Samsung Galaxy S26 may receive Exynos 2600 only in South Korea
Samsung recently unveiled the new flagship chip Exynos 2600, built on a 2nm second-generation process (SF2P). It is expected to be featured in Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ smartphones, but as reported by CTT Research, this pertains only to the South Korean market.
What is known
The main reason for such a limitation is the preference of users and mobile operators, who traditionally prefer to see Qualcomm processors in Samsung flagships. Historically, Exynos chips have lagged behind Snapdragon in performance, energy efficiency, and thermal management. Although the Exynos 2600 has improved architecture, the company does not want to risk repeating past negative experiences.
Another restrictive factor is limited production. The Exynos 2600 is manufactured using the new 2nm SF2P process at Samsung Foundry, but the yield of suitable chips currently stands at about 50%. With such efficiency, the plant simply cannot provide a sufficient number of processors for the global market.
Besides, Samsung has contractual obligations to Qualcomm. Under the current agreement, at least 75% of Galaxy S series smartphones must be equipped with Snapdragon chips. Even if the company can ramp up production of the Exynos 2600, wider use would violate these agreements.
Source: SamMobile
