Galaxy S26 Drops Tomorrow: Why Samsung Still Won't Add Built-In Magnets (And What to Do About It)

Samsung Unpacked is officially tomorrow February 25, and the Galaxy S26 lineup is the star of the show. New Snapdragon chip, refreshed design, better cameras. But there's one glaring omission that's frustrating the Android community all over again: no built-in Qi2 magnets.

That means if you want magnetic mounting, magnetic wallets, or the full Qi2 wireless charging experience on your new Galaxy S26, you're going to need a case that brings the magnets Samsung left out.

Let's break down why this matters, what it means for your accessories, and how to set up your S26 the right way from day one.

Wait, the Galaxy S26 Really Doesn't Have Built-In Magnets?

Correct. Despite supporting Qi2 wireless charging speeds (up to 25W), the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra do not include built-in magnetic alignment rings. This has been confirmed by multiple leakers and industry sources, including renowned tipster @UniverseIce.

For context, Google added built-in magnets to the Pixel 10 lineup. Apple has had MagSafe magnets in every iPhone since the iPhone 12. Samsung? Still relying on cases to fill the gap.

Without magnets, your phone can't snap onto chargers, mounts, or wallets. It just... sits there. And if it shifts even slightly on a wireless charger, you wake up to a dead phone.

Why Magnets Matter More Than You Think

Magnetic alignment isn't just a convenience feature. It directly affects how well your phone charges, mounts, and works with accessories. Here's what you lose without built-in magnets:

Feature	Without Magnets	With Magnetic Case
Wireless Charging	Phone slides off, misaligns, charges slowly or not at all	Snaps into perfect alignment every time, full speed
Car Mounts	Need clamp or vent clip mounts	Snap on/off magnetic mounts instantly
Magnetic Wallets	Won't attach at all	Locks on securely, stays put all day
Desk/Kitchen Mounts	Need a stand or prop it up	Stick it to any magnetic surface hands free
Qi2 25W Charging	Requires manual alignment (easy to get wrong)	Automatic alignment for consistent 25W speeds

CNET's own reviewer described his S25 Ultra literally sliding off a MagSafe charger because Samsung doesn't include magnets. In 2026, with Qi2 chargers everywhere and magnetic accessories becoming the standard, that's a real problem.

Not All Magnetic Cases Are Equal

Here's where most people make a mistake: they grab any case labeled "MagSafe compatible" or "Qi2 ready" and assume it'll work. But magnet strength varies wildly between brands, and weak magnets lead to dropped wallets, slow charging, and mounts that can't hold your phone on a bumpy road.

The key spec to look for is the magnet grade. Consumer magnets range from N35 (weak) to N52 (strongest commercially available). Most budget cases use N35 or N38 magnets. The difference in hold strength is massive.

What to Look for in a Galaxy S26 Magnetic Case

When shopping for your S26 case, here's your checklist:

• N52 magnets (strongest available, ensures reliable mounting and fast wireless charging alignment)
• Qi2 certified (guarantees proper magnetic alignment ring placement)
• Slim profile (thick cases reduce wireless charging efficiency)
• Quality materials (polycarbonate + TPU is the sweet spot for protection without bulk)
• Accessory ecosystem (does the brand offer wallets, mounts, and chargers that work together?)

MagBak Galaxy S26 Cases: Built for What Samsung Left Out

MagBak cases for the Galaxy S26 lineup use N52 magnets, the strongest grade commercially available. That means your phone locks onto chargers, mounts, and wallets with a satisfying snap and stays exactly where you put it.

The MagBak Elite Case takes it further with features you won't find on any other case:

• Swappable accent colors (change your look without changing your case)
• Built-in kickstand (watch videos, take video calls, prop it up anywhere)
• Finger loop (extendable for a secure grip, tucks away when you don't need it)
• Pinky pillow (comfort pad at the bottom edge for one-handed use)
• Screen protector included (raised edges guard that massive S26 Ultra camera island)

Both the Classic ($59) and Elite lines support wireless charging, Qi2 magnetic alignment, and work seamlessly with the full MagBak accessory ecosystem (wallets, car mounts, desk mounts, and chargers).

Galaxy S26 Day One Setup: The Magnetic Essentials

If you're preordering the S26 or picking one up at launch, here's the accessory shortlist to get the most out of your new phone from day one:

1. Magnetic case with N52 magnets (this is non-negotiable, it unlocks everything else)
2. Qi2 wireless charger (25W magnetic chargers are finally mainstream, Anker and Belkin both have great options)
3. Magnetic car mount or charger (snap your phone on the dash, no fumbling with clamps)
4. Magnetic wallet (ditch the bulky traditional wallet, carry 2-3 cards on the back of your phone)

The case is the foundation. Without strong magnets in your case, none of the other accessories work reliably.

Samsung vs. Apple vs. Google: The Magnet Scorecard

Feature	Galaxy S26	iPhone 17	Pixel 10
Built-In Magnets	❌ No	✅ Yes (MagSafe)	✅ Yes
Qi2 Support	✅ Yes (25W)	✅ Yes (25W)	✅ Yes
Magnetic Accessories	Case required	Works out of box	Works out of box
Solution	N52 magnetic case	Any MagSafe case	Any Qi2 case

Samsung's the odd one out. If you're coming from an iPhone or Pixel, you're used to magnets just working. On the S26, you need a case to bridge the gap. The good news? A quality magnetic case actually gives you stronger magnets than what Apple or Google build into their phones.

The Bottom Line

The Galaxy S26 looks like a fantastic phone. Samsung nailed the display, the cameras, and the performance. But they dropped the ball on magnets for the third year running, and with Qi2 accessories going mainstream in 2026, that's a bigger miss than ever.

The fix is simple: get a case with strong magnets on day one. Your charging, mounting, and accessory experience will be dramatically better for it.

— The MagBak Team