Latest news with #Snapdragon8EliteGen2
Phone Arena
21 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Even if other S26 models vary, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may stick with this chipset
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra for reference. | Image by PhoneArena Excited about the Galaxy S26? Are you already saving money to get that Samsung goodness in about six months (Sammy is expected to drop a new batch of flagship phones at the very beginning of 2026)? I suspect many of you definitely are, and want to know all there is about the Galaxy S26 lineup: and among the most important questions one can ask is about chipsets: When it comes to chipsets, sometimes Samsung goes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon silicon for all of its models in a given device family. Like it did with the Galaxy S25 lineup. Earlier, Samsung sometimes offered an Exynos chipset for different markets across the world – so, people got different phones depending on where they live. Different hardware for different markets is something I'm not thrilled about at all, but I'm not calling the shots over at Samsung headquarters. Those who are after the Galaxy S26 Ultra might be glad to know that – not that we expected it to be the other way – the maxed-out flagship will most likely utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This is not a prediction, but a credible rumor, and it comes straight out of the S26 Ultra 's first firmware file. The file includes a reference to a chipset labeled "PMK8850". This identifier closely follows the naming convention of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite (model number 8750), which powers the Galaxy S25 Ultra . Based on this pattern, PMK8850 is likely the internal model number for Qualcomm's next high-end mobile processor – probably named the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is expected to feature a redesigned Oryon CPU architecture. Reports indicate the chip could reach clock speeds up to 4.6GHz in its standard form, and even higher – around 4.74GHz – in a special, customized "for Galaxy" version. This latter version may be the one referenced in the performance projections show the new chip offering up to 25% better overall speed and significant improvements in graphics performance. Qualcomm is expected to unveil the chip officially in September, so we'll definitely keep you posted on for the Galaxy S26 Ultra itself, early leaks hint at a large 6.9-inch OLED screen with enhancements in brightness and color accuracy. The camera system may include a 200MP main sensor with a wider aperture for improved low-light performance, and a new 50MP periscope lens offering 5x optical zoom. Memory options could include 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM, with a 5,000mAh battery, which I can't say thrills me. Not at all, now that we're expecting mid-range phones with 10,000 mAh capacity batteries in the very near future.
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Phone Arena
This is why your experience with the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be so much different than mine
Qualcomm's new flagship application processor (AP), the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, is expected to power the top-of-the-line Galaxy S26 Ultra when the phone is released in late January or early February next year. However, a fresh rumor reveals that two Galaxy S26 Ultra owners could have differing experiences with their phones depending on the foundry that produced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 application processor (AP) powering their units. It's a strange situation to think that the Galaxy S26 Ultra in my hand could run faster than the one in yours, and deliver better battery life even though the AP that both are using is the same. Without trying to sound repetitive, the difference would be in the foundry that manufactured the two chipsets and the process node employed by each. In plain English, Qualcomm is rumored to be using "dual-sourcing" for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which means that some APs will be made by TSMC and some by Samsung Foundry. As of this moment, Qualcomm will dual-source the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 AP. | Image credit-Weibo Posting on Chinese social media site Weibo, tipster Digital Chat Station says that the Samsung-built version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 AP has not yet been cancelled. If true, at this moment, we are looking at two different variants of the chip. TSMC will build the chipset using its third-generation 3nm process node which is the same process TSMC will use to build the A19 APs for the upcoming iPhone 17 series. Samsung Foundry, on the other hand, will use its 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process node, which in theory would be technologically superior to TSMC's 3nm version of the chipset. That's because as the process node number drops, so does the size of the transistors employed. Smaller transistors mean an increase in transistor density, which typically measures the number of transistors in a die per square millimeter. This means that a chip carries more transistors in a given area. The transistor density figure is important because as that number rises, it usually means that a foundry can pack more transistors into a given space, which means that smaller transistors are being used. Smaller transistors use less power, switch states more quickly, and reduce the manufacturing cost per function. Samsung Foundry also has another advantage as its 2nm process node includes the use of GAA transistor architecture which results in the gate surrounding the channel on all four sides. This reduces current leaks and improves the drive current, which results in better-performing APs that use less power. The pricing of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is rumored not to be much higher than the price of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Part of that is due to Qualcomm's use of its 3nm process (albeit its third-generation version), and Samsung Foundry's involvement. This could be a big deal for the latter, which has a market share in the industry of only 7.7% compared to TSMC's 67.6% (both figures are Q1 2025 numbers). Also, it would be a positive sign that Samsung Foundry has been able to improve its awful yield figures and was able to hit its goal of 50%. Whatever happens with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, there is speculation that Qualcomm will copy Apple next year and offer two different versions of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3. With a much higher price expected to be charged by TSMC for its 2nm wafers, a pricier, more cutting-edge version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 made by TSMC could be used in more premium versions of Samsung's flagship Galaxy S27 series in 2027. The non-premium version of the AP would be made by Samsung Foundry using its 2nm process and would have lower CPU and GPU clock speeds and reduced cache. Samsung Foundry's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is rumored to have a model number of SM8850s and have the codename 'Kaanapali S'. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 "Pro" could have a model number of SM8950, with the "non-Pro" model carrying a number of SM8945. Will Qualcomm dual-source the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2? As soon as we have an update, we will let you know.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Snagdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 details just leaked — this is how powerful the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 — the chipset expected to power the Samsung Galaxy S26, OnePlus 14 and more phones next year — looks to be way more powerful than today's best smartphone chips, says leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo. DCS explains this by talking about the chip's clock speeds, with the CPU running at 4.6GHz and the GPU at Those numbers perhaps don't mean much to you by themselves, but generally the higher the frequency, the faster a chip runs and the more powerful it is. While Qualcomm, maker of the Snapdragon chips, has apparently decreased the CPU frequency from 5GHz in earlier tests, it's still running quicker than the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is set to 4.47GHz. Plus, this latest iteration of the 8 Elite Gen 2 still apparently hits the 4-million mark on the AnTuTu benchmark, way ahead of the 2.6 million score that currently tops the leaderboard. This info builds on previous DCS leaks, where they detailed that the 8 Elite Gen 2 will be a third-generation 3-nanometer chip, built by TSMC, using a 2+6 prime/performance core arrangement with 2nd-gen Oryon CPU cores and an Adreno 840 GPU. Simply put, this chip will use the latest construction methods, the same internal set-up as the 8 Elite chip it'll replace, and the newest processing tech. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Despite that, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 may not cost any more than the 8 Elite does. Good news for consumers and manufacturers alike. We can fairly safely assume that Qualcomm will also be working on an even faster version for later in 2026. That includes Samsung, who has been using "For Galaxy" variants of the latest Snapdragon flagship silicon for the past few years in Galaxy S and Galaxy Z models. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2's main opponent will be, as always, Apple's latest iPhones and the new chips within. A generic "Leading Version" will likely launch midway through 2026, and be used in certain performance-focused phones launching in the latter half of the year. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2's main opponent will be, as always, Apple's latest iPhones and the new chips within. In September, we should see the iPhone 17 series debut along with the A19 and A19 Pro chips, and we'll be paying close attention to their performance. Apple's A-series chips have not had a leap forward in chip power in the past few years like Snapdragon 8 chips have, so we could be in for a close competition. Qualcomm normally introduces its new Snapdragon 8 series chips to the world in fall each year, during an annual event in Hawaii. This year's Snapdragon Summit is already in the calendar for September 23 - 25, so we should hopefully get the full details of this new smartphone powerhouse then. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Geeky Gadgets
7 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Huge Camera Upgrade & More
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is generating significant anticipation in the Android flagship market, with speculation surrounding a potential shift in its processor strategy. Reports suggest that Samsung may incorporate its in-house Exynos 2600 chip into the Galaxy S26 lineup, marking a bold move that could redefine its position in the competitive smartphone landscape. Simultaneously, Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is expected to deliver notable advancements in performance, raising the stakes for flagship devices in 2026. This strategic decision could influence key factors such as performance benchmarks, pricing, and market competition. Watch this video on YouTube. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2: What It Brings to the Table Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is poised to introduce substantial enhancements in both CPU and GPU performance, making it a strong contender for next-generation flagship devices. One of the most intriguing aspects of this chip is Qualcomm's rumored decision to maintain its pricing, despite rising production costs and global tariffs. This pricing stability could provide manufacturers like Samsung with an opportunity to allocate resources toward other critical innovations, such as: Advanced display technologies for improved visual experiences Enhanced battery systems for longer-lasting performance AI-powered camera features to elevate photography capabilities By keeping costs steady, Qualcomm enables brands to deliver innovative features without significantly increasing retail prices. This approach ensures flagship devices remain competitive and appealing to consumers, especially in a market where pricing plays a pivotal role in purchasing decisions. Samsung's Processor Strategy: Exynos vs. Snapdragon Samsung's processor strategy for the Galaxy S26 Ultra has become a focal point of industry speculation. Historically, Samsung has relied heavily on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors for its flagship models, particularly in regions like the United States, where performance expectations are high. However, the company has also ventured into using its proprietary Exynos chips, such as the Exynos 2500 featured in the Galaxy Z Flip 7. If Samsung decides to integrate the Exynos 2600 into the Galaxy S26 series, it could reduce its reliance on external suppliers and gain greater control over its supply chain. This shift, however, is not without risks. Past iterations of Exynos processors have faced criticism for performance disparities compared to their Snapdragon counterparts, influencing consumer preferences in key markets. To succeed, Samsung must demonstrate that the Exynos 2600 can match or exceed the performance, efficiency, and reliability of Qualcomm's latest offering. Rising Costs and Competitive Pressures in the Flagship Market The global smartphone industry is grappling with rising production costs and increasing tariffs, which are driving up the prices of flagship devices. For Samsung, the Galaxy Ultra series has traditionally been positioned as a premium product, but this strategy faces growing pressure from competitors like Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo. These brands are actively exploring alternatives to Qualcomm chips, including developing their own silicon, to reduce costs and differentiate their offerings. If Qualcomm maintains its price freeze on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, manufacturers could redirect these savings toward innovations such as foldable displays or advanced AI-driven features. This could enable brands to offer high-end functionality without significantly increasing retail prices, intensifying competition in the flagship segment. For Samsung, balancing premium pricing with competitive features will be critical to maintaining its market leadership. The Industry's Shift Toward Proprietary Silicon The trend toward proprietary silicon is reshaping the competitive dynamics of the smartphone industry. Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo are increasingly investing in in-house chip development to gain greater control over their hardware and achieve product differentiation. For Samsung, the potential adoption of the Exynos 2600 reflects a strategic push to reduce dependency on external suppliers and enhance its technological independence. However, this transition comes with significant challenges. To succeed, Samsung must ensure that its in-house chips meet or exceed the performance benchmarks set by Qualcomm and other competitors. This includes addressing concerns related to efficiency, thermal management, and compatibility with advanced features like AI processing and 5G connectivity. For other brands, the move toward custom silicon represents a broader industry shift. As more companies develop proprietary chips, the market could see greater diversity in performance and features, potentially reshaping consumer expectations and driving innovation across the board. What Lies Ahead for the Galaxy S26 Ultra? As the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra draws closer, Samsung's processor decision remains a critical point of interest. Qualcomm is expected to unveil more details about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 in the coming months, which could influence Samsung's final strategy. If Samsung opts to integrate the Exynos 2600, it will need to prove that its in-house chip can deliver performance and efficiency on par with Qualcomm's offering. For consumers, this decision could have a direct impact on the Galaxy S26 Ultra's performance, pricing, and feature set. Whether Samsung continues its partnership with Qualcomm or transitions to its proprietary Exynos chip, the outcome will likely shape the next generation of Android flagship devices. Staying informed about these developments will help you make a well-informed decision when considering the Galaxy S26 Ultra as your next smartphone. Advance your skills in Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
7 days ago
- Phone Arena
Galaxy S26 series processor reportedly finalized by Samsung
Samsung has reportedly finalized which processor it will use across all of the Galaxy S26 phones. The decision comes right after it was revealed that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 might be the best processor for Galaxy 26, due to it not seeing a massive price hike as previously Samsung seems to have come to the same conclusion, as its next flagship phones will all use the 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset, according to a new report. Samsung Galaxy S26 series uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite2 for Galaxy with TSMC technology, with a frequency of 4.74GHz. — PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) July 24, 2025 This must be a major disappointment for the company, as it has been working extra hard to try to perfect its in-house 2 nm Exynos 2600 for the S26 lineup. However, if accurate, then this report isn't all too surprising either. Reports during this past week have made it seem that Samsung Foundry's 2 nm manufacturing process is taking longer than expected to become fully operational. I feel like Samsung is repeating what it did with the Galaxy S25 series. It initially wanted to debut the 3 nm Exynos 2500 chipset with this year's S-series flagships, but was unable to get the chip ready on time. Instead, the Exynos 2500 has now made its appearance with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Samsung may very well do the same with the Exynos 2600 and the Flip 8 next year. For people who've never liked Exynos-powered Galaxy phones, it must be a real treat getting Snapdragon phones two years in a row. The Snapdragon 8 Elite powers the Galaxy S25 phones. | Image credit — Samsung I've been rooting for Exynos for what feels like forever, but it's still having trouble getting off the ground. If Samsung Foundry can improve its processes, then Exynos has the potential to improve the company's devices, like Apple silicon did for the Mac and MacBook. Of course, that's easier said than done, though Samsung is still trying. Recent reports have claimed that Samsung has achieved a 50 percent yield rate for its 2 nm chip production. If the company is able to improve that and get it to the accepted standard of 70 percent, we might still see Exynos-powered S26 phones. It seems very unlikely now, however.
