Recent leaks indicate that the Galaxy S26 may reintroduce the Exynos chip, specifically the Exynos 2600, for certain regions. This marks a strategic shift for Samsung, as the company previously opted for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chips for the Galaxy S25 line due to production delays with the Exynos 2500.
The trusted tipster Jukanlosreve has shared insights bolstering earlier reports about the Exynos 2600. Samsung is reportedly focused on improving the yield rate of the Exynos 2600, manufactured with a 2nm process.
However, there are concerns about the chip’s availability, drawing parallels to the Exynos 990, which was more widely used than current expectations suggest. Interestingly, the Exynos 990 powered the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 globally—aside from the U.S., Canada, and China—whereas future Exynos integration might mirror the Galaxy S22 strategy of using Snapdragon everywhere but Europe.
Leaks indicate that while the Ultra model of the Galaxy S26 will likely feature Qualcomm’s chip globally, the standard models may utilize the Exynos processor in most markets. Samsung’s decision to incorporate its chipsets has caused mixed reactions, particularly since consumers have noted performance differences favoring Qualcomm since the Galaxy S20 series.
The Exynos 2600’s performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 remains uncertain until benchmarks surface. Additional rumors surrounding the Galaxy S26 include the return of variable aperture for its camera, a significant feature for photography enthusiasts.
Moreover, improvements like a larger battery, reportedly 5,500 mAh, appear to cater to growing consumer demands for long-lasting smartphones. Official announcements for the Galaxy S26 series are anticipated in early next year, although details may evolve as the launch date approaches.
As competition with Apple’s iPhone 17 and the Pixel 10 heats up, the landscape of flagship smartphones continues to change rapidly.