Exynos chips are 'definitely back' for the Galaxy S26, tipster claims

Summary: A new leak states with great conviction that Samsung will use the Exynos 2600 chip in next year’s Galaxy S26 series. However, we probably won’t see it in every model in the lineup. The company could return to its dual-chip strategy of yesteryear.

Samsung seems determined to use the Exynos 2600 chip in next year’s Galaxy S26 series. Multiple recent reports have revealed the company’s efforts to achieve this. They are trying to avoid a situation similar to that of the 2024 Exynos 2500, which to date has not powered any device. A new report reiterates that the Galaxy S26 lineup will use the Exynos 2600 chip, although possibly not in all models.

Jukanlosreve, a reliable tipster, has stated on X/Twitter that the “Exynos 2600 is definitely back and it will be used in the S26.” However, he also added that the situation could be similar to that of the Exynos 990. In other words, Samsung could return to its classic dual-chip strategy.

Exynos 2600 chip aims to power the Galaxy S26 series in a dual-SoC strategy

Samsung fans will remember that the company used a dual-chip strategy worldwide for its Galaxy S flagships. That is, some regions—such as Europe—received devices powered by Exynos chips, while others received Snapdragon-powered devices. Typically, most regions got the Exynos variants. On the other hand, fans in the US and some other markets enjoyed handsets with Snapdragon chips. Even South Korea, Samsung’s home country, received Snapdragon variants on occasion.

However, Samsung Foundry’s crisis prevented the production of the Exynos 2500 chip last year. Thus, the company had to resort to the powerful—and expensive—Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for all Galaxy S25 variants worldwide. This significantly reduced the profit margin per unit sold.

That said, Samsung’s 2nm process appears to be on track and will allow the company to produce the Exynos 2600. Production volumes still won’t be enough to power all the Galaxy S26 models, though. So, Samsung could use Exynos hardware in most S26 variants, while the Ultra model could use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip.

The Exynos 2600 could be the first 2nm chip available on the market

It’s noteworthy that Samsung’s dual-chip strategy has been surrounded by controversy. Several times, the Exynos-powered variants showed inferior performance and thermal management compared to the Snapdragon models. However, the Exynos 2600 will be a 2nm chip, while, according to reports, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 will continue to use the 3nm process. This could help mitigate the raw power differences between the two chips—if they exist.

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