Samsung Exynos Chipset Market Share Hits 9 Percent
Samsung’s in-house processors have captured a larger slice of the global smartphone market, marking a notable shift in the industry landscape.
Samsung Electronics has seen its in-house Exynos application processors reach a nine percent share of global smartphone shipments in the second quarter. This marks the highest level recorded since data compilation began in 2024, representing a two-point increase from the previous quarter and a three-point jump year-over-year. The recovery is significant for the South Korean tech giant, as it indicates a stronger foothold in a market long dominated by external suppliers.
According to market researcher Counterpoint Research, this growth is driven by broader adoption across both premium and mid-range device categories. The shift suggests that consumers and carriers are increasingly comfortable with Samsung’s internal silicon, reducing reliance on third-party chipmakers for its flagship and budget-friendly lines. This trend reflects a strategic push to control more of the supply chain and optimize hardware-software integration.
Premium and mid-range devices drive growth
The Exynos 2600 chipset, featured in the Galaxy S26 series, has been a key contributor to the premium segment. By powering its top-tier phones, Samsung is demonstrating that its in-house chips can compete with external rivals in high-end performance categories. This is crucial for brand perception, as flagship devices often set the standard for the entire product lineup.
In the mid-range market, Exynos chips installed in the Galaxy A57 and A37 models have supported steady shipment volumes. These devices appeal to cost-conscious buyers who still demand reliable performance. The success in this segment helps dilute the dependency on external suppliers for the bulk of Samsung’s global sales, offering a more balanced portfolio. As reported by GN technics/mobile, this dual-front strategy is central to the company’s recent market gains.
Competitors still hold larger market shares
Despite the improvement, Samsung’s Exynos lineup remains a minority player in the global application processor market. MediaTek leads with a 31 percent share, leveraging its Dimensity and Helio chipsets across a wide array of smartphones from various manufacturers. Qualcomm follows with 23 percent, driven by its Snapdragon chips, while Apple accounts for 19 percent with its proprietary A-series processors. This hierarchy underscores that while Samsung is gaining ground, the external suppliers still dominate the broader industry landscape.
The trade-off for Samsung’s increased use of Exynos is a greater internal dependency. Relying on in-house chips can optimize margins and integration, but it also concentrates risk within the company’s own R&D capabilities. If Exynos performance lags behind competitors in future generations, it could directly impact the appeal of Samsung’s entire smartphone lineup. Meanwhile, MediaTek and Qualcomm continue to benefit from serving multiple OEMs, spreading their development costs across a wider base of partners.
