Top 3 Key Points:
- Samsung will exclusively use Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips in all Galaxy S25 models, dropping the Exynos 2500.
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to deliver over 30% improvements in AI and GPU performance.
- Samsung aims to compete strongly with Apple’s AI-focused iPhone 16 and maintain its lead in AI-driven smartphones.
With the Galaxy S25’s launch just four months away, a key detail about Samsung’s upcoming flagship has emerged: the chipset. While many expected a combination of Exynos and Snapdragon processors, new information indicates that Samsung has decided to equip the entire Galaxy S25 series with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip.
Exclusive Use of Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
Reports from Hankyung suggest that Samsung’s Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra will all be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 For Galaxy chip globally. Initially, it was believed that Samsung would include its recently announced Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25 and S25+. However, the company appears to have shifted its strategy.
Performance-Driven Decision
This decision marks a departure from the current approach, where the Galaxy S24 and S24+ use the Exynos 2400 in many regions, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra exclusively features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Samsung’s reasoning behind this change is a desire to incorporate “only the highest performance components” in its devices, addressing any concerns about the performance of its flagship smartphones.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to offer substantial improvements in both AI and GPU capabilities, with performance gains of over 30%. This enhancement is crucial for Samsung as it aims to compete with Apple’s iPhone 16, which will be the company’s first smartphone to emphasize AI performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is said to rival the iPhone 16’s A18 chip in terms of AI capabilities.
Competitive Edge in AI-Focused Devices
The push for AI supremacy isn’t limited to just Samsung and Apple. Chinese companies like Huawei and Xiaomi are also working on AI-centric smartphones. To maintain its competitive edge, Samsung is focusing on delivering the best possible performance in its Galaxy S25 series by exclusively using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
Traditionally, Samsung has used a mix of Exynos and Snapdragon chips in its high-end phones, which helped in negotiating better pricing with chip suppliers like Qualcomm. This approach also bolstered supply chain reliability through dual sourcing. However, Samsung is now placing a higher priority on achieving peak performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
Future of Exynos
Although the Exynos 2500 won’t be used in the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung’s semiconductor division will continue to refine the chip’s performance and stability. The company has reportedly directed its foundry business to enhance its 3nm and more advanced semiconductor chip fabrication processes to remain competitive.
Recently, Samsung successfully utilized the 3nm Exynos W1000 chip in its Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. This success suggests that the Exynos 2500 chip could be featured in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, expected in the latter half of next year.
