Charging Wars in the Phone World: New Owners of the Top Announced
According to the test results, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro were selected as the fastest charging phones of 2026. Here are the detailed charging performances.
Competition in the phone market is no longer limited to camera resolution or processor speed. The “battery drain” problem, which is users’ biggest nightmare, forces brands to revolutionize battery technologies. Recent comprehensive tests conducted by CNET Lab have revealed the fastest charging phones of the 2025-2026 period.
In tests where both wired and wireless charging performances of 33 different models were measured, the eternal competition between Apple and Samsung also reveals itself in charging technologies.
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Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraWith its 60W wired charging support, it leaves its competitors behind in the wired category and comes to the top.
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iPhone 17 ProThanks to Qi2.2 technology, it is chosen as the most successful model in the tests in wireless charging and general charging efficiency.
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New Generation Batteries:Silicon-carbon battery technology is on its way to becoming the new standard in the industry by offering the opportunity to charge higher capacity faster.
The New King of Wired Charging: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung, which has been taking cautious steps regarding charging speed for a long time, is changing this situation with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to CNET Lab data, the device is the fastest charging phone in its segment with 60W wired charging speed.
Especially when the “Boost” mode is activated, the phone’s battery is charged enough to last the rest of the day, even during a short break.
This move by Samsung is supported by smart management systems that protect not only speed but also battery health. Test results show that the Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches a 58% charge rate in 30 minutes with wired charging. This value stands out as a lifesaving feature, especially for users working in intense work tempo.
Apple Wind in Wireless Charging
Apple redefines the standards in the world of wireless charging with the iPhone 17 series. iPhone 17 Pro reaches a 55% charge level wirelessly in 30 minutes, thanks to the Qi2.2 standard and improved MagSafe magnets. This is considered a pretty impressive result for a wireless connection.
One of the most striking results of the tests is the consistency of the brands. Apple is noted as the brand that offers the fastest and most stable charging experience across the ecosystem, with Qi2.2 and 25W wireless charging support offered across the entire iPhone 17 series.
Despite its larger battery, iPhone 17 Pro Max ranks second with 53% charge in wireless charging tests, thanks to Apple’s energy efficiency and A19 Pro processor.
Speed Race in the Global Market: Honor and OnePlus
Along with mainstream models in the US market, Chinese manufacturers are also pushing the limits on charging speed. Models such as Honor Magic 8 Pro reach record charge rates of 61% in tests with special wireless charging technologies reaching 80W.
However, to reach these speeds, it is necessary to use the brands’ own special adapters and charging stands.
On the OnePlus side, the OnePlus 15 model stands out with its 80W wired and 50W AirVooc wireless charging support. Tests prove that silicon-carbon batteries can store much more dense energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries and are more resistant to high currents.
By 2026, it seems that charging time will become as decisive a criterion as camera quality when choosing a smartphone.
