Samsung eyes full exynos power for galaxy phones, signaling a shift in chip strategy

Samsung is betting big on its own silicon. The tech giant is aiming to power all future Galaxy smartphones with Exynos processors, a move that could reshape the company's relationship with Qualcomm and signal a new era of control over its flagship devices.

Exynos 2600 gains ground, fueling ambitions

For years, Samsung has relied on a dual-sourcing strategy, using both its own Exynos chips and Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors in its Galaxy S series. However, the Exynos 2600 AP is proving a game-changer. Deployed in Europe, South Korea, and India for the Galaxy S26 and S26+, the 2nm chip has demonstrated improved power efficiency and performance, challenging the dominance of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

The Exynos 2600’s success is a direct contrast to last year’s struggles. A low yield rate for its predecessor, the Exynos 2500, forced Samsung to spend an estimated $400 million on Snapdragon processors. This year, however, yields have improved significantly, and the Exynos 2600 has performed competitively in benchmark tests. The company had even explored creating custom chips, a strategy echoing Apple's approach with its own modems.

“We hope to equip all Galaxy lineups with our own application processor, the Exynos chip,” stated Moon Sung-hoon, Vice President of Hardware at Samsung MX during a recent event in San Jose. “We will work closely with various partners to adopt the optimal chip to improve the user experience for customers.”

The push for complete Exynos integration isn't just about cost savings. By designing chips in-house, Samsung gains greater control over features and can tailor silicon to its specific needs. The company is also eyeing the Exynos 2700 AP, with hopes that it will power 50% of the Galaxy S27 models. This represents a significant leap from the Exynos 2600's current estimated 25% market share.

While the Exynos 2600's performance is encouraging, the path to full Exynos dominance remains a complex one. Samsung Foundry's improved yields are a key factor. The company's previous struggles with 3nm GAA chip production led to delays and reliance on Qualcomm. But with the Exynos 2600’s success, Samsung appears poised to reclaim its position as a major player in mobile chip design.

The stakes are high. Samsung's ability to successfully transition to an all-Exynos lineup will have profound implications for its profitability and technological independence. Ultimately, the company’s bet on its own chip designs could redefine the competitive landscape of the smartphone industry.