Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series could see another chipset split, and one detail about the Exynos option is already drawing attention. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ models are already expected to ship with Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor, at least in South Korea. It’s notable for being Samsung’s first 2nm smartphone chip, but it reportedly comes with a trade-off: an external modem.

Tipster Erencan Yilmaz claimed that the Exynos 2600 does not include an integrated cellular modem. Instead, it is said to rely on a separate modem, believed to be the Exynos 5410. A Samsung Semiconductor official has already confirmed to Android Authority that the 2nm-based chip indeed uses an external modem.

Most modern smartphone chips, including the Exynos 2400 and Exynos 2500, use integrated modems. Keeping the modem on the same die reduces data travel and helps limit power draw and heat, especially during mobile data use.

External modems are typically less efficient. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 in 2020 followed a similar approach, and it was often criticized for higher power consumption during connectivity-heavy tasks.

If the same applies here, Exynos-powered Galaxy S26 models could see slightly higher battery drain when using mobile data, calls, or hotspot features. Whether this external solution will behave differently from the integrated solution of the Snapdragon variants—especially in weak signal conditions—remains to be seen.

The Exynos 2600 is based on Samsung’s new 2nm process node, and opting for an external modem instead of integrating it into the main chip is seen as a potential cost-saving move. As Android Authority notesthe external design may help Samsung manage yields while freeing up space for other components.

Samsung hasn’t detailed how this setup will affect real-world battery life. That will only become clear once Exynos-equipped Galaxy S26 devices hit the market early next year. For now, Snapdragon variants may remain the safer choice for users who prioritize connectivity efficiency.

As usual, final judgments will depend on execution, not just specifications.

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