After a bold reinvigoration of its custom processor strategy, Samsung is predicted to incorporate Exynos chips on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series in 2026 making it once again a well known contender within the mobile markets. The statement is expected to cause ripples within the industry as ‘bold’ and ‘custom’ has rarely been synonymous to Samsung within the past few eras.
While the speculations and the rumors of Galaxy S25 series linger in the ether, there are recent rumors surfacing regarding the Galaxy S26 series that would place them front and center within the Outshining triadic Galaxy. The much arising debate around the dual-chip approach and the integration of Exynos SoC has certainly clouded the expectations from S26 series. To get a greater understanding let’s take a deeper look at where Samsung stands within the SoC integration, the S26 leak basis and where does SoC integration approach them in terms of competition.
Revelations suggest that Samsung might have partially updated its exertion strategy, as for the last couple of years the Exynos range has had been met with harsh scrutiny. Considering how in 2025 Samsung worked on re-launching limited Exynos chips to select markets either with non Ultra models or deployed alongside Ultra models. This shows how Samsung attempts to ensure strong backlash that branded Exynos as a subpar brand. Recent reports do suggest however that Galaxy S26 would further chew into the Exynos range, in conjunction with keeping the Snapdragon Exynos for remaining models.
Key Rumored Features of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
- Exynos 2500 SoC: Expected to power the Galaxy S26 and S26+ in select markets. • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite: With ambitions of it being released alongside the S26 Ultra globally.
- Improved AI and efficiency: They claim that Samsung’s Exynos chips will be capable of focusing on enhanced AI and greater power efficiency.
Why Did Samsung Choose Exynos chips for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series?
- Samsung’s Revised Dual-Chip Strategy
Exynos and Snapdragon chip variants have contrasted poorly against each other in performance in the past which has been a standard complaint for Samsung We are not ready to dismiss the criticism of Samsung products, and for good reason, but there is hope with the release of the Exynos 2500 chipset as it features 3nm technology which is designed to improve GPU architecture alongside other features such as enhanced thermal management and better AI capabilities.
- Hardware and Software Control
By utilizing Exynos chips, the South Korean electronics giant is able to better control the entire ecosystem of their product where hardware and software integration is directly automated for them, just like Apple does with their series A chips.
- Exynos SoC Reduces Reliance On Qualcomm
While Qualcomm is still their biggest partner, Exynos chips are an indication of Samsung’s desire to reduce third party dependence and increase scale on internal tech investment.
Image Credit: X
Exynos 2500 Chipset: What To Expect
Supposedly, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip FE debuting next year will utilize the new ‘Exynos 2500’ chipset. If the speculation of Exynos 2500 is to be believed the Galaxy S26 series will gain access to it too which will result in some noted improvements like:
- 3nm Technology: Enables better energy optimization and thermal management alongside making the wear and tear duration much longer and more efficient.
- Advanced AI Features: Improved photography through real time image processing.
- New Ai features: Better real time video processing over Ai.
Problems in the production of the 3nm reportedly have delayed the processes, so it follows for Samsung that those hurdles are dealt with in order for the Exynos 2500 chipset to meet the expectations of the world.
Galaxy S26 Series Models and Processor Segmentation
Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+:
- Processor: Exynos 2500 in some regions, while in others application Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite.
- Focus: Average performance at an average price but with regard to power consumption and requirements.
Galaxy S26 Ultra:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite worldwide.
- Focus: Additional Premium features, flagship components/technology and high exclusivity.
How This Compares to Past Galaxy Lineups
Galaxy S24 Series (2024)
As to Exynos gained headway to market, it was included in the Galaxy S24 and S24+ in select geographies such as India. Obverse S24 is said to have exclusively used Snapdragon for all the markets S24 Ultra was targeted at.
Galaxy S23 Series (2023)
Global Galaxy S23 series Snapdragon -powered were available. All markets. Potentially an Exynos comeback with around the Galaxy S26 series shows the growing assurance of Samsung as regards in house chipsets. There was mixed feedback previously.
What Experts Are Saying
Whether ok Samsung strategy is such as heard in whisperings inside the industry. Hopeful Exynos: Should Samsung pull its finger out on creating break-even performance. Exynos processors will are competitive threat to external manufacturers for some time to come.
Market Acceptability Concerns: It’s likely that existing users in Exynos markets would still want to have the Snapdragon variants which is yet another hurdle that Samsung will have to navigate.
What This Means for Buyers
Advantages of Exynos Optimized Performance:
Greater hardware-software integration designed for Samsung devices. Potential Cost Savings: Models having Exynos chips might be listed cheaper than Snapdragon equivalents.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing:
Advancements in chip technology by Samsung give a more eco-friendly feel.
Performance Disparity:
Snapdragon chipsets may outperform Exynos in some performance traces.
Market Availability:
Available only in certain areas which leads to varied experience for users. Competitors to Watch in 2026 While Samsung perfects its Exynos strategy, Apple, Google and Xiaomi are also making respective advances in the flagship space.
Apple A19 Bionic (2026): Designed for extreme battery efficiency and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Google Tensor G5: Alphabet’s Sociopath Pad-fighting AI beast aimed at photography also encroaches upon Exynos territory.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite: Remains as expected – continues unrivaled operational performance
Okinoshima Deserves Rebuke: A Calculated Risk for Samsung Based on Galaxy S26 series leaks Exynos chips will be used again, which means Samsung is aiming to further lock its status as a mobile innovations leader.
While the dual-chip strategy has been on the receiving end of criticism in the past, the Exynos 2500 chipset brings some sense of optimism. With performance and manufacturing issues in the past, Samsung has an opportunity to change the perceptions around its in-house processors
It is still an open question how exactly this risk will pay out, but there is one thing that is clear – the Galaxy S26 series is beginning to form as a watershed moment in the trajectory of Samsung flagships.