Samsung is reportedly revamping its budget smartphone lineup by eliminating its in-house Exynos chipsets for the upcoming Galaxy A18 models. Instead, the company plans to use processors from MediaTek and Qualcomm, a decision influenced by rising component costs across the industry. The Galaxy A18 will be available in two variants: a 4G version featuring a MediaTek processor and a 5G model equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. This shift marks a significant change from previous models like the Galaxy A17 5G, which utilized Samsung’s Exynos 1330 chipset. Traditionally, Samsung has employed a regional strategy for its chipsets, with Qualcomm processors typically designated for markets such as North America, China, and Japan, while Exynos chips have been used elsewhere. The new approach could be well-received by users, as the Exynos 1330 has been criticized for underperformance in demanding tasks. The A-series has been a key revenue driver for Samsung, with the Galaxy A17 being one of the best-selling Android phones globally. Production for the Galaxy A18 4G is set to commence in August, with the 5G version expected to follow due to a separate production schedule. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but if Samsung maintains competitive pricing similar to the Galaxy A17 5G, the new models could offer significant revenue potential. This strategic shift also raises the possibility of a similar approach for Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series in the future.
Is Samsung replacing Exynos with MediaTek and Snapdragon in its budget A-series?
