Samsung's Exynos 2600 chip tipped to be Galaxy S26 Pro-exclusive
In recent months, multiple leaks have been emerging about Samsung's first 2nm chip for phones. Now, a fresh update has shed more light on the component strategy for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Reports from South Korean media claim that the company has officially begun mass production of its next-generation flagship processor, the Exynos 2600. However, there's an even more interesting detail. Apparently, the Exynos 2600 will power only the Galaxy S26 Pro model.
2nm Exynos 2600 chip reportedly reserved for Samsung's Galaxy S26 Pro
If you haven't been following the latest leaks about the Galaxy S26 series, you might need some context. The Galaxy S26 Pro is actually the standard model in the upcoming lineup. That is, it will be the equivalent of the base Galaxy S flagships, but with a new moniker. Well, the latest report claims that Samsung will implement its Exynos 2600 chip only in this variant.
The other models, namely the Galaxy S26 “Edge” and “Ultra,” are expected to use the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
That said, the United States and China could receive a Snapdragon-powered Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro instead of using the Exynos 2600. The company would equip its in-house chip in the units destined for Asia (except China), Korea, and Europe.
The 2nm process advantage
The Exynos 2600 showcases Samsung’s latest technology, as it is the first chip built on the advanced 2nm (SF2) process. This process integrates sophisticated Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor architecture. Compared to the previous 3nm process, this technology is expected to deliver tangible performance and efficiency gains for the standard S26, including up to 12% better performance and 25% improved power efficiency.
The production timeline began ahead of schedule, reportedly due to improved manufacturing yields. For Samsung’s Foundry business, the successful development and mass production of the Exynos 2600 is a critical step in establishing the company as a strong alternative to rivals in the 2nm chip space.
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