The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has officially launched, bringing with it a significant shift as all models now feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This is a marked departure from last year’s Galaxy S24 models, where some variants used the Exynos chip. Reports suggest that Samsung may return to its in-house Exynos processors for the Galaxy S26 series, with production of the new Exynos 2600 already underway.
Samsung’s Exynos 2600 may power Galaxy S26 series
A report from The Bell reveals that Samsung has reached a yield rate of over 30% in the test production of its Exynos 2600 processor, built on the advanced 2nm process. This is a notable improvement from the previous Exynos 2500, which struggled with yields as low as 20%. With mass production of the Exynos 2600 expected to begin later this year, Samsung is optimistic about its readiness for the Galaxy S26 series.
The Exynos 2600 is poised to enhance both performance and power efficiency, promising a 12% performance boost and a 25% increase in power efficiency. If this progress continues, it could signal the return of Exynos chips in some Galaxy S26 models, potentially helping Samsung maintain competitive pricing while avoiding higher costs from Snapdragon alternatives.
Exynos 2600’s potential impact on pricing and performance
Samsung’s decision to switch to Snapdragon chips for the Galaxy S25 series was largely driven by production delays with the Exynos 2500, and while Qualcomm’s chips are often considered superior, Exynos could help reduce costs for Samsung. The potential return of Exynos for the Galaxy S26 could bring improved profitability and provide more opportunities for upgrades in other areas, particularly in the Ultra model, which might feature enhanced camera capabilities, such as a 200MP sensor.
Our opinion
If Samsung can ensure the Exynos 2600 performs competitively with Qualcomm’s chips, it could offer an attractive alternative for consumers, balancing cost and performance. It will be interesting to see how the chip fares in real-world use.
