Report: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to Get Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Standard Models to Use Exynos 2600
Samsung’s upcoming flagship series, the Samsung Galaxy S26, is already generating buzz with reports from South Korea suggesting a familiar processor strategy for its different models. The top-tier Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will reportedly be powered by the unannounced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This contradicts previous rumours that the device too will be powered by the Exynos 2600.
According to reports from the South Korean news outlet Chosun Biz, Samsung will continue to differentiate its premium models. While the S26 Ultra is set to receive the flagship Snapdragon chip, the standard Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus models are expected to be equipped with Samsung’s own next-generation processor, the Exynos 2600.
This decision is based on market perception, as the Snapdragon name remains synonymous with premium performance for many consumers. This strategy mirrors Samsung’s previous S24 lineup, where the Galaxy S24 Ultra also utilise a top-of-the-line Qualcomm processor.
The Exynos 2600, meanwhile, is described as Samsung’s most powerful mobile chip to date, built on the company’s advanced 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) manufacturing process. The move to use this chip in two of the three S26 models indicates Samsung’s growing confidence in both the performance of its in-house designs and its production capabilities.
While the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch with the Qualcomm chip, reports suggest that Samsung may aim to use its Exynos processors across its entire premium flagship line in the future.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to be unveiled in late January 2026, with sales expected to begin in mid-to-late February 2026.
