Galaxy S26 could finally fix Samsung’s Exynos struggles
Samsung hit a snag with the Exynos 2500 chip for the Galaxy S25 and S25+. Problems at the factory—or maybe just bad timing—meant they couldn’t make enough, so they switched to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for all models. Still, Samsung hasn’t given up and plans to use the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy Z Flip FE before the year ends.
Looking ahead, whispers from South Korea suggest the Galaxy S26 might turn things around for Samsung’s Exynos chips. The company is betting big on the Exynos 2600 to power next year’s lineup, hoping to leave past troubles behind.
The Exynos 2600 is shaping up nicely for the Galaxy S26. Samsung is fine-tuning its production with something called the SF2 process, using its third-generation GAA tech. Mass production should kick off later this year, and the upgrades promise a 12% speed boost, 25% better battery life, and a 5% smaller size. Early tests show a 30% success rate in making the chips, which is a good sign. That’s a step up from the Exynos 2500 mess, and there’s still time to improve before the S26 arrives.
Samsung needs this to work. Qualcomm, the company behind Snapdragon chips, is likely to raise prices in 2026. If Samsung sticks with Snapdragon, it’ll either make less money per phone or have to charge customers more. Bringing Exynos back could keep costs down and save Samsung from that tough spot.
Fans are keeping their fingers crossed. If the Exynos 2600 delivers, the Galaxy S26 could mark a fresh start for Samsung’s homegrown chips. After some rocky years, a smooth launch would be a win for the company—and maybe for your wallet too!
