Qualcomm, working with Samsung Electronics, unveiled a mobile processor exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series. Qualcomm Technologies on Wednesday revealed the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen mobile platform for Galaxy. The chip will be used in the Galaxy S26 Ultra worldwide and in the Galaxy S26 Plus and S26 in some regions outside South Korea.

The processor is a platform that includes a 3rd Gen Qualcomm Oryon CPU, Qualcomm Adreno GPU and Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, and the two companies worked together to enhance Galaxy AI features. Qualcomm Smart Transmit technology optimises transmission power across 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and satellite links. It provides faster upload speeds, broader coverage and uninterrupted connections.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra and S26 Plus feature the Qualcomm FastConnect 7900 mobile connectivity system. It delivers precise and secure interactions in everyday settings through ultra-wideband. Camera features were also improved, including APV capture, a next-generation video codec.

Kwon Oh-hyung (권오형), Qualcomm's APAC president, said, "Qualcomm finds it meaningful to further strengthen cooperation with Samsung and to present a new evolution in next-generation mobile intelligence with the Galaxy S26 series powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen for Galaxy." He added, "This achievement reflects both companies' solid strategic partnership and clearly shows our shared goal of delivering AI acceleration performance and a seamless user experience across Samsung's flagship devices."

Chris Patrick (크리스 패트릭), senior vice president at Qualcomm Technologies and head of the mobile handset business, said, "Through our cooperation with Samsung that has continued for more than 20 years, we have presented together the direction of advances in mobile technology." He added, "With the Galaxy S26 series powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen for Galaxy, we are setting a new standard for intelligent and high-performance mobile experiences."

He added, "The platform is designed for the Galaxy S26 series and will redefine how users use their devices, from the creative process to productive activities, through top-tier performance and efficiency including faster speed, greater accuracy and personalisation."

Song In-kang (송인강), a vice president at Samsung Electronics and head of the technology strategy team at its MX business division, said, "By using the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen for Galaxy in the S26 Ultra worldwide, we will deliver our best and most powerful Galaxy user experience." He added, "Through a long-standing strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, we have been able to offer stronger and more immediate personalised experiences that enhance the everyday interactions of many Galaxy users, enabling us to showcase the industry's best features."