Samsung is reportedly planning a significant shift for its Galaxy S26 series, potentially equipping some models with its in-house Exynos processors. While the Galaxy S25 series, set for a 2025 release, is expected to rely exclusively on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets, speculation surrounding the 2026 Galaxy S26 lineup has already begun.
Galaxy S26 Series: Return of the Exynos Chips?
According to tipster @Jukanlosreve on X (formerly Twitter), Samsung aims to “significantly” integrate Exynos chips into the Galaxy S26 series. This move may revive the brand’s dual chipset strategy, where Exynos processors are used in select markets for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, while the Snapdragon chipsets power the Galaxy S26 Ultra globally.
Current Chipset Strategy: Exynos in Select Models
- Galaxy S24 and S24+: Equipped with the Exynos 2400 in select regions, including India. Other regions received the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Exclusively powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in all markets.
This trend aligns with Samsung’s history, as the Galaxy S23 series was launched with Snapdragon processors across all models and regions.
Exynos 2500 Development Challenges
The anticipated Galaxy S25 series was initially rumored to feature the Exynos 2500 chip. Benchmarks for the Galaxy S25+ even hinted at Exynos hardware. However, manufacturing challenges in Samsung’s 3nm chip technology reportedly delayed these plans, leading to the adoption of Snapdragon 8 Elite processors globally.
Samsung is now expected to debut the Exynos 2500 chipset in other devices, such as the Galaxy Z Flip FE and Galaxy Z Flip 7, in 2025.
What’s Next for Exynos?
Samsung’s renewed focus on Exynos chips suggests the brand is working to improve its processor technology and expand its applications. The Galaxy S26 series, particularly the non-Ultra models, could mark the comeback of Exynos-powered devices in key markets.
However, as the launch of the Galaxy S26 series is still a long way off, this information should be treated as speculative for now.
Samsung is reportedly planning to significantly utilize its in-house Exynos chips in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, set to launch in 2026. Here are the key points regarding this development:
Key Details
- Shift to Exynos Chips:
- Samsung aims to prioritize the use of Exynos processors for the Galaxy S26 lineup, marking a potential comeback for its in-house silicon after relying heavily on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips for the Galaxy S25 series.
- Regional Variations:
- The use of Exynos chips may be limited to certain regions, with models sold in the U.S. still expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. This strategy mirrors previous practices where Samsung offered different chipsets based on market demands.
- Response to Chip Pricing:
- The shift could be influenced by rising prices for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, prompting Samsung to rely more on its own Exynos chips to manage costs.
- Technical Developments:
- The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to feature the new Exynos 2600 chip, which is expected to be produced using a more efficient 2nm process, potentially improving performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations.
- Production Challenges:
- Samsung has faced yield issues with its chip manufacturing processes, which have historically impacted the performance and availability of Exynos chips. However, there are indications that these issues may be resolved by the time of the Galaxy S26’s launch.
Conclusion
Samsung’s potential integration of Exynos chips into the Galaxy S26 lineup could signal a major milestone in its chipset strategy. By balancing Snapdragon and Exynos processors, the company aims to cater to global market demands while enhancing its in-house chip technology. Stay tuned for more updates as details about the Galaxy S26 series emerge.
How will the performance of Exynos chips in the Galaxy S26 compare to Snapdragon chips
The performance comparison between Exynos chips and Snapdragon chips in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series reveals several important considerations based on current reports and expectations.
Expected Performance of Exynos Chips in Galaxy S26
- Chipset Details:
- The Galaxy S26 is rumored to feature the Exynos 2600, which is anticipated to be built on a 2nm process. This new architecture is expected to yield significant improvements in both performance and efficiency compared to previous Exynos models, potentially offering up to a 12% increase in performance and a 25% boost in power efficiency.
- Historical Context:
- Historically, Exynos chips have struggled to match the performance levels of their Snapdragon counterparts, particularly in terms of graphics processing and overall efficiency. For example, the Exynos 2500 was reportedly sidelined for the Galaxy S25 series due to yield issues and performance gaps when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
- Regional Variations:
- Reports suggest that while Exynos chips may be used significantly in regions like Europe and Asia, models sold in the U.S. will likely continue to utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. This strategy mirrors past practices where different markets received different chipsets based on local preferences and performance needs.
Snapdragon Chips Performance
- Established Performance:
- Snapdragon chips, particularly the Snapdragon 8 Elite, have established a strong reputation for high performance, energy efficiency, and superior graphics capabilities. They are widely regarded as industry leaders in mobile processing power.
- Market Preference:
- Many users and reviewers have favored Snapdragon processors for their consistent performance across various tasks, including gaming and multitasking. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is expected to maintain this trend, especially with its advanced architecture.
- Price Considerations:
- A potential price increase for Snapdragon chips could influence Samsung’s decision-making process regarding chip selection for future models. If Qualcomm raises prices significantly, Samsung may lean more towards using Exynos chips to manage costs.
Will the Exynos chips in the Galaxy S26 be available in all regions
The Exynos chips in the Samsung Galaxy S26 series are expected to be available in select regions, but not universally. Here are the key points regarding their availability:
- Regional Distribution: Reports indicate that Samsung plans to utilize its Exynos processors significantly in various markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This aligns with Samsung’s historical strategy of deploying Exynos chips in these regions.
- Qualcomm for the U.S. Market: The Galaxy S26 models sold in the United States are likely to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips instead of Exynos. This approach mirrors previous practices where different chipsets were used based on regional preferences and market demands.
- Previous Patterns: Similar to the Galaxy S24 series, which also used Exynos chips in certain markets while relying on Snapdragon for others, the Galaxy S26 is expected to follow this pattern, ensuring that consumers in specific regions have access to Samsung’s in-house technology while maintaining Snapdragon’s performance in the U.S.
- Future Developments: While Exynos chips are making a return with the Galaxy S26 series, there are indications that Samsung is also working on future iterations of its processors, potentially for the Galaxy S27 lineup.
In summary, while Exynos chips will be a prominent feature of the Galaxy S26 series in many regions, they will not be available everywhere, particularly in the U.S., where Snapdragon will continue to dominate.
What improvements are expected with Samsung’s 2nm process for the Exynos 2700
The Exynos 2700 chipset, set to power the upcoming Galaxy S27 series, is expected to bring several significant improvements due to its development on Samsung’s second-generation 2nm process (SF2P). Here are the key enhancements anticipated with this new manufacturing technology:
1. Performance Boost
- The Exynos 2700 is projected to deliver a 12% increase in performance compared to its predecessor. This improvement is crucial for meeting the growing demands of users for high-performance applications, gaming, and multitasking capabilities.
2. Power Efficiency
- One of the most notable advantages of the 2nm process is its potential for enhanced power efficiency. The Exynos 2700 is expected to reduce power consumption by approximately 25%, which could significantly improve battery life for devices utilizing this chipset. This is particularly important as smartphones increasingly become central to daily activities.
3. Reduced Die Size
- The Exynos 2700 will feature a die size that is 8% smaller than previous generations. A smaller die not only contributes to more compact device designs but also aids in thermal management, allowing for better performance during extended use without overheating.
4. Advanced Fabrication Technology
- The transition to a 2nm process signifies a leap in fabrication technology, which can lead to improved transistor density and performance characteristics. This advancement may enable Samsung to integrate more features into the chipset while maintaining efficiency.
5. Enhanced Thermal Management
- With the combination of a smaller die size and improved power efficiency, the Exynos 2700 is expected to exhibit better thermal performance. This can lead to sustained performance levels during heavy usage scenarios, such as gaming or intensive multitasking.
How will the 2nm process impact battery life in the Galaxy S27
The 2nm process used in the upcoming Exynos 2700 chipset for the Samsung Galaxy S27 is expected to have a significant positive impact on battery life. Here are the key ways it will enhance battery performance:
1. Reduced Power Consumption
- The 2nm process is anticipated to reduce power consumption by approximately 25% compared to previous generations. This reduction means that devices powered by the Exynos 2700 will require less energy to perform the same tasks, leading to longer battery life during regular use.
2. Improved Efficiency through GAAFET Technology
- Samsung’s new manufacturing technology utilizes Gate-All-Around Field Effect Transistors (GAAFETs), which provide better control over electron flow. This improved control reduces power leakage and enhances overall energy efficiency, contributing further to extended battery life.
3. Higher Transistor Density
- The ability to pack more transistors into a smaller area allows for more efficient processing capabilities without increasing power draw. This means that the Exynos 2700 can handle demanding applications and multitasking scenarios more effectively while consuming less power overall.
4. Smaller Die Size
- The Exynos 2700 will feature an 8% smaller die size, which not only allows for more compact device designs but also aids in thermal management. Improved thermal management helps maintain optimal performance without excessive power consumption, further supporting better battery longevity.
5. Enhanced Performance with Lower Energy Use
- With an expected performance increase of 12%, the Exynos 2700 can execute tasks more efficiently. This means that users can enjoy high-performance applications and gaming without a corresponding increase in energy consumption, thus preserving battery life during intensive use.
