The smartphone world is buzzing with early speculation about Samsung's next-generation flagships, and a new report has potentially revealed the core processor strategy for the Galaxy S26 series. In a move that will feel familiar to long-time Samsung fans, the company appears to be reviving its chipset split, favoring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for its top-tier model while bringing its in-house Exynos silicon back to the mainstream flagships.
According to a detailed report from Korean publication Chosun Biz, the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra will be the sole device in the lineup powered by the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy S26 and the larger Galaxy S26 Plus are slated to feature Samsung's own forthcoming Exynos 2600 chip.
This strategic decision marks a significant shift from the previous generation. After equipping the entire Galaxy S25 series globally with Snapdragon chips—a move widely praised by enthusiasts—the return of Exynos to the base S26 and S26 Plus models is being seen as a major vote of confidence from Samsung in its own semiconductor capabilities.
A Calculated Split: Brand Power and Technological Confidence
The alleged chipset hierarchy reveals a nuanced strategy. By reserving the Snapdragon chip for the Ultra model, Samsung acknowledges the enduring market power and performance reputation of the Qualcomm brand, which remains a key selling point for consumers investing in the most expensive device.
However, the deployment of the Exynos 2600 in the volume-leading base and Plus models signals a substantial internal victory for Samsung's chip design division. Industry insiders suggest this move is heavily reliant on the success and efficiency of Samsung's advanced 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) production process, which is expected to be the foundation of the Exynos 2600.
According to the initial report in Chosun Biz, this expansion of Exynos usage not only helps Samsung amortize its massive R&D costs but also strengthens its negotiating position with Qualcomm. Despite this progress, analysts believe the Ultra variant will remain a Snapdragon-exclusive device for at least another generation, with a potential shift not expected until the Galaxy S27 series in 2027.
Targeting a February 2026 Launch Window
Beyond the chipset details, the report also corroborates recent leaks about the phone's launch schedule. Samsung is reportedly aiming for a February 2026 unveiling for the Galaxy S26 series, which aligns with a previously tipped date of February 25.
However, Chosun Biz notes that the company's Unpacked event could potentially be moved up to the very end of January 2026. This accelerated timeline comes after the company worked to streamline its schedule following some internal product composition changes, such as the rumored removal of an "Edge" model and the re-inclusion of the "Plus" variant, which had initially threatened to push the launch into March.
A recent social media post from leaker @Jukanlosreve also pointed towards this late February timeframe, adding credibility to the launch window. Regardless of the exact announcement date, market availability is expected to follow in the subsequent weeks.
What Does This Mean for Consumers and Pricing?
For consumers, this chipset decision could have one very tangible consequence: price. The Qualcomm Snapdragon system-on-a-chip (SoC) is understood to be significantly more expensive for Samsung to procure than its own Exynos counterpart. Coupled with rising global component costs, the industry widely expects the Snapdragon-exclusive Galaxy S26 Ultra to see an inevitable price increase.
On the other hand, buyers opting for the standard Galaxy S26 or S26 Plus might be able to look forward to the performance and efficiency gains of the new Exynos 2600 without necessarily bearing the brunt of a significant price hike—though this remains speculative until official announcements are made.
The stage is now set for an intriguing chapter in Samsung's flagship story. The success of the Galaxy S26 series may very well hinge on the performance parity between the Exynos 2600 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, determining whether the company's dual-chipset strategy is a masterstroke or a point of contention for years to come.