Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Feature More Snapdragon Chips, Reducing Reliance on Exynos

In a strategic shift, Samsung is reportedly planning to increase the use of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips in its Galaxy S26 series, signaling a potential move away from its in-house Exynos processors for its flagship smartphones.

A Shift in Strategy for the Galaxy S26

For years, Samsung has employed a dual-sourcing strategy for its flagship Galaxy S series, equipping models in certain regions, such as its home market of South Korea and the United States, with Snapdragon chips, while using its own Exynos processors in other markets, including Europe and parts of Asia.

However, this strategy has often led to performance discrepancies between the variants, with Snapdragon-powered models frequently outperforming their Exynos counterparts in benchmarks and real-world tests. This has sometimes led to criticism from consumers and tech reviewers alike.

The latest reports indicate that for the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung plans to significantly increase the ratio of Snapdragon-equipped models. This could mean that more regions will receive the Snapdragon version, potentially phasing out the Exynos variant for flagships altogether or limiting it to a very small number of models.

Reasons Behind the Increased Snapdragon Reliance

The decision to lean more heavily on Qualcomm is likely driven by several factors. Primarily, it addresses the performance gap issue, ensuring a more consistent and premium experience for all Galaxy S26 users regardless of their location. Snapdragon chipsets, particularly the top-tier "for Galaxy" custom versions, have often been at the cutting edge of mobile performance, power efficiency, and integrated modem technology.

Furthermore, developing and manufacturing cutting-edge SoCs is incredibly expensive. By increasing its order volume with Qualcomm, Samsung may benefit from better economies of scale, potentially reducing its overall component costs. This also allows Samsung to divert its internal R&D resources to other areas, such as camera sensors, display technology, and AI software, where it holds a strong competitive advantage.

What This Means for the Future of Exynos

This news inevitably raises questions about the long-term future of Samsung's Exynos division. While a reduced role in the flagship S series might seem like a setback, it doesn't necessarily spell the end for the brand. Samsung could continue to develop Exynos chips for its mid-range and budget-friendly A-series devices, where the performance demands are less stringent and cost optimization is key.

Additionally, Exynos processors could continue to power other Samsung products, such as its range of smartwatches, tablets, and other IoT devices, creating a more vertically integrated ecosystem for its non-smartphone products.

The reported plan for the Galaxy S26 series marks a significant moment in Samsung's mobile strategy. By prioritizing a more uniform and high-performance experience with Snapdragon, Samsung is aiming to strengthen its position in the high-end smartphone market. While the role of the Exynos brand may be evolving, this move signals a pragmatic approach to delivering the best possible product to consumers and competing more effectively with rivals like Apple and Google.