Samsung's 2nm Exynos 2600 in the Galaxy S26 may use a discrete modem, raising battery life and connectivity questions. See key tradeoffs vs Snapdragon.
© A. Krivonosov
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.