Samsung is preparing to open its 2026 smartphone roadmap with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and early confirmations are already shaping expectations. As the top-tier model, the Ultra version usually defines the hardware direction, software priorities, and service features Samsung follows for the rest of the year. This time, the biggest curiosity around the phone has been simple but important: what processor will power it?
Snapdragon or Exynos: The Question Finally Answered
For months, Galaxy fans have debated whether Samsung would rely on its own Exynos platform or turn once again to Qualcomm. Recent regulatory documents have now provided a clear signal. Listings tied to mandatory FCC certification show two Galaxy S26 Ultra variants, identified as SM-S948B and SM-S948U.
These model numbers follow Samsung’s usual naming pattern. The version ending with “U” is meant for US carriers, while the “B” variant represents the globally unlocked model. What matters most is the chipset reference attached to both entries. Each one points to SM8850, which corresponds to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
This confirms that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will run on Snapdragon, settling the long-running uncertainty around Samsung’s chip strategy for its highest-end device.
What the Snapdragon Choice Means for Performance
Among Galaxy users, Snapdragon chips are generally seen as the safer bet for raw speed and thermal control. Previous generations often showed Snapdragon models delivering slightly stronger peak performance, while Exynos versions focused more on efficiency. The difference has narrowed over time, but perception still plays a role in buyer confidence.
Recent benchmark leaks highlight how close the competition has become. Early tests showed Exynos 2600 scoring higher in single-core tasks, while Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 pulled ahead in multi-core performance. Even with these mixed results, Samsung’s decision to use Snapdragon in the Ultra suggests a focus on delivering the strongest all-round specifications possible for its flagship.
Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Future of Galaxy AI
Pure benchmark numbers no longer tell the full story, especially as on-device AI becomes more central to smartphone experiences. In 2026, local processing is expected to handle more tasks, from image generation to real-time language features. That shift demands not just speed, but specialised hardware support built directly into the chipset.
How Snapdragon and Exynos compare in AI workloads is still unclear publicly. Qualcomm may lead in peak performance, while Exynos could remain attractive for cost and efficiency in other models. Current expectations suggest Exynos 2600 may power the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, though Samsung has not confirmed whether those models will be Exynos-only.
Also Read: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Pre-Orders Confirmed as Launch Timeline Speeds Up
Expected Launch Timeline
Samsung is likely to follow its usual release pattern. The company is expected to host a Galaxy Unpacked event in late January 2026, where it should unveil the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra together. This early-year launch would once again position the Ultra as the benchmark Android flagship for the year ahead.
Final Thoughts
With regulatory filings confirming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 inside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung has answered the most important question surrounding its next flagship. The decision reinforces the Ultra’s role as the brand’s no-compromise device, especially as performance, AI processing, and long-term software capabilities become more critical than ever. As the expected January 2026 launch approaches, the S26 Ultra is already shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most decisive flagship releases in recent years.
