SAMSUNG

Samsung's Exynos 2600 chip tipped to be Galaxy S26 Pro-exclusive

The puzzle surrounding the Galaxy S26 series is slowly coming together. The latest piece offers more details about Samsung's strategy for its Exynos 2600 chip, which is expected to be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Pro.

In recent months, multiple leaks have been emerging about Samsung's first 2nm chip for phones. Now, a fresh update has shed more light on the component strategy for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Reports from South Korean media claim that the company has officially begun mass production of its next-generation flagship processor, the Exynos 2600. However, there's an even more interesting detail. Apparently, the Exynos 2600 will power only the Galaxy S26 Pro model.

2nm Exynos 2600 chip reportedly reserved for Samsung's Galaxy S26 Pro...If you haven't been following the latest leaks about the Galaxy S26 series, you might need some context. The Galaxy S26 Pro is actually the standard model in the upcoming lineup. That is, it will be the equivalent of the base Galaxy S flagships, but with a new moniker. Well, the latest report claims that Samsung will implement its Exynos 2600 chip only in this variant.

The other models, namely the Galaxy S26 “Edge” and “Ultra,” are expected to use the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.

That said, the United States and China could receive a Snapdragon-powered Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro instead of using the Exynos 2600. The company would equip its in-house chip in the units destined for Asia (except China), Korea, and Europe.

The 2nm process advantage...The Exynos 2600 showcases Samsung’s latest technology, as it is the first chip built on the advanced 2nm (SF2) process. This process integrates sophisticated Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor architecture. Compared to the previous 3nm process, this technology is expected to deliver tangible performance and efficiency gains for the standard S26, including up to 12% better performance and 25% improved power efficiency.

The production timeline began ahead of schedule, reportedly due to improved manufacturing yields. For Samsung’s Foundry business, the successful development and mass production of the Exynos 2600 is a critical step in establishing the company as a strong alternative to rivals in the 2nm chip space.

However, contrary to previous rumors, the Korean brand may keep the Exynos 2600 exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Pro.

In other words, instead of using the platform in the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge in select markets, the company may opt to include this chip in the standard model globally.

The Exynos 2600 is developed on Samsung's 2-nanometer process, which promises a 12% performance boost and 25% efficiency boost.

According to insider TheBell, the Galaxy S26 Edge and S26 Ultra are expected to ship with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy platform in all markets.

This would ensure these devices deliver the best performance not only in benchmarks but also in sales.

However, as expected, Samsung did not comment on the leak. Therefore, this should be considered just another market rumor.

Still, some analysts believe Samsung may use the Exynos 2600 even in the S26 Ultra, which has had more design details leaked again.

Samsung may also increase the prices of its upcoming flagships and is working on a number of new features for One UI 8.5.

mundophone