Industry news: Galaxy S26 chip layout uses Snapdragon as the main force, Exynos 2 nanometer import is limited

According to "Etnews" report, the Galaxy S26 series of processors launched in 2026 will be allocated with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 as the main platform, and will also be equipped with Samsung's own-developed Exynos 2600 in some markets. The industry pointed out that Snapdragon accounts for about 70% of the S26 series, while the proportion of Exynos 2600 imported is about 30%.

In terms of specific equipment planning, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will all use Snapdragon to ensure consistency in performance and stability for the highest-end models. The S26+ and the standard version use different processors depending on the market: the North American market is mainly equipped with Snapdragon, while South Korea and some European markets are equipped with Exynos.

Industry sources revealed that Exynos 2600 is Samsung’s first mass-produced application processor using the 2nm process. However, because the 2nm process is still ramping up, the yield has not yet reached the requirements for mass shipments, which limits the supply of Exynos 2600. Based on production capacity and stability considerations, Samsung ultimately only introduced Exynos in specific markets and failed to roll it out on a wider scale.

It is worth noting that this time the Exynos 2600 uses HPB (Heat Path Block) packaging technology to establish a thermal conductive structure above the chip, which can make thermal management more effective under long-term high-load operations. As the importance of AI functions on mobile phones increases, heat dissipation has become one of the core elements of processor design, and it is also an important reason why Exynos 2600 can pass the evaluation of the MX Division.

Although the return of Exynos to the Galaxy S series is symbolic for Samsung, Qualcomm still maintains a clear lead in overall S26 shipments. Since Ultra models use Snapdragon, Snapdragon's overall share is expected to remain high, and it is difficult for the market structure to change significantly in the short term.

As for the release schedule of the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is expected to hold a public event in San Francisco on February 25, 2025. Compared with the past, which was usually unveiled in January or early February, this time it is slightly delayed, mainly because the original thin and light Edge model has been changed to S26+, and some designs and components need to be readjusted, which delays the overall launch schedule.

갤S26 AP, 퀄컴 ‘울트라’ 독식·삼성 ‘일반·플러스’ 공급 Further reading: Edge model canceled, Galaxy S26 series launch schedule restored to February next year Samsung Galaxy S26 series adopts dual-chip strategy, Qualcomm estimates supply accounted for 75%