Samsung’s Upcoming Galaxy S25 and S26 Flagships to Feature Snapdragon-Only Chips

Following Qualcomm’s unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Elite earlier this week, industry speculation suggests that Samsung is poised to make a significant shift with its Galaxy S25 and S26 models. New rumors indicate that the South Korean technology giant may opt for a Snapdragon-only strategy for these upcoming flagship devices, departing from its traditional dual-chip approach that includes its own Exynos processors.

While previous reports hinted at various scenarios ranging from continued Exynos usage to incorporating MediaTek chips in some devices, the latest information from a well-known leaker highlights a decisive move towards exclusively utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips. Ice Universe, a prominent figure in the tech community, shared on Weibo that Samsung’s next-generation Exynos chip, intended for the Galaxy S27, will be developed using a cutting-edge 2nm manufacturing process. However, it seems the company plans to rely solely on Snapdragon chips for both the S25 and S26 models.

This wouldn’t be the first instance of Samsung taking this route. The Galaxy S23 series was launched with a Snapdragon-only configuration, which garnered positive reviews due to its enhanced performance capabilities. Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, built on the innovative Oryon cores, shows promising speed improvements over its predecessors, making it a natural fit for Samsung’s top-tier smartphones.

Despite this shift in strategy, it’s important to note that Samsung still has the option to integrate Exynos processors in other devices, and it’s too early to declare a complete end to their in-house chips. However, the quite noticeable performance gap between Snapdragon and Exynos offerings in recent years likely plays a significant role in this decision.

Another factor to consider involves ongoing legal disputes between Arm and Qualcomm, which could potentially have implications for Qualcomm’s business operations if they lose their Arm license. Such a development might lead to bans on products utilizing their latest chips, posing an uncertainty that could affect Samsung’s plans moving forward. For now, the situation remains fluid, and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further updates as the launch dates for Galaxy S25 and S26 draw closer.

While Samsung continues to make strategic decisions regarding its chipsets, the upcoming Galaxy S24 series is also generating excitement. Customers who reserve the new line can avail themselves of a special offer, including a $50 credit.

In summary, Samsung appears to be leaning towards a Snapdragon-only lineup for its next flagship series, reinforcing its commitment to delivering top performance in its smartphones amidst competitive market pressures. As developments unfold, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike will be keenly observing how this decision impacts both Samsung’s product offerings and the overall landscape of next-generation mobile technology.