While Samsung is planning to switch to its own Exynos 2600 chip for the Galaxy S26 series, new information about Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor could force a change in the company’s strategy.

The expected price increase for Qualcomm’s next-generation chip is reportedly either non-existent or very limited. This development is critical for Samsung to maintain its cost balance.

Exynos strategy back on the table

Following the Galaxy S25 series, rumors of a significant price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor surfaced. Therefore, Samsung is known to be working to prepare the Exynos 2600 in a timely and complete manner.

However, any disruptions in the Exynos 2600 development process could increase the total cost of the Galaxy S26 series. For Samsung to remain competitive with Apple, the new models must be priced similarly to the iPhone 17 series.

Samsung has long been trying to strike a balance between Exynos and Snapdragon. However, it is widely known among users and technology circles that Snapdragon chips are more preferred than Exynos in terms of performance and efficiency.

It was previously announced that the company had stabilized its 3nm production process and was preparing to transition to 2nm. However, resolving production efficiency issues may take longer than anticipated.

The new information makes it more cost-effective for Samsung to revert to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 in the event of a delay with the Exynos 2600. Qualcomm’s flexibility in pricing presents a significant option for Samsung in this regard.

Meanwhile, the situation is becoming more complex for Apple. It is reported that the iPhone 17 series will use 3nm chips, while subsequent models will switch to 2nm. However, the Taiwan-based nature of these chips, coupled with political developments in the US, creates uncertainty regarding production and cost. Former President Donald Trump’s demands for American-made iPhones and the ongoing debate over tariffs are putting additional cost pressure on Apple.

Given all these developments, Samsung has the flexibility to both deliver the Exynos 2600 on time and upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 when necessary. This allows the company to position the Galaxy S26 series at a more balanced price-performance ratio. These price and production imbalances in the industry ultimately impact consumers.