Magnets have quietly become one of the most important hardware features in modern smartphones. Built-in magnets allow users to attach accessories like wireless chargers, wallets, and mounts without needing a special case. This simple addition improves convenience, flexibility, and overall user experience.
Companies like Apple and Google recognized this early. Apple introduced built-in magnetic support with the iPhone back in 2020, while Google became the first major Android brand to integrate magnets directly into its phones with the Pixel 10 in 2025.
Samsung, however, has chosen a different path — and it’s leaving many users frustrated.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Is “Qi2 Ready,” Not Truly Qi2
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, along with the rest of the Galaxy S26 lineup, has launched without built-in Qi2 magnets. Despite Samsung labeling the phones as “Qi2 ready” or “Qi2 compatible,” this is not the same as full Qi2 implementation.
In practical terms, this means:
- Magnetic accessories will not attach directly to the phone
- Users must use a magnetic case for Qi2 accessories
- True magnetic alignment is not built into the device itself
This is the same approach Samsung took with the Galaxy S25 series, and it continues to fall short of what many consider real Qi2 support.
Why Built-In Magnets Matter
Built-in magnets give users freedom of choice. Not everyone wants to use a traditional phone case, and some prefer minimalist or open-frame designs. When magnets are integrated directly into the phone, users can decide how — or if — they want protection, without losing functionality.
By skipping internal magnets, Samsung effectively forces users into specific cases if they want magnetic charging or accessories, even on a premium phone that costs up to $1,299.
Samsung’s Likely Reasoning
There are a few probable reasons Samsung avoided adding magnets to the Galaxy S26 Ultra:
- Increased manufacturing costs
- Internal hardware redesign requirements
- Assumption that most users already use cases
While these points may make sense from a production standpoint, they don’t fully justify the decision. Apple and Google users also commonly use cases — yet both companies still chose to build magnets directly into their devices.
Falling Behind the Competition
When compared to Apple’s iPhone lineup and Google’s Pixel devices, Samsung’s approach feels conservative and outdated. Built-in magnets are no longer an experimental feature — they’re an expectation in flagship smartphones.
For a brand that leads Android in innovation, the lack of true Qi2 magnetic support in the Galaxy S26 Ultra feels like a missed opportunity.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers premium performance, advanced AI features, and a refined design — but the absence of built-in Qi2 magnets is a clear drawback. In 2026, forcing users to rely on magnetic cases for full Qi2 functionality feels like cutting corners.
Samsung may believe most users won’t notice or care. But as magnetic ecosystems continue to grow, this decision could age poorly — especially in a market where competitors are already setting a higher standard.
