Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Could Feature Custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 Chips

A Bold Move to Build Their Own Snapdragon

Rumors are swirling that Samsung will introduce a custom version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2—internally designated SM8850s—manufactured in their own facilities instead of relying solely on TSMC. This initiative aims to cut costs and strengthen Samsung’s semiconductor business, especially as they advance toward a 2nm manufacturing process.

Exynos 2600 Still in the Picture—Depending on the Region

Alongside the custom Snapdragon, Samsung is expected to continue developing and using its own Exynos 2600 chip in select markets. Europe may lean toward Exynos models, while regions like the U.S. could receive the custom Snapdragon version. This dual-strategy echoes Samsung’s long-standing regional chip differentiation.

Samsung’s Strategy: A Return to Self-Sufficiency

This push aligns with Samsung’s broader efforts to reclaim its place in the chipmaking world—recovering from past setbacks with 3nm nodes. Bringing production in-house could mean better pricing control and synergy with their Galaxy product line.

Final Thought

Samsung’s rumored in-house version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 marks a notable pivot toward vertical integration. While this could unlock cost and performance advantages, the real test will be whether their chips can match up to the TSMC-made versions in efficiency and speed. If successful, this move could redefine what fans expect from Galaxy devices—and signal Samsung’s return to semiconductor prominence.