Samsung appears set to lean more heavily on its in-house Exynos chips for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, with a fresh report suggesting that the company wants to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. According to Korean media sources, Samsung’s strategy is largely cost-driven, as rising chipset expenses are taking a toll on margins.
Exynos 2600 to Power Most Galaxy S26 Models
Reports claim that Samsung will equip at least two Galaxy S26 models — possibly the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge (or S26 Air) — with the next-generation Exynos 2600 processor, manufactured using Samsung Foundry’s 2nm process. Meanwhile, the top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra is still expected to debut with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset.
The Exynos 2600 reportedly features a 10-core CPU design that promises better power efficiency and competitive performance, even against Qualcomm’s flagship silicon.
Rising Snapdragon Costs Push Samsung Toward Exynos
The shift comes amid rising costs. In the first half of 2025, chipset procurement expenses for Samsung’s DX division rose 29.2%, mostly due to the steep prices of Snapdragon 8 Elite chips used in the Galaxy S25 series and the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 7.
With Qualcomm chip prices climbing, and TSMC’s 3nm production adding cost pressures, Samsung sees its in-house Exynos platform as a chance to regain cost efficiency while strengthening its foundry business.
A Continued Push for Exynos Across Devices
This isn’t Samsung’s first move back toward Exynos. Earlier this year, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 shipped with the Exynos 2500, marking the brand’s first foldable flagship to ditch Snapdragon altogether.
Still, challenges remain. Current chip yield rates at Samsung Foundry are reported to be around 40%, significantly lower than TSMC’s 60%. This, paired with lingering concerns about efficiency and heat management, could be a hurdle for broad adoption.
Mass Production Timeline
Samsung is reportedly planning mass production of the Exynos 2600 by November 2025, setting the stage for Galaxy S26’s early 2026 launch. By inserting more Exynos into the Galaxy S26 lineup, Samsung hopes not only to cut production costs but also to control its own supply chain, reducing dependence on Qualcomm.
What’s at Stake?
If the Exynos 2600 delivers on its promises — with competitive CPU performance, improved efficiency, and reliable yields — it could mark a turning point for Samsung’s semiconductor division. However, if efficiency or thermal issues resurface, Samsung risks consumer backlash similar to earlier Exynos launches.