Samsung Teases Exynos, AI and Camera Upgrades for Galaxy S26 — and Higher Prices

We are entering the final two months of the year, and there’s still plenty of uncertainty around Samsung’s next-gen flagships. The company is reportedly making some last-minute changes before the Galaxy S26 phones enter mass production, potentially delaying their launch. Meanwhile, Samsung executives have hinted at Exynos chip and major AI and camera enhancements, as well as a price increase.

Galaxy S26 series to bring major AI and camera enhancements

In his Q3 2025 earnings presentation, Daniel Araujo, VP of Samsung’s smartphone Division, said the Galaxy S26 series will “revolutionize the user experience with user-centric, next-gen AI, a second-generation custom AP, and stronger performance, including new camera sensors.” Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun echoed the sentiments at a separate event.

“Samsung Electronics will make full-fledged efforts to integrate its unique technology and AI capabilities,” Jun said, adding that Samsung needs to become an “AI-driven company” to bolster its competitive edge. These comments come amid rumors of advanced Agentic AI and Ambient AI for the Galaxy S26 lineup. These technologies make devices think, respond, and assist more naturally.

Araujo’s “second-generation custom AP” reference also confirms the debut of the Exynos 2600 with the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung hinted at this possibility in its official Q3 2023 earnings report as well. For the uninitiated, the Exynos 2600 builds upon the Exynos 2500, which marked Samsung’s renewed push into flagship SoCs.

Perhaps the most exciting confirmation is that Samsung is indeed planning new camera sensors for the Galaxy S26 series. This aligns with recent leaks suggesting upgrades for primary and telephoto cameras. After earlier rumors of minimal hardware updates, this comes as a relief for fans hoping for a more capable imaging system.

Unfortunately, all of this might come at a cost. Consumers might need to brace for higher prices, not because of upgrades but because of “increasing material costs,” if we are to believe Samsung. Perhaps the company could keep the prices flat by using the Exynos 2600 in more Galaxy S26 units, as the in-house chip comes cheaper than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. More details are awaited.