Some users' concerns about slower charging speeds on the Galaxy S23 with One UI 6.1 may not be accurate

Samsung recently began rolling out its highly anticipated One UI 6.1 update to a range of flagship smartphones and tablets, including the Galaxy S23 series. While this update introduces a plethora of new features, including the innovative Galaxy AI, some users have voiced concerns about experiencing slower charging speeds on their Galaxy S23 devices after upgrading to One UI 6.1. However, our investigation reveals that these concerns may not be entirely accurate.

A user on Samsung's Community forum for UAE raised the alarm, claiming that One UI 6.1 had restricted their Galaxy S23's charging speed to 15 watts, down from the device's supported 25-watt charging capability. This post prompted further discussion on platforms like X/Twitter, where several users reported similar observations of slower charging speeds on their Galaxy S23 devices following the update.

To verify these claims, we conducted our own testing with a Galaxy S23 running on One UI 6.1. Using a 120W PPS charger and a Pluggable Voltage And Amperage Meter, we measured the device's charging speed. Contrary to the reported limitations, our findings revealed that the Galaxy S23 was consistently charging at around 20 watts, with occasional spikes up to 25 watts, particularly when the battery level was low.

It's important to note that charging wattage typically decreases as the battery percentage increases, a phenomenon observed across many smartphone models. Therefore, the reported charging speed of 15 watts by some users may be influenced by the battery's current level rather than a software-imposed limitation.

While Electron, the app used by some users to monitor battery and charging statistics, may provide valuable insights, it's essential to consider the possibility of inaccurate readings. Further testing, including assessments with Electron and on additional Galaxy S23 models, will provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

In conclusion, our initial investigation suggests that Samsung has not deliberately limited the charging speed of the Galaxy S23 to 15 watts with the One UI 6.1 update. However, we will continue to monitor and update our findings to ensure accurate information for users experiencing charging speed concerns on their devices.

A user on Samsung's Community forum for UAE raised the alarm, claiming that One UI 6.1 had restricted their Galaxy S23's charging speed to 15 watts, down from the device's supported 25-watt charging capability