Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Feature Exynos 2600 Across All Models, Including Ultra

Samsung Reportedly Going All-In on Exynos for Galaxy S26 Series, Including the Ultra Model

In what could mark a major turning point in Samsung’s chipset strategy, a new report suggests that the upcoming Galaxy S26 series will exclusively use Exynos processors, even in the high-end Galaxy S26 Ultra model. This decision represents a bold move for the company as it aims to reclaim performance leadership in the smartphone chip market with the next-generation Exynos 2600.

Exynos 2600: A Major Leap in Power and Efficiency

According to a detailed report from Hankyung (via tipster @Jukanlosreve), Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 chipset is shaping up to be one of the most advanced processors ever produced by the company. Built on Samsung’s cutting-edge 2nm fabrication process, the chip promises not only higher performance but also improved energy efficiency across the board.

Early performance benchmarks indicate that the Exynos 2600 offers a slightly better CPU performance than Apple’s upcoming A19 Pro chip. Even more impressively, its GPU performance is reportedly up to 75% faster, setting a new standard for mobile graphics power.

However, the most striking improvement comes in the area of artificial intelligence. The Exynos 2600’s NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is said to be six times faster than Apple’s counterpart and about 30% faster than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in both GPU and NPU tasks. This AI leap could make the Galaxy S26 lineup exceptionally capable for generative AI, camera scene optimization, and real-time translation features.

Samsung’s Strategic Return to Exynos Across the Lineup

Traditionally, Samsung has used a dual-chip strategy — Exynos for global markets and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon for North American and select Asian markets. However, the company seems poised to break that pattern. The report claims that the entire Galaxy S26 family — including the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra — will be powered by the Exynos 2600.

This shift is significant because the Ultra models have exclusively featured Snapdragon processors since 2022, following criticism of Exynos chips in earlier generations for lagging behind in performance and thermal management. With the Exynos 2600, Samsung appears confident that it can once again compete directly — and possibly outperform — Qualcomm and Apple.

Regional Exceptions: Snapdragon Still Likely in Select Markets

Despite this ambitious move, Samsung may continue to rely on Qualcomm in certain markets for strategic and regulatory reasons. According to the report, North America, Japan, and China are expected to receive Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 versions of the Galaxy S26 series. This ensures smoother regulatory approvals and maintains consistency with carrier preferences in those regions.

This regional chipset divide has long been a point of contention among Samsung fans, with many users preferring Snapdragon variants for their historically better performance. Nonetheless, if the Exynos 2600 lives up to expectations, this could mark the beginning of a new era where Samsung’s in-house chips regain global trust.

A Bold Step Amid Uncertain Rumors

It’s important to note that chipset rumors surrounding Samsung’s flagship phones often fluctuate. Industry insiders frequently debate whether the company will fully commit to Exynos or maintain its mixed approach. As such, while these reports are compelling, they should be taken with a grain of salt until Samsung officially confirms its plans.

The Galaxy S26 series is expected to be unveiled in January 2026, likely at Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event. If these reports prove accurate, the launch could mark a major milestone not only for Samsung’s smartphone division but also for its semiconductor ambitions.