A recently discovered firmware leak for Samsung’s One UI 8.5 has given the world an early preview of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The leak, found by developers, details major hardware upgrades for the 2025 flagship phone. Key among the revelations are a significant jump to 60W fast charging and the inclusion of Qualcomm’s next-generation processor, tentatively named the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
A Big Jump to 60W Fast Charging
Samsung appears ready to move past its long-standing 45W charging limit. For years, users have watched as competing brands pushed charging speeds well beyond 100W, leaving Samsung’s flagships feeling a step behind. The firmware code explicitly references a 60W charging capability for the S26 Ultra.
This upgrade is more than just a number on a spec sheet. A move to 60W could dramatically reduce the time it takes to fully charge the device, offering users a much more convenient experience. No longer will a full battery require an overnight charge, as quick top-ups during the day will become far more effective. This change signals that Samsung is finally listening to customer feedback and is ready to compete on battery speed.
Under the Hood with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
The leak also gives us the first mention of Qualcomm’s next top-tier chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This name breaks from the recent “Gen” series, suggesting a new direction for Qualcomm’s branding. While official details are not yet available, the firmware’s inclusion points to what we can expect from the new silicon.
Based on industry trends and the information available, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to deliver significant gains. Samsung’s early adoption confirms its commitment to positioning the Ultra model as the pinnacle of Android performance. Key improvements will likely include:
- Improved efficiency and higher clock speeds built on an advanced 3nm process.
- A more powerful GPU to handle demanding games and complex AI tasks.
- Better on-device processing for generative AI features within One UI.
- Enhanced thermal controls to maintain performance during heavy use.
Samsung’s New Strategy in the Charging Wars
For a long time, Samsung has been conservative with its charging technology, often citing battery longevity and safety as primary concerns. While admirable, this caution has made its phones seem dated compared to Chinese brands that offer blazing-fast charging. This leak suggests that the company is shifting its strategy.
A 60W charging system puts the Galaxy S26 Ultra in a much stronger competitive position. However, there might be a catch. Samsung will likely require users to buy a compatible 60W charger separately, as it has done with previous models. This could lead to criticism from buyers who expect an expensive flagship phone to include all necessary accessories in the box.
One UI 8.5 is More than a Facelift
The firmware leak wasn’t just about hardware. The included software, One UI 8.5, reveals that Samsung is building the necessary foundation to support these powerful new features. The code contains updated battery management systems and improved thermal regulation modules.
These software enhancements are crucial for safely managing the heat generated by 60W charging and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip. Furthermore, the firmware shows deeper integration of Galaxy AI, likely leveraging the new chip’s improved neural processing unit (NPU) for faster and more complex on-device AI models.
What We Still Don’t Know
While this leak is substantial, it leaves many questions unanswered. The firmware did not contain any information about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera system, which is often the most anticipated feature of the Ultra line.
Details on RAM and storage configurations were also missing. Finally, the leak gave no clues about the phone’s external design or any new software-based camera improvements. Fans will have to wait for future leaks or an official announcement to get the full picture.
