without plugging in cables. The Qi wireless charging standard, maintained by the Wireless Power Consortium, sets the technical specifications that ensure safe, interoperable charging across brands.

The Qi 2.2.1 certification is one of the more recent updates to this ecosystem. It brings improvements such as enhanced safety protocols, better power delivery, and more refined communication between charger and smartphone. For the Galaxy S26 series, achieving Qi 2.2.1 certification means Samsung is aligning the devices with industry standards that also support faster wireless charging speeds — potentially up to 20–25W on the higher‑end Ultra model.

Wireless charging with Qi 2.2.1 aims to make charging more efficient and reliable. Having Qi 2.2.1 certified hardware ensures greater compatibility with future chargers supporting this standard. Yet a notable part of the Qi 2.2.1 specification is the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) — meant to enable magnetic alignment similar to Apple’s MagSafe technology. This is where the Galaxy S26 lineup faces criticism.

Certification Confirms Qi 2.2.1 Support — The Good News

The main positive takeaway from the certification is that all three models in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series — the base Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra — are confirmed to support Qi 2.2.1 wireless charging. They appeared in the WPC database under model numbers believed to correspond to the S26 lineup.

Support for Qi 2.2.1 could translate to notably faster wireless charging compared to previous Samsung flagships like the S25, which were limited to Qi 2.1.0 standards and around 15W wireless charging. Reports indicate that the base and Plus variants may charge wirelessly at around 20W, while the Ultra model could reach 25W with the right accessories.

This upgrade is significant because it places Samsung’s flagship closer to the charging speed expectations set by other 2025–2026 flagships and accessories that support higher power delivery. In this context, the Galaxy S26 series securing Qi 2.2.1 certification is an important technical milestone.

Missing Built‑In Magnets — The Core Concern

Despite the Qi 2.2.1 certification, what the reports consistently highlight is that the Galaxy S26 series appears to lack built‑in magnets required for native Qi2 magnetic functionality. This means the phones do not carry the internal hardware that allows for magnetic snap‑on compatibility with chargers, wallets, stands, and other accessories, as seen with Apple’s MagSafe or Google’s Pixel 10 series.

The Wireless Power Consortium database entries for the S26 lineup show support for the Base Power Profile (BPP) instead of the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP). The lack of MPP indicates that the devices themselves do not have integrated magnet arrays and will instead depend on magnetic phone cases to achieve the proper alignment for Qi2 accessories.

Without internal magnets, chargers and accessories won’t automatically snap into place on the phone’s back — a feature many users now take for granted on modern flagship handsets. This detail has led to criticism from some who expected Samsung to fully embrace the magnetic charging ecosystem in 2026.

Why Built‑In Magnets Matter

Magnetic alignment matters for two main reasons:

1. Optimal Charging Efficiency:
Magnets help ensure that the charging coils in the phone and the charger are perfectly aligned without manual adjustments. This reduces wasted energy and speeds up the charging process.

2. Accessory Ecosystem Compatibility:
Phones with built‑in magnetic hardware can attach accessories — like wireless chargers, wallets, and mounts — directly without additional accessories or modifications. This creates a seamless user experience that brands like Apple have successfully marketed as a convenience feature.

By not including integrated magnets, the Galaxy S26 series could fall short in delivering the full benefits of the Qi 2.2.1 specification. Users who want magnetic accessories will instead need to invest in magnetic cases that house the required magnet hardware, adding an extra step and cost.

Samsung’s Approach and Possible Reasons

Samsung’s decision to skip built‑in magnets might be deliberate. According to multiple reports, this could be due to a range of technical considerations, such as avoiding interference with other components like the S Pen in the Ultra model — where strong magnets can disrupt stylus performance. There are also design trade‑offs that come with fitting magnets into an already crowded internal space of a flagship phone.

For Samsung, relying on “Qi2 Ready” cases allows the company to offer magnetic functionality only when needed and keeps base phone designs cleaner and potentially slimmer. Critics argue that this step backwards eliminates a convenience feature that competitors are already embracing natively.

This compromise suggests that Samsung is choosing flexibility and internal design harmony over a full magnetic hardware commitment — at least for 2026.

Industry and User Reactions

The tech community’s reactions to this news have been mixed. Many analysts and reviewers see the Qi 2.2.1 certification as a positive development, signaling improved wireless charging performance for the Galaxy S26 series. However, the lack of built‑in magnets has disappointed users who expected Samsung to compete more directly with Apple’s MagSafe and Google’s Pixel Snap technologies.

Some industry voices have even suggested that Samsung’s choice represents a missed opportunity — particularly as companies like Google and Apple continue to expand their magnetic accessory ecosystems. Others defend Samsung’s strategy as pragmatic, noting that magnetic cases still deliver most of the practical benefits without complicating phone design.

Also Read: iQOO 15 Ultra Brings Shoulder Triggers and Active Cooling Fan

What This Means for Buyers

For prospective buyers, the Galaxy S26 series still offers fast wireless charging thanks to the Qi 2.2.1 certification — a solid step up from previous generations. However, users who care about magnetic accessories and seamless attachment experiences will likely need to invest in compatible magnetic cases to get the most out of the ecosystem.

In essence, the Galaxy S26 series will still wirelessly charge well, but without built‑in magnets, the magnetic accessory experience will remain optional rather than native. Consumers should weigh this factor if magnetic convenience is a priority for them.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S26 series securing Qi 2.2.1 certification is undeniably positive — it signals faster, more standardized wireless charging for Samsung’s latest flagship phones. Still, the absence of built‑in magnets raises valid concerns about user experience, accessory compatibility, and Samsung’s overall approach to the evolving wireless charging ecosystem.

Whether this design decision proves wise or disappointing will depend on how well Samsung’s magnetic cases and accessories fill the gap left by missing magnets. For now, buyers should understand that the Galaxy S26 lineup’s wireless charging is advanced but not fully immersive — requiring additional accessories to unlock the complete magnetic experience.