What’s happened? Despite previous reports suggesting that Samsung would equip all three Galaxy S26 models with its in-house Exynos 2600 chip, that may not hold true for the top-end Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Leaks from earlier this year claimed that Samsung would return to its split-chip strategy with the Galaxy S26 series, offering Exynos-powered models in most markets while reserving the Qualcomm variants for the US and China.
- However, an industry insider has now told Chosun Biz that Samsung only plans to equip the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus with the Exynos chip. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will reportedly be available with a Qualcomm chip, likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, in all markets.
Why is this important? Galaxy S series devices with an Exynos chip have historically underperformed compared to their Qualcomm counterparts, leading to concerns that Galaxy S26 buyers in most markets might be at a disadvantage. This latest update should come as a welcome relief for those considering the Ultra model.
- A Snapdragon-only Ultra model will ensure buyers worldwide get the same level of performance, which is only fair given that it’s expected to cost a pretty penny.
- However, this also means that Galaxy S26 Ultra buyers may miss out on the Exynos 2600’s rumored camera improvements.
Why should I care? If you’re planning to upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, this means you’ll get the best possible version no matter where you live.
- It also suggests that Samsung may lack full confidence in the Exynos 2600’s capabilities and doesn’t want the Ultra variant to fall behind other Snapdragon-powered flagships. If that turns out to be true, you may want to think twice before opting for the base or Plus variants.
- Regardless of how the Exynos 2600 ultimately stacks up against the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, those eyeing the Galaxy S26 Ultra can rest easy knowing their experience won’t be affected.
What’s next? Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series early next year, with a recent report suggesting that the company is sticking to its late-January launch schedule. However, there’s been no official confirmation yet, so plans could still change before the devices hit the shelves. Expect more details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s chipset to emerge in the coming weeks, giving us a clearer picture of Samsung’s final strategy.
