We Tested 33 Phones to Find the 2 Fastest Chargers
▼ Summary
– Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is the fastest overall charging phone tested, due to its 40-watt wired and 25-watt Qi2.2 wireless speeds and a smaller 4,252-mAh battery.
– Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra has the fastest wired charging, adding 76% in 30 minutes with its new 60-watt speed.
– Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro has the fastest wireless charging, adding 55% in 30 minutes, helped by Qi2.2 and built-in magnets.
– Silicon-carbon batteries enable faster charging and higher capacity, but are used primarily by OnePlus, RedMagic, and Poco in the US, not by Apple, Samsung, or Google.
– To achieve the fastest recharge speeds, users need a power adapter that supports their phone’s maximum speed and, for wireless charging, a Qi2 or Qi2.2 charger with magnets.
Battery life often takes center stage when people evaluate smartphones, but charging speed is arguably just as critical. When you’re racing against the clock before heading out for a long day or traveling, every minute of charging counts. A device that juices up quickly can mean the difference between staying connected or scrambling for a power outlet.
We surveyed 33 phones over the past year, spanning brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. Our goal was straightforward: identify which handsets recharge the fastest. After rigorous testing, two devices stood out. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra earned a CNET Lab Award for fastest wired charging, while Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro took the crown for fastest overall charging and fastest wireless charging.
The iPhone 17 Pro’s overall dominance stems from a combination of factors. It supports 40-watt wired charging and 25-watt Qi2.2 wireless charging. More importantly, its 4,252-mAh battery is smaller than the typical 5,000-mAh cells found in many premium rivals. Less capacity means less time to fill. During our 30-minute wired test, the iPhone 17 Pro added 74% charge. In the wireless test, it hit 55% , the highest of any phone we tested.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, however, leads the pack for wired speed alone. With a new 60-watt charging capability, it added 76% in our 30-minute test. That’s the best raw wired result we recorded. It also supports 25-watt Qi2.2 wireless charging, making it a strong all-around performer. The S26 Ultra’s larger 5,000-mAh battery means it takes longer to fully charge than the iPhone 17 Pro, but its wired speed is unmatched among tested devices.
Silicon-carbon battery technology is a key driver of faster charging in newer phones. This chemistry allows for higher capacity and quicker recharge without increasing battery size. Phones like the OnePlus 15 (72% in 30 minutes) and several Chinese models leverage this tech. However, availability remains limited in the US. Apple, Samsung, and Google have yet to adopt silicon-carbon batteries in their mainstream devices.
Wireless charging has also evolved significantly. The Qi2.2 standard enables speeds up to 25 watts, and phones with embedded magnets , like Apple’s MagSafe , ensure optimal alignment for maximum efficiency. While wired charging is still faster, these newer wireless speeds provide a meaningful boost when you need it.
To get the fastest recharge from your phone, you need the right accessories. Using an older USB-A brick will bottleneck your speed. Invest in a USB-C power adapter that supports at least your phone’s maximum wattage. For wireless charging, a Qi2 or Qi2.2 charger paired with a sufficiently powerful wall plug (often 30 watts or more) is essential. Magnetic cases or built-in magnets help maintain proper alignment, preventing slow or failed charging.
The gap between fast and slow charging phones is widening. Whether you prioritize wired speed, wireless convenience, or overall consistency, the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra set the new benchmarks for 2026.
(Source: CNET)
