Samsung’s Exynos Takes on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Dominance: Can In-House CPU and GPU Designs Succeed?

On December 29, technology outlet Wccftech reported that Samsung unveiled the Exynos 2600 earlier this month—the world’s first chip manufactured using the 2nm GAA process. This announcement sends a strong signal that Samsung is pushing back to the forefront of advanced semiconductor manufacturing, while also seeking to reduce its long-term reliance on Qualcomm.

According to analyst Samir Khazaka, Samsung would not be investing heavily in custom CPU and GPU designs if it did not intend for Exynos to eventually play a central role in the Galaxy S lineup. Such investments suggest that Exynos remains a key pillar of Samsung’s long-term strategy.

That said, Samsung still faces significant challenges, most notably yield rates. Previous reports indicated that Exynos chips entered mass production with yields of around 50%. While improvements are possible over time, existing partnership agreements mean that approximately 75% of the Galaxy S26 series shipments must use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, leaving only 25% powered by the Exynos 2600.

Cost is another major factor. Qualcomm’s flagship chips continue to become more expensive, with estimates placing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at around USD 280 per unit, and the upcoming Gen 6 potentially exceeding USD 300. Rising prices intensify pressure on Samsung’s flagship margins and reinforce the appeal of developing its own silicon.

Against this backdrop, Khazaka believes Samsung’s long-term objective is to gradually reduce its dependence on Qualcomm. As in-house CPU and GPU technologies mature, Exynos chips are expected to take on a more prominent role across Samsung’s product portfolio.

Notably, Samsung’s push into in-house GPU development could be a decisive factor. Reports suggest the company has formed a dedicated internal team focused on building proprietary GPU solutions to compete directly with Apple and Qualcomm. The analyst predicts that the Exynos 2800 could be the first chip to fully integrate these new capabilities, potentially achieving broader adoption in the Galaxy S27 series.