Recent leaks indicate that Samsung plans to incorporate the Exynos 2600 chip into its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, although it may not feature in every model. There is a possibility that the company will revert to its dual-chip strategy used in the past.

Reports have emerged confirming Samsung’s intention to utilize the Exynos 2600 chip, reflecting the company’s efforts to ensure successful implementation after the setbacks experienced with the Exynos 2500, which has yet to power any device. A reliable tipster, known as Jukanlosreve, has stated that the Exynos 2600 is confirmed for the S26 series but has suggested a strategy reminiscent of the Exynos 990 situation, implying that Samsung may again position both Exynos and Snapdragon chips in the lineup.

Historically, Samsung employed a dual-chip strategy, where devices were powered by Exynos chips in certain regions like Europe, while Snapdragon variants were available in markets such as the United States. Even South Korea has seen a mix of both chip types.

However, difficulties in production prevented the launch of the Exynos 2500 last year, forcing Samsung to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip across all Galaxy S25 models globally, which impacted profit margins. As the situation evolves, Samsung’s 2nm process technology appears to be progressing, enabling the production of the Exynos 2600.

Despite this, it may not be sufficient to equip all S26 models. Consequently, the majority of the Galaxy S26 lineup may utilize the Exynos chip, while the Ultra variant might still rely on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip.

The Exynos 2600 is set to be Samsung’s first market-ready 2nm chip. Despite past concerns about Exynos models lagging behind Snapdragon counterparts in performance and thermal management, the advent of the 2nm process could provide an advantage.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 will remain on the 3nm process, potentially reducing performance discrepancies between the two chipsets.