If everything turns out to be true, this is what may sting for Samsung in this generation,

What’s Being Rumored: Key Details

According to multiple leaks and tipsters (UniverseIce, PhoneArt, SamMobile, Android Authority, etc.) the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge are shaping up with improved battery capacities but no upgrade in wired fast-charging speed over their S25 predecessors. SamMobile+5SamMobile+5Android Authority+5

How That Compares to the iPhone 17 Lineup

On the Apple side, rumors indicate the iPhone 17 line has some strong charging specs (both wired and wireless) that could edge out the S26 Pro/Edge in certain respects. Here’s what’s expected from the iPhone 17s:

• Wired charging: ~40 W for the Pro/Pro Max models, while the “Air” model is said to have less (around 27 W) wired. TechRadar+2Tom's Guide+2

• Wireless charging: ~25 W (Qi2.2 standard) for most models; the iPhone Air is expected to see ~20 W wireless. The Verge+2TechRadar+2

Why This Is a Potential Deal-Breaker

If everything turns out to be true, this is what may sting for Samsung in this generation:

1. Charging Speed Perception
   Many buyers treat “fast charging” speculation & speed claims as a headline spec. If Samsung’s “Pro” and “Edge” models don’t improve on the 25 W wired speed, they risk looking under-powered compared to competitors, especially Apple here. For users who frequently top up during the day, it matters.

2. Battery Size + Speed Mismatch
   Rumors suggest the Pro/Edge will bump their battery capacities a bit (4,200–4,300 mAh), which helps with raw longevity. But charging larger batteries with the same 25 W max will naturally take longer. That could erode the perceived value of the extra capacity.

3. Competitive Edge for Apple
   Apple’s better wired speeds (especially on Pro models) may appeal to power users who want faster charging. Also, Apple’s wireless charging (Qi2.2 / updated standards) is also supposedly keeping up or even ahead in some wireless speed metrics. All of this means Apple could leverage charging as a differentiator this cycle.

4. Marketing vs Reality Risk
   There’s a risk of backlash / disappointment if Samsung markets the Pro and Edge as “premium” but fails to deliver better charging. It could feel like incremental refresh rather than significant upgrade in some key specs.

What’s Still Unclear & Caveats

• These are rumors, not yet confirmed by Samsung. Specifications can change before launch.

• “Fast charging” is one piece of the puzzle. Real-world charging speed depends on many factors: charger, cable, temperature, battery health, software throttling.

• Wireless charging & other features (cooling, display efficiency, etc.) also play into the perceived battery experience, not just wired charging wattage.

• Battery capacity rumors have some consistency, but with “advertised” vs “actual” differences (leaks sometimes mention marketed vs real number).

Bottom Line: What to Watch For

For consumers, here’s what to keep in mind as more leaks / official specs come in:

• If you’re considering the S26 Pro or Edge, check actual charging speed specs, not just capacity.

• Compare how fast iPhone 17s charge in realistic conditions, not just peak numbers. If Apple delivers 40 W wired and strong wireless, that gives them an edge.

• The Ultra model may still pull ahead in charging speed, so some users might have to choose whether they want the Ultra for the battery/charging benefits or go with Pro/Edge for other features.

If I were advising a buyer: unless you really care about thinness/design or some Samsung-specific features, charging speed may sway your decision this round.