New Details About Galaxy A57’s Exynos 1680 Chip Emerge

Samsung recently launched the Exynos 2600 without an integrated modem. The new flagship processor will pair with an external modem, Samsung’s Shannon 5410. This sparked speculation that the company might be moving toward a broader shift away from integrated modems across its Exynos lineup. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case, as a new leak suggests that the Exynos 1680 will retain an integrated modem.

Samsung isn’t doing away with integrated modems for Exynos chips

For the past few years, Samsung’s flagship Exynos chips have featured integrated modems, which is why the Exynos 2600 launching without one raised a few eyebrows. While the company hasn’t officially confirmed anything, recent developments suggest the Galaxy S26’s 2nm processor is designed to pair with the external Shannon 5410 modem.

The motivation behind this shift remains unclear, but current signs indicate it’s a design choice specific to this flagship platform rather than a broader change across the entire Exynos lineup. Tipster @erenylmaz075 claims Samsung is developing the Exynos 1680 with an integrated Shannon 5348 modem. This chip will power the upcoming Galaxy A57, expected in the first quarter of 2026.

An integrated modem is embedded directly into the SoC, which reduces power consumption and saves internal space. It also lowers manufacturing costs and typically results in better thermal efficiency. A non-integrated (external) modem, on the other hand, operates as a separate chip. While this approach increases complexity, cost, and power draw, it gives manufacturers greater flexibility to use cutting-edge modem technology.

Samsung may have already announced the Exynos 2600, but the chip won’t make its debut until February or March 2026. It is likely to power the Galaxy S26 and/ or S26+ in some markets, if not globally. The new flagships may go official in late February, with a market release in March. We will keep you posted as more details emerge.