South Korean manufacturing giant, Samsung, will officially unveil the Samsung Galaxy S25 series in the first quarter of next year. However, while we wait for the Galaxy S25 series, there are already rumours regarding its successor, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. According to a leakster @Jukanlosreve in an X post shared by GSMArena, the Galaxy S26 series will mark the significant return of Exynos chips, a move that could lower Samsung’s need for Qualcomm in its premium phones. This follows claims that the S26 models will run on the new Exynos 2600 chip, which should avoid the issues seen with its prior version.
Samsung Galaxy S25 series sticks Snapdragon
The Galaxy S25 models, expected soon, are said to rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chips. The switch from Exynos to Snapdragon for this lineup stems from yield issues with the Exynos 2500. These problems left Samsung no choice but to delay the Exynos chip’s wider use. Instead, the fixed Exynos 2500 may now power devices like the Galaxy Z Flip7 and the Flip FE, shifting its debut to mid-range or foldable lines.
The Exynos 2500 faced trouble with production, causing setbacks for Samsung’s plans to equip its flagship phones. However, with the launch of the Exynos 2600, the company hopes to avoid such hurdles. Success with this chip would strengthen Samsung’s grip on its own tech and reduce its Snapdragon costs.
Aside from chip news, other reports claim the Galaxy S26 family could see name changes. The basic S26 model may not launch, while the Ultra could become the S26 Note. Meanwhile, the S26+ may take the name S26 Pro. These changes, though unconfirmed, hint at a possible shift in Samsung’s branding for the series.
While this information appears logical from a strategic perspective, it is essential to consider it speculative at this stage. Without any formal confirmation from Samsung, these plans remain subject to potential alteration. Nevertheless, the anticipated return to Exynos aligns with Samsung’s broader ambitions to enhance its technological independence and minimize external dependencies. Should these rumours prove accurate, Samsung enthusiasts might witness a significantly improved Exynos processor taking prominence in early 2026. Until then, attention remains firmly fixed on the imminent launch of the Galaxy S25 lineup.