Key Takeaways
1. Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, using both Exynos and Snapdragon chips.
2. The Exynos 2600 will be used in Europe, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be used in other regions.
3. The Exynos 2600 is built on a 2nm process but faces production challenges, with only a 40% yield.
4. European fans have historically complained about Exynos chips’ lower performance compared to Snapdragon, impacting their experience.
5. The S26 may offer good battery life but might struggle with gaming performance compared to Snapdragon models.
Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, and it appears they might return to their old strategy of using a mix of Exynos and Snapdragon chips. The Exynos 2600 is set to be used in Europe, while other areas will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This plan harks back to previous tactics, even though some fans have voiced their concerns, possibly impacting how the S26 series performs.
Exynos and Snapdragon: A Familiar Split
After the Galaxy S25 series exclusively featured the Snapdragon 8 Elite, rumors suggest that the Exynos 2600 could make a return for the S26, according to @Jukanlosreve on X. The Exynos 2600, built on a 2nm process but facing production challenges, will reportedly be limited to Europe. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be the go-to choice for other regions. This split might only apply to the S26 and S26+, with the S26 Ultra continuing to use Snapdragon globally, similar to the S24’s arrangement.
Europe’s Exynos Legacy
Samsung has a history of using their own Exynos chips in European models, even when they are known to perform weaker compared to their Snapdragon counterparts. For example, the Galaxy S22 series in Europe relied on the Exynos 2200, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 was the preferred option in other markets.
Galaxy fans in Europe have often complained about the Exynos chips’ lower GPU performance and power efficiency when placed against Snapdragon’s offerings, but it seems Samsung remains unfazed by this feedback. The new Exynos 2600 claims to offer 15-25% improved efficiency, yet its production yield is only about 40%, significantly below TSMC’s 60%.
Battery Life vs. Gaming Performance
The S26 could potentially provide good battery life for European users, reminiscent of the S24’s Exynos 2400. However, when it comes to gaming performance, it may struggle to match the Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU. With a launch set for January 2026, the regional differentiation in the S26 series leaves many Galaxy fans feeling let down. Will the Exynos 2600 in Europe prove to be a reliable option, or will history repeat, with Snapdragon models consistently outperforming their Exynos counterparts? Only time will tell.
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