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Galaxy S26 Ultra faces two setbacks: reduced EU-rated battery charge cycles and loss of offline tracking support, raising durability concerns.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is facing scrutiny after new regulatory and feature details revealed two potential drawbacks for buyers: a lower EU-rated battery charge cycle count and the removal of offline tracking support. The flagship device, reportedly priced around $3,300 in some markets, now raises concerns about long-term durability and security functionality.
Key Facts
- EU labeling indicates approximately 800 fewer battery charge cycles than the previous generation.
- Battery capacity remains 5,000mAh, with no increase year over year.
- Energy efficiency and drop resistance received an “A” rating, while repairability scored “C.”
- The device carries IP68 certification (up to 3 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes).
- Offline tracking support appears to be disabled.
According to European Union energy labels, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s rated battery cycle count has dropped by around 800 cycles compared to its predecessor. While the 5,000mAh battery capacity remains unchanged, fewer certified charge cycles could translate to a shorter usable lifespan for long-term owners. A reduction of this scale may represent up to a 40% decrease in projected battery longevity, depending on usage patterns.
Despite strong ratings for energy efficiency and drop resistance, the device’s repairability grade of “C” suggests more limited service accessibility. Users planning multi-year ownership may need to factor in potential battery replacement costs.
Tracking Feature Removed
Separately, reports indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra no longer supports tracking while powered off or when the battery is depleted. Previously considered a key security feature, offline tracking allowed users to locate devices even after shutdown. Its removal could make lost devices significantly harder to recover.
What Samsung May Do Next
Sources suggest Samsung could introduce its own proprietary replacement solution in the future. However, as of now, users may face increased risk if the device is lost or stolen while powered off, adding another concern to an already controversial flagship launch.
