2nm Exynos 2600 Looks Set to Power Galaxy S26 Pro and Edge

Samsung’s in-house Exynos processors look set for a comeback in next year’s Galaxy flagships. The upcoming Exynos 2600 is expected to go head-to-head with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 while also helping Samsung cut costs, making it a timely and strategic return. According to Korean media, at least the two smaller Galaxy S26 models (Pro and Edge) will ship with the new chip.

Exynos 2600 to power the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge in some regions

This year, Samsung shipped all four Galaxy S25 models (including the Edge) with the Snapdragon 8 Elite globally. However, the company may bring back Exynos in 2026, at least in the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge. Rumors suggest the Pro will replace the base model, while Samsung may not launch a Galaxy S26+ at all.

By bringing back Exynos, the Korean firm is signaling both a renewed confidence in its semiconductor capabilities and a bold attempt to shake up the current smartphone chipset market. While Samsung may not go global with the Exynos 2600, this return is noteworthy. Built on Samsung Foundry’s 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) process, the Exynos 2600 reportedly delivers major improvements in power efficiency and thermal management over its predecessors.

A semiconductor industry insider noted that Samsung’s move reflects its “confidence in technological maturity and its determination to reduce reliance on Qualcomm while reasserting leadership in smartphone processors.” However, the flip side is equally clear. If Exynos falls short of expectations again, it risks damaging the Galaxy brand and becoming a costly misstep.

Beyond performance, the shift could reshape market economics. Qualcomm’s chip prices have risen sharply, partly due to reliance on TSMC’s advanced foundry processes. Reintroducing Exynos gives Samsung’s mobile division greater flexibility and potential cost savings, while the foundry division secures valuable production volume. The Galaxy S26 series launches in early 2026, so there’s some time left before we get a clearer picture.