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Samsung is preparing to kick off 2026 with the launch of its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra — a device expected to define specifications, software priorities, and services across the Android market for the year ahead. But for many Samsung fans, one question has overshadowed all others.
Exynos or Snapdragon?
New regulatory filings have now provided a clear and welcome answer.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Chipset Confirmed
Recent documentation from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirms that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The filings list two model numbers — SM-S948U and SM-S948B — which follow Samsung’s established naming conventions. The “U” model refers to US carrier variants, while the “B” model represents the globally unlocked version.
Both versions are listed with the chipset identifier SM8850, which corresponds directly to Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This strongly suggests that, at least for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung is opting for Snapdragon rather than its in-house Exynos processor.
While Samsung may still use Exynos silicon in other Galaxy S26 models or in select regions, the flagship Ultra variant appears set to deliver the performance profile many fans have been asking for.
Additional Certifications Reveal More Details
Further insight comes from China’s 3C (China Compulsory Certification) authority. Listings for the Chinese Galaxy S26 Ultra — model number SM-9480 — confirm several notable upgrades.
The documentation indicates that the S26 Ultra will support direct satellite connectivity in China. Given that the Galaxy S25 Ultra already offers satellite-based emergency and standard messaging, the S26 Ultra is expected to at least match — and possibly expand — those capabilities.
Charging speeds also receive a significant boost. According to the 3C listing, Samsung will supply a charger capable of 60W wired charging, up from the current 45W standard. This aligns with recent rumors suggesting the Galaxy S26 Ultra could charge from 0 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes using a 5,000 mAh battery. Wireless charging is expected to reach up to 25W.
Snapdragon vs Exynos: The Ongoing Debate
The Snapdragon versus Exynos debate has defined Galaxy S discussions for years. Snapdragon processors are generally perceived as offering superior peak performance and better thermal management, while Exynos chips are often praised for efficiency and battery longevity.
Recent benchmark leaks suggest the gap is narrowing. Early results spotted by PhoneArena showed the Exynos 2600 outperforming Snapdragon in single-core performance, while Snapdragon maintained an edge in multi-core tasks. Even so, perception matters — and the Galaxy S Ultra line is expected to represent Samsung’s absolute best.
By choosing Snapdragon for the S26 Ultra, Samsung appears intent on delivering maximum performance without compromise.
Galaxy AI and On-Device Intelligence
Raw processing power is only part of the equation. As mobile AI adoption accelerates, 2026 is expected to bring a stronger focus on on-device AI processing. That means chipsets must support not only speed, but also specialized AI hardware built directly into the silicon.
How Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 compare in real-world AI workloads remains unclear. Local data processing, privacy-focused AI features, and tighter integration with Samsung’s Galaxy AI ecosystem will all play a major role in defining the S26 Ultra experience.
It’s possible Samsung will reserve Exynos chips for the Galaxy S26 and S26+, where cost efficiency may matter more, while positioning Snapdragon as the premium option for the Ultra model.
Launch Timeline
Samsung is widely expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 lineup — including the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra — at a Galaxy Unpacked event in late January 2026.
With Snapdragon now effectively confirmed for the Ultra, anticipation is likely to grow as more details about cameras, AI features, and battery performance emerge in the coming months.
