Samsung to use Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite in Z Flip 8

Samsung is poised to adopt a dual-chip strategy for its upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 foldable smartphone, according to recent reports. The company is expected to equip the device with either its own Exynos 2600 processor or Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, with the specific model varying by region.

This approach mirrors the strategy Samsung has long used for its traditional Galaxy S flagship line. Historically, the Galaxy Z Flip series was powered exclusively by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors from its 2020 debut through the Galaxy Z Flip 6. That changed with last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7, which switched globally to Samsung's in-house Exynos 2500 chip. The reported return to a dual-source strategy for the Flip 8 represents another significant shift.

The primary driver for this change appears to be cost. Industry sources indicate that producing the advanced 2nm Exynos 2600 is expensive, partly due to development costs and manufacturing challenges. In response, Qualcomm reportedly offered its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at a competitive price. By using both chips, Samsung can manage production expenses without necessarily raising the phone's retail price.