The Galaxy S26 might come with a surprising twist under the hood. It seems that a Samsung-made Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 could still be in the works, according to a well-known leaker.
This chip could be cheaper than the TSMC-made version, which might help keep Galaxy S26 prices lower.
There have been various rumors about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, the chip that could power Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 series next year. Some sources claim the chip might be made by both Samsung and TSMC. A trusted tipster, Digital Chat Station, has shared on Weibo that the so-called SM8850s chipset is still in development. This model number is believed to represent Samsung’s version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, while the TSMC-made variant is expected to go by the model number SM8850.
In an interesting follow-up, Digital Chat Station mentioned that the Samsung-made chip could be priced lower than the TSMC variant. If this rumor proves accurate, it’s likely that the Galaxy S26 will feature the Samsung-made processor. This could mean that Samsung won’t need to increase prices for the S26 lineup, which would be great news for potential buyers.
If Qualcomm adopts this dual-sourcing strategy, we might also see the more affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in base flagships from other brands like Xiaomi and Honor, possibly helping to stabilize prices in various markets.
However, Samsung’s chip manufacturing hasn’t always been on par with TSMC’s. In the past, Samsung’s chips have shown lower performance and efficiency compared to TSMC’s versions. That said, there’s a good chance Samsung could catch up and deliver a chip that performs similarly to TSMC’s version.
On the other hand, Samsung may also offer the in-house Exynos 2600 in some Galaxy S26 models, adding another twist to the processor debate. It seems that Samsung hasn’t finalized its decision yet regarding which processor to use in the S26 lineup.
Apple has been using its own processors in iPhones for some time now, and they’ve proven to be incredibly powerful and efficient. Hopefully, Samsung takes its time in choosing the right processor for the S26, ensuring it runs smoothly, stays cool, and doesn’t drain the battery too quickly. If Samsung can strike the right balance while keeping prices in check, it would be a big win for users. Let’s hope for a smart decision that keeps the Galaxy S26 competitive and appealing!
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