Galaxy S25: Snapdragon and Exynos Options Likely
In January of this year, Samsung unveiled the latest generation of its Galaxy S24 smartphone series at the Galaxy Unpack 2024 event in San Jose, California. The lineup includes three models: the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Beyond incorporating Qualcomm’s third-generation Snapdragon 8, Samsung has also introduced an Exynos 2400 variant for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, targeting select markets.
According to DigiTimes, Samsung is likely to continue its dual-platform strategy with the Galaxy S25 series, offering both the fourth-generation Snapdragon 8 and the Exynos 2500 variants. It remains uncertain whether the top-tier Galaxy S25 Ultra will exclusively feature the fourth-generation Snapdragon 8.
In recent years, Qualcomm’s SoCs have exhibited superior performance, with both CPU and GPU components overwhelmingly outperforming the Exynos series, undoubtedly making them the preferred companion for Android flagship models. Rumors suggest that Samsung is currently testing the Exynos 2500, which reportedly boasts impressive performance metrics, with its CPU and GPU capabilities easily surpassing those of Qualcomm’s third-generation Snapdragon 8. However, Qualcomm’s fourth-generation Snapdragon 8, which will introduce custom Oryon cores incorporating NUVIA technology, is expected to further enhance performance, likely maintaining its lead over the Exynos 2500.
Industry insiders believe that Samsung’s considerable effort to prepare a dual-platform for the Galaxy S25 series serves two purposes: to give its own SoC a better chance to catch up with competitors and to consider cost implications. Last year, a Qualcomm executive hinted at a higher price point for the fourth-generation Snapdragon 8, rumored to exceed the $200 mark set by its predecessor. Relying solely on one SoC would challenge Samsung’s ability to maintain an appropriate profit margin, which is why the addition of the Exynos 2400 variant to this year’s Galaxy S24 series was similarly motivated.
