**Samsung’s Galaxy S26 CPU Strategy Unveiled: A Blend of Exynos and Snapdragon**
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series, slated for 2026, is expected to continue the tech giant’s tradition of employing a mix of its own Exynos processors and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets, according to recent leaks. The strategy, which varies depending on the region, aims to balance cost savings and performance.
**The Expected CPU Lineup**
The standard Galaxy S26 and the S26 Plus are rumored to sport Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chipset, while the S26 Edge and the S26 Ultra are tipped to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. However, a twist in the tale is that the Snapdragon CPU might be used across all models sold in the US and China, a strategy Samsung has employed in the past.
**The Exynos vs Snapdragon Debate**
Samsung’s use of Exynos chips allows it to save on costs, but the performance of these chips has often been a topic of debate. While Exynos chips have improved over the years, they still lag behind their Snapdragon counterparts in certain aspects. This debate is set to continue with the Galaxy S26 series in 2026.
**The Galaxy S26 Series: A Recap**
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to include four models: the Galaxy S26 (renamed from the S26 to S26 Pro, likely a branding exercise), the S26 Plus, the S26 Edge, and the S26 Ultra. The S26 Pro will be the most affordable, while the S26 Ultra will pack the most power and features.
**The Galaxy S25’s All-Snapdragon Strategy**
Earlier this year, Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 series, which exclusively featured Snapdragon processors. This was reportedly due to production issues with the Exynos 2500 chipset, which eventually found its way into the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
**What’s Next for Samsung?**
Samsung is expected to stick to its usual launch schedule, unveiling the Galaxy S26 series sometime in January 2026. TechRadar will be on hand to bring you all the announcements as they happen.
**Stay Informed with TechRadar**
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However, there’s a possibility that we might not see the next-gen Galaxy S26 Edge upgrade, so stay tuned for more updates.
