Galaxy S26 Pro: The Return of the Exynos 2600 Processor Confirmed in Several Regions
The Galaxy S26 series from Samsung is on the horizon, and a new leak has provided significant details regarding the chip that will power the Galaxy S26 Pro, the base model of the lineup.
According to reports, Samsung will once again implement a regional distribution for its processors.
The Galaxy S26 Pro Equipped with the New Exynos 2600
Information sourced from SamMobile confirms that the Galaxy S26 Pro will feature the Exynos 2600 processor designed by Samsung. Clues found in the source code indicate that this model will predominantly utilize the Exynos across most global markets, while the versions intended for the United States and China will employ Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
In essence, Samsung’s traditional strategy of using Exynos for international markets and Snapdragon for North America and China appears to remain intact.
According to SamMobile, the Galaxy S26 Plus will likely follow the same pattern, although it is still uncertain if this model will actually be released.
An Exynos 2600 Built on 2 nm Technology for Performance
The new Exynos 2600 is expected to be manufactured using Samsung Foundry’s 2 nm process, representing a significant advancement over previous generations. It will feature a 10-core CPU based on the ARM C1 architecture, along with an Xclipse 950 GPU designed to deliver top-tier graphical performance.
Preliminary reports even suggest that Samsung may have outpaced Apple: the 2600 could exceed the iPhone 17’s A19 Pro in raw power and might compete with or surpass the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in specific scenarios.
However, no independent comparisons have yet confirmed these performance claims.
The Return of Regional Differences
Samsung has applied this “regional split” to several generations of its Galaxy S models, and this decision has never fully satisfied fans. Historically, Exynos chips have been perceived as less powerful and less efficient than their Snapdragon counterparts, yet sold at the same price across different markets—often seen as an unfair situation.
This time, we will need to wait for initial benchmarks to determine if Samsung’s new 2 nm processor can finally bridge the gap or possibly reverse the trend.
A Promising Galaxy S26 Series
Beyond the debate surrounding processors, the Galaxy S26 series is poised to be one of Samsung’s most ambitious launches in years.
Rumors suggest:
- A new, sleeker, and more angular design,
- A potential reorganization of the lineup (with a Galaxy S26 Edge instead of a Plus model),
- And significant upgrades in photography and AI capabilities.
The launch is expected to occur early in 2026, potentially rekindling public interest in the premium smartphone market.
