Samsung might equip the Galaxy Z Flip 8 with its own Exynos 2600 processor.

      Samsung is once again embracing its internal silicon strategy, with new industry reports suggesting that the forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 could feature the company’s next-generation Exynos 2600 chipset upon its release next summer.

      Exynos is set to power Samsung’s upcoming flip phone

      Sources familiar with internal conversations reveal that Samsung’s Mobile Experience (MX) division is currently considering using the Exynos 2600 processor for the Galaxy Z Flip 8. This would continue the company’s recent transition towards incorporating its own silicon in the Flip series, which started with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 earlier this year. Previously, Samsung primarily depended on Qualcomm chips for its clamshell foldables, but improvements in Exynos performance seem to have altered that approach.

      The Exynos 2600 holds particular significance as it is the first chip produced in large quantities using Samsung Foundry’s advanced 2nm process. While Samsung Foundry is involved in numerous projects utilizing this technology, the Exynos 2600 is the sole product currently in full-scale production. Therefore, its success is crucial, not only for smartphones but also for Samsung’s broader semiconductor aspirations to compete with TSMC.

      Early internal evaluations of performance are reportedly very promising. Industry insiders claim that the Exynos 2600 offers a significant enhancement in on-device AI capabilities, with the neural processing unit (NPU) performance purportedly several times greater than Apple's A-series, and considerably ahead of competing Snapdragon platforms. There are also anticipated gains in GPU performance, which could resolve thermal and graphics-intensive workload challenges that earlier foldables faced.

      For Samsung, this endeavor is not solely focused on raw performance.

      The company’s System LSI division has encountered considerable pressure due to delays associated with earlier Exynos launches, while its Foundry business still lags behind competitors. A stable, high-profile introduction of the Exynos 2600 could provide Samsung with an opportunity to demonstrate the reliability of its groundbreaking 2nm manufacturing process and attract new external clients.

      From a consumer standpoint, this strategy could actually aid in managing pricing. With rapid increases in memory and component costs, Samsung has a significant reason to decrease its reliance on pricey third-party chips. Utilizing its own processor allows the MX division to control costs while delivering flagship performance, which is essential in the premium yet price-sensitive foldable market.

      Nonetheless, Samsung is not fully committing to Exynos just yet. Reports indicate that the productivity-focused Galaxy Z Fold 8 will still utilize Qualcomm silicon, reflecting a mixed-chip strategy that varies depending on each device's specific priorities. If testing proceeds smoothly, we can anticipate the Galaxy Z Flip 8 to be unveiled with the Exynos 2600 next July, setting the stage for Samsung’s flagship strategy leading into 2026.