SAMSUNG

Samsung may be about to return to a processor-by-region strategy

After a rare global consensus with the Galaxy S25 — all powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite processors — Samsung may be about to return to a strategy that has drawn criticism in the past: launching different variants depending on the region of the world.

The most recent reports point to a separation between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 models. While everything indicates that the Fold 7 will maintain the Snapdragon 8 Elite, used in the current generation of the brand's top-of-the-line devices, the Flip 7 could come equipped with a new Exynos processor in certain regions.

This scenario is nothing new. For years, Samsung has made its flagship smartphones available with different processors: Snapdragon in the US and Exynos in other markets, including Europe. The practice generated dissatisfaction, especially because models with Exynos were often criticized for presenting inferior performance, shorter autonomy and more pronounced heating.

In 2024, Samsung's semiconductor division faced difficulties in manufacturing processors with 3nm technology. Low production rates have forced the company to turn exclusively to Qualcomm to power the Galaxy S25 series in all markets. The result was well received: consistent performance across all models, regardless of country of purchase.

However, this change may have only been temporary. With recent improvements in manufacturing processes — and the promise of advances in 2nm chips — Samsung appears determined to return to integrating its own processors into its premium devices.

Samsung's next big bet is the Exynos 2600, expected to power the Galaxy S26. The brand has made rapid progress in production with 2nm technology, which could allow the Exynos line to return in full force.

Still, reports suggest Samsung is continuing to test. Two models of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 have been spotted with Exynos processors, while the Fold 7 with Snapdragon may be reserved for the North American market. This suggests that, similar to the past, we may again see internal differences in models that, at first glance, appear identical.

For users, this possibility raises doubts. Has Samsung finally managed to develop an Exynos processor on par with its competitors? Or will you once again be faced with a scenario where performance depends on the country where you purchase the equipment?

For now, nothing is official. But if this year's foldables are any indication, you could see an old problem return: two phones with the same name... but very different behaviors.

mundophone