Samsung Finalizes Dual-Chip Strategy for Galaxy S26 with Exynos 2600
Samsung Electronics is advancing to commercialize the next-generation Exynos 2600 application processor (AP). The dual-chip strategy selected for accommodating the upcoming Galaxy S26 series incorporates both the home-grown Exynos 2600 and a new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.
The Galaxy S26 Chipset Breakdown
Mobile APs act as brains for smartphones by combining the CPU, GPU, and NPU, and will be differently sourced across the Galaxy S26 lines. The plan is this:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: This top model will use Snapdragon's next 'Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen' processor across the world, thus exclusivity.
- Galaxy S26 & S26 Plus: These models will follow a parallel adoption plan. The Exynos 2600 will be used in devices launched in specific markets including South Korea, China, and certain emerging regions. Other markets will receive these models with the Snapdragon chip.
This distribution is expected to yield an approximate total quantity ratio of 3:1 in favor of Qualcomm across the entire Galaxy S26 series with about 75% of the devices being powered by Snapdragon chip.
Balancing Cost and Performance
The decision was possibly motivated by the need to balance manufacturing cost against the performance of the device. An informed source in the industry claimed that Samsung's MX (Mobile eXperience) division was in favor of using the Exynos 2600 in order to save on costs. Using its own chips means that Samsung can save on costs and also maximize the utilization of its foundry business.
This final strategy is a compromise in that the in-house chip is applied only to the standard and plus models in selected countries.
Context from the Exynos 2500
This development also comes in the wake of the Exynos 2500 fiascos. The chip never made it to the Galaxy S25 series this year due to low production yields from the 3-nanometer process and resultant product instabilities. After improvements were made, Samsung did put it onboard with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. The planned use of the Exynos 2600 in the Galaxy S26 would appear to be a step forward for Samsung's System LSI division, with Qualcomm still remaining its main supplier for flagship-level smartphones.
