Samsung Electronics Co. is reportedly set to bring back its in-house Exynos processor to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G lineup, marking a major change in its flagship smartphone strategy. According to industry sources cited by Yonhap News Agency, the company’s System LSI division has completed the development of the next-generation Exynos 2600 chip, which will power certain Galaxy S26 models starting November.
Exynos 2600 to Rival Apple’s A19 Pro Chip
The Exynos 2600 chipset, designed and developed by Samsung’s semiconductor division, reportedly delivers strong performance and energy efficiency that rivals Apple’s A19 Pro chip used in the iPhone 17 Pro models. Early in-house tests suggest that the Exynos 2600 offers a significant boost in AI processing and graphics capabilities, key areas of focus in modern premium smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G.
A Return to In-House Power for the Galaxy S26 Ultra
If Samsung decides to use the Exynos 2600 in the top-tier Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G, it would mark the first Ultra model since 2022’s Galaxy S22 to feature an in-house processor. The move signals Samsung’s growing confidence in its chip technology, as the company aims to reduce dependency on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon lineup, which has powered recent Galaxy flagships, including the S23 and S25 series.
Expected Launch and Pricing in India
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is expected to be unveiled early next year, with a global rollout likely between January and March 2026. In India, the flagship lineup is expected to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro.
Leaks suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could start at around ?1,59,999 for the base model. It may feature up to 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. However, official pricing will likely vary based on configuration and market demand.
Samsung’s Strategy for Chip Independence
Samsung’s decision to reintroduce its Exynos processor in premium smartphones comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance self-reliance and innovation within its semiconductor ecosystem. By leveraging its in-house technology, Samsung aims to offer users improved AI experiences, better battery performance, and tighter integration between hardware and software.
Q1. What processor will power the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G may feature Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor in select markets.
Q2. How does the Exynos 2600 compare to Apple’s A19 Pro chip?
Reports suggest the Exynos 2600 offers strong AI performance and energy efficiency comparable to Apple’s A19 Pro chip.
Q3. When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G launch?
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G globally between January and March 2026.
Q4. What could be the price of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G in India?
The smartphone is expected to start at around ?1,59,999 for the base model in India.
Q5. Why is Samsung bringing back Exynos chips?
Samsung aims to reduce reliance on Qualcomm and strengthen its in-house semiconductor ecosystem with better AI and hardware integration.
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