The Future of Samsung’s Galaxy SSeries: Exynos vs. Snapdragon
The Power of Samsung Galaxy S Handsets
Samsung Galaxy S handsets have long been hailed as some of the most powerful smartphones on the planet. However, this power comes at a cost. The balance between top-tier performance and the cost of the silicon that powers these smartphones has led Samsung to partner with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets and its own Exynos brand.
The Exynos vs. Snapdragon Debate
Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Exynos Chipset
The current generation of Galaxy S25 devices exclusively run on Snapdragon hardware. However, there’s speculation about whether Qualcomm’s exclusivity will continue for the Galaxy S26. Writers for FN News, Kim Jun-seok, and Im Su-bin, have discussed Samsung’s potential return to the Exynos 2600 chipset.
| As of Tuesday, September 20th, 2023. | Exynos 2600 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 For Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| Benchmark Performance | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Battery Life | Better | Slightly lower |
| Market Position | General consumer | Enthusiast and performance-focused users |
The lower cost of the home-grown Exynos chipset could lead Samsung to adopt a split inventory system similar to what we’ve seen in the past, leaving Snapdragon chipsets for higher-end models. Despite being generally less powerful than Snapdragon, Exynos offers better battery life, a factor that many consumers value.
Samsung Galaxy S26 and Qualcomm
The Galaxy S Ultra, known for its high benchmark scores and maximum power, has traditionally been powered by Qualcomm chips. This year, Qualcomm provided an even more powerful option, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 For Galaxy, exclusively for Samsung. This overclocked chipset has set new benchmarks for performance in the smartphone industry. However, the question lingers: will the Galaxy S26 family continue to rely solely on Qualcomm’s more expensive Snapdragon chips, or will Samsung’s Exynos chipsets make a return, primarily in the lower-specced models?
The Exynos 2600 Strategy
Update: As information continues to surface regarding Samsung’s objectives for the Exynos 2600 chipset, notable details have come to light. NotebookCheck’s Alex Alderson outlined the key targets centered around productivity and profitability. Samsung Foundry aims to hit a seventy percent yield mark for mass production viability. Currently, the yield rate on its 2nm node process hovers between twenty and thirty percent, far below its competitors, such as TSMC, which is reaching sixty percent on similar 2nm nodes.
These differences make an investment into mass production unpredictable. By focusing on Exynos 2600 production, Samsung could potentially free up some of the parts of the chip making market from companies like Qualcomm and Nvidia. A high-performing Exynos chipset in the Galaxy S26 could be a significant accomplishment to compete in the market.
Samsung’s Exynos 2500 is expected to ship in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable this summer, but eyes are mainly on January 2026 for the eventual release of the Galaxy S25.
Decision Time for the Galaxy S26
The FN News team suggests that initial mass production of Galaxy S26 prototypes will commence this summer. This production will provide Samsung with the necessary data to finalize the specifications for the Galaxy S26, announcing themselves in the Summer through certain Government departments. The hot market target will be the January launch.
Stay in the know, explore the future of Samsung and check out Forbes’ weekly Android news digest for the latest on the Samsung Galaxy S26, Pixel 9a, and other Android world headlines. Keep reading to stay ahead of the trend and know what Samsung is authorised to whisper of what’s coming next.
Pro Tip: If you’re a tech enthusiast waiting for top-tier performance, stay tuned for any updates around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Samsung has confirming stories of an upgraded version of the overclocked chipset for the Exynos 2500 spec sheet which is rumored for the next Galaxy Flip foldable lineup.
FAQ Section
Q: What are the main differences between Snapdragon and Exynos chipsets in Samsung Galaxy S series?
A: Snapdragon chipsets are known for higher performance benchmarks but come at a higher cost. Exynos chipsets are more cost-effective and can offer better battery life.
Q: Will Samsung use Exynos chipsets in the Galaxy S26?
A: There is a possibility Samsung will use Exynos chipsets in lower-specced models of the Galaxy S26 to reduce costs.
Q: What is the goal for the Exynos 2600 chipset?
A: Samsung Foundry aims to achieve a seventy percent yield mark for mass production viability of the Exynos 2600.
Did you know?
By comparing benchmark performance, cost, battery life, and market target for each chipset, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a Galaxy S series phone.
Stay in the know and continue to explore the fascinating world of Samsung smartphones. If you have any specific questions or want to dive deeper into the future of Samsung’s line-up, come back and ask me to find the answers for you.