Samsung’s Galaxy phones typically feature either Exynos or Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. The company also taps chips from MediaTek, but these are generally for more-affordable phones. As we know, Samsung is a massive conglomerate with multiple divisions. Samsung MX (Mobile eXperience) division is responsible for developing Galaxy smartphones, tablets, wearables, and more. Meanwhile, the System LSI division focuses on manufacturing Exynos chips and other semiconductor products. It’s so big that when Samsung MX uses Exynos chips from System LSI, the latter refers to Samsung MX as a client.
Samsung MX division could take charge of Exynos chip unit
This client-like relationship could change. A report from Korean publication Business Post suggests that Samsung MX could take over Exynos chips from System LSI. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. The outlet claims there’s “significant internal disagreement” over the idea. So, what happens if Samsung actually takes control of the Exynos chip unit?
Samsung’s LSI division is under scrutiny for major losses, mainly due to Exynos chips. The Exynos 2500 was reportedly planned for the Galaxy S25 series. However, it was scrapped a few months before launch. As a result, the Galaxy S25 lineup ships Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy across all regions, even in markets where the company previously used Exynos chips. This stems from concerning reports of poor yield rates for the Exynos 2500—under 20% in November.
Sure, there are perks Samsung could benefit from, such as reducing smartphone costs and having a proper in-house chip team. That’s something Apple already takes advantage of. The Cupertino company designs its own chips, including the A-series for iPhones and M-series for Macs. But for Samsung, the downsides outweigh the benefits.
Samsung LSI has also supplied Exynos chips to phone makers, including Google for its Pixel lineup. That may no longer be the case if Samsung MX takes over the Exynos chip unit. Simply put, this would mean a loss of potential revenue, which could have helped Samsung bring more dollars to the basket.
So, we’ll have to wait and see how this unfolds. If Samsung MX does take over Exynos, the market’s reaction will be crucial. Meanwhile, Samsung is already betting big on improving the Exynos 2600, which could power the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
