Galaxy S26's 2nm Exynos 2600 reportedly uses an external modem

Samsung is reportedly once again preparing different versions of its Galaxy S26 flagships, and the Exynos option is already raising questions. According to insiders, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ built on the new Exynos 2600 will rely on an external cellular modem — an unusual move for modern top-tier chips.

Reports say the Exynos 2600 — Samsung’s first 2 nm smartphone processor — lacks an integrated modem. Instead, it pairs with a separate solution, presumably the Exynos 5410. Representatives of Samsung Semiconductor have indirectly indicated that the 2 nm platform does, in fact, use a non-integrated modem.

Typically, folding the modem into the main die helps trim power consumption, reduce heat, and cut data-path latency. That design underpins most current SoCs, including earlier Exynos parts and Qualcomm’s offerings. Discrete modems, by contrast, are often faulted for weaker energy efficiency — the Snapdragon 865 is a familiar example that drew mixed reactions at the time.

If history repeats itself, Exynos-based Galaxy S26 models could burn through more battery during mobile data sessions, voice calls, and hotspot use. The gap may be especially noticeable in weak-signal conditions, where the modem’s workload ramps up.

At the same time, choosing a standalone modem may be a deliberate play by Samsung. It simplifies 2 nm chip development, lowers manufacturing risk, and frees up more room for compute blocks. On paper, that trade-off sounds pragmatic, though the real effect on battery life will only be clear once the phones reach the market.

For now, a Galaxy S26 with the Exynos 2600 looks cutting-edge yet contentious. Users who prize frugal power use and stable connectivity may still gravitate toward Snapdragon variants — at least until independent tests settle the question.