The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is unlikely to be revolutionary in terms of wired charging speeds. (Image source: @technizoconcept/Unsplash – edited)
An appearance by a likely Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra test unit on the 3C certification website has revealed a charging capability that has been met with a mixed response from fans. It seems Samsung wants to continue playing it safe with the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra, by not following lightning-fast-charging trends in the Android smartphone space.
Just recently, we reported about the possible battery capacities headed to the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, and right on the heels of that information comes an appearance in the 3C database of a probable Galaxy S23 Ultra device, revealing the likely charging speeds for the whole range. The unit in question has the model number “SM-S9180”, and a noted leaker on Weibo has mentioned that this is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra being tested with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor…and a 25 W charging speed.
Of course, this does not instantly mean that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is limited to a 25 W charging speed, as that would be a very befuddling drop from the Galaxy S22 Ultra and its support for 45 W charging. However, it certainly does indicate that Samsung has remained static in this area and likely intends for the S23 Ultra and S23+ to manage up to 45 W wired charging speeds while the regular Galaxy S23 model would also emulate its predecessor and be limited to 25 W. Another well-known leaker, Ice universe, seems convinced that the Samsung Galaxy S23 will stick to this particular charging speed.
In fact, the tipster made some withering comments about the situation, reminding followers that this is “almost the slowest charging in the mobile phone industry” and also pointing out that this 25 W charging speed has remained unchanged since 2019’s Galaxy S10 5G. Indeed, potential Galaxy S23 Ultra rivals such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max do appear to have the charging speed edge here, offering 67 W and 27 W rates, respectively. But there will be very good reasons for Samsung to stick with this apparent charging-speed caution.
Firstly, future owners of the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra can expect slower battery degradation. Secondly, smartphone-charging speeds of 25 W and 45 W are still respectable enough; in our tests with the S22 Ultra the device took 98 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%, and it was at 50% after just 43 minutes. The smartphone showed itself to be very efficient, so it might not need as frequent charging sessions compared to rivals. In addition, Samsung will never want a repeat of the infamous Galaxy Note 7 debacle, even if it means not matching the extreme battery-related specifications of its closest competitors.
Buy a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra on Amazon
Daniel R Deakin – Managing Editor News & Magazine – 2833 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2012
My interest in technology began after I was presented with an Atari 800XL home computer in the mid-1980s. I especially enjoy writing about technological advances, compelling rumors, and intriguing tech-related leaks. I have a degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies and count my family, reading, writing, and travel as the main passions of my life. I have been with Notebookcheck since 2012.