Galaxy S26 Set to Feature Exynos 2600 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Processors

Samsung has officially confirmed its next flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S26 lineup, during its Q3 2025 earnings call. The announcement, made by Daniel Araujo, Vice President of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Division, marks the first public acknowledgment of the series expected to debut in early 2026.

Samsung Confirms Next-Gen Galaxy S26

During the earnings call, Araujo stated that the upcoming flagship will “revolutionise the user experience with user-centric AI, a second-generation custom AP, and stronger performance, including new camera sensors.” His comments have generated major buzz in the tech community, confirming Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile innovation .

Custom Exynos 2600 Chip and Dual Processor Strategy

Araujo’s reference to a “custom AP” strongly indicates that Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor will power at least some Galaxy S26 models. The chip is reportedly Samsung’s first in-house 2nm processor, promising faster performance and better energy efficiency.

Following its dual-chip approach, Samsung is expected to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for select variants, particularly in North America and select international markets. According to industry reports, the base Galaxy S26 model may feature the Exynos 2600, while the S26+ and S26 Ultra could include the Snapdragon version. However, Araujo clarified that Samsung “can’t yet confirm our next year’s flagship lineup,” suggesting that final decisions are still pending.

Enhanced AI and Camera Capabilities

Artificial Intelligence will be at the heart of the Galaxy S26 experience. Samsung is expected to introduce deeper on-device AI integration, optimising areas such as photography, performance, and productivity. The new camera sensors may bring significant improvements in low-light imaging and computational photography, setting new standards for smartphone photography in 2026.

Focus on Foldables and Health AI

Looking ahead, Samsung’s roadmap for 2026 emphasizes AI leadership and innovative form factors. Araujo also mentioned plans to expand the company’s foldable lineup while enhancing AI-powered health features in Galaxy Watches. This aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy to create a cohesive ecosystem of intelligent and connected devices.

Financial Outlook and Market Performance

Despite slight sales declines in North America and South Korea, Samsung posted an overall improvement this quarter, supported by stable demand for its flagship phones, tablets, and wearables. The company hinted at possible price adjustments due to rising component costs, particularly memory chips, which could influence smartphone pricing in 2026.

Setting the Stage for 2026’s Biggest Android Launch

With its upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup, Samsung seems poised to redefine the Android flagship market. Combining advanced AI processing, next-gen chips, and powerful camera systems, the Galaxy S26 series could represent a major leap forward for the company’s smartphone division and set new benchmarks for mobile innovation.