The Exynos 2600 Chip Can Save Samsung Up To IDR 502,000 Per Galaxy S26 Unit

Exynos 2600, will strengthen the Galaxy S26 flagship. (photo: dock. samsung)

JAKARTA - Samsung is rumored to be returning to use its own chipset, the Exynos 2600, on the Galaxy S26 flagship line. This decision is said to be able to provide significant financial benefits, namely savings of around 20'30 US dollars (Rp334-502 thousand) per unit compared to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset purchase cost.

This move is projected not only to reduce dependence on competitors, but also to increase the profitability of Samsung's mobile division. Even so, this decision again raises old concerns about the difference in performance between chipset variants.

According to industry reports, Samsung will supply the Exynos 2600 chipsets to the Galaxy S26 and S26+ models through the LSI System division. The price offered for the company's internals is reported to be lower by 30 US dollars compared to the purchase cost of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Thus, Samsung no longer fully depends on Qualcomm for its flagship devices.

This decision is considered very strategic considering the current cost of the flagship class silicon component continues to increase. Qualcomm itself is expected to sell Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at a price of between 240 to 280 US dollars per unit, depending on the volume of orders and contract deals. For comparison, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset was previously sold in the range of 170'200 US dollars, resulting in a drastic price spike.

By switching part to the Exynos 2600, Samsung has the opportunity to save tens of millions of dollars during the full production period of the Galaxy S26. Last year, chipset procurement costs increased by more than 25% as Samsung fully used Snapdragon on the Galaxy S25 line globally. The return of Exynos in this flagship lineup is expected to improve the cost structure.

Although the financial benefits are clear, Samsung's move to re-implement the dual-chip strategy brings classic debate back to life. In the previous generation, Snapdragon-based Galaxy S models almost always offer better performance and heat management than the Exynos variant. Exynos chips often get criticism, especially about power efficiency when using cellular data and temperatures that tend to heat up.

This happens because of a different design approach. Qualcomm designs highly customized cores for optimal performance on mobile phones, while Samsung uses Arm's modified reference design more often. The difference in this approach often leads to performance gaps in the real world even though the basic specifications look similar.

However, preliminary reports show that Exynos 2600 recorded strong benchmark results. However, what will determine is the actual performance of real use starting from power efficiency, performance stability, to quality of modem connectivity.

Interestingly, several leaks say that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has a high temperature issue, so that Samsung has the potential to take advantage of this momentum. If the Exynos 2600 manages to appear more stable in long-term use, Samsung can change the perception that has been attached to its chipset.

The return of the Exynos chipset to the Galaxy S26 series is an important milestone for Samsung. If the result is positive, the company is predicted to expand the use of Exynos in other premium devices.

Analysts estimate that Samsung will implement a production ratio of 70% Snapdragon and 30% of Exynos in the Galaxy S26 series. This is a major experiment that will determine the future direction of Samsung's internal chipset in the flagship market.