Samsung is facing a crucial decision regarding the processor for the upcoming Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ models. The company must choose between its own Exynos 2600 application processor and the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
Given past challenges, this decision holds significant weight, as Samsung aims to incorporate a robust Exynos SoC into its flagship lineup for the majority of global markets. The last two years have seen Samsung rely heavily on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets due to yield issues at its foundry, costing the company approximately $400 million for using the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 series.
This dependency stems from inadequate production yields of its own Exynos 2500 SoC, which struggled with defects, leading to increased costs and limitations in chip availability. Samsung reportedly started manufacturing a prototype of the Exynos 2600, showing promising initial results, including impressive Geekbench scores that exceeded those of competitors.
The Exynos 2600, produced on a 2nm process using advanced Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology, demonstrates potential for improved performance and energy efficiency. However, concerns arise about whether such performance can be achieved sustainably without excessive power consumption.
Moreover, recent configuration rumors indicate that the Exynos 2600 may transition from a decacore design to an octa-core model, featuring two Cortex Prime cores alongside six Cortex-A cores. Should Samsung’s chip manufacturing yields remain low, the company may be forced to once again depend on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for all markets except the U.S., China, and Canada, where the Galaxy S26 and S26+ are set to utilize the Qualcomm processor.
As the launch approaches in early 2024, Samsung must decide by year’s end whether its chip production can meet the necessary yield rates to adequately power the next generation of Galaxy S smartphones.