Reading time: 12 minutes | Last Updated: December 28, 2025
TL;DR
Samsung just dropped the Exynos 2600, the world’s first smartphone chip built on a 2nm process. After years of Exynos chips living in Snapdragon’s shadow, this feels like Samsung’s genuine attempt at redemption.
The specs are impressive: 10-core CPU hitting 3.8GHz, an AMD RDNA-based GPU promising 50% better ray tracing, and a 113% boost in AI performance. But here’s the catch – Samsung’s using an external modem, which could hurt battery life. The chip debuts in the Galaxy S26 and S26+ in select regions, while the Ultra gets Snapdragon globally.
Why This Chip Matters
When Samsung officially announced the Exynos 2600 on December 19, 2025, they made history. This is genuinely the first smartphone processor manufactured on a 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process. To put that in perspective, everyone else – Apple, Qualcomm, MediaTek – is still on 3nm.
My analysis: When I first saw the “world’s first 2nm” claim, I was skeptical. Samsung has made bold Exynos claims before that didn’t translate to real-world wins. But digging into the technical details, this isn’t just a marketing number. The 2nm GAA process represents a fundamental shift in transistor architecture. GAA technology wraps the gate around the channel on all sides, giving Samsung much better control over electron flow. This should mean genuinely better efficiency, not just marginal gains.
Mass production reportedly began in September 2025, with the chip now ready for the Galaxy S26 launch in early 2026. The timing matters here – Samsung is no longer playing catch-up to the launch window.
Full Specifications Breakdown
Here’s everything we know about the Exynos 2600’s architecture:
CPU Architecture
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Process Node | 2nm GAA (Samsung Foundry) |
| CPU Architecture | Arm v9.3 |
| Core Configuration | 10 cores (1+3+6) |
| Prime Core | 1x C1-Ultra @ 3.8-3.9GHz |
| High-Performance Cores | 3x C1-Pro @ 3.25GHz |
| Mid-Performance Cores | 6x C1-Pro @ 2.75GHz |
| Efficiency Cores | None |
The most interesting design choice here is the absence of traditional efficiency cores. Samsung has gone all-in on what they call an “all big core” design, similar to MediaTek’s approach with the Dimensity 9500. Every core is a performance core, just clocked differently.
My reasoning here: After years of watching phones stutter when switching between efficiency and performance cores, I think this approach makes sense. The constant core migration in traditional setups causes micro-stutters that users feel but can’t quite explain. By eliminating the weakest cores entirely, Samsung is betting that their 2nm efficiency gains make up for the theoretical power advantage of tiny cores.
GPU: Xclipse 960
The Exynos 2600 continues Samsung’s partnership with AMD, featuring the Xclipse 960 GPU based on RDNA architecture.
| GPU Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Clock | 985MHz |
| Ray Tracing | 50% improvement over previous gen |
| Compute Performance | 2x previous generation |
| API Support | OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 3.0, Vulkan 1.3 |
| Special Features | ENSS (Exynos Neural Super Sampling) |
The ENSS feature is particularly interesting – it uses AI for resolution upscaling and frame generation, similar to NVIDIA’s DLSS technology. If it works as advertised, this could be a game-changer for mobile gaming performance.
NPU and AI Engine
| AI Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| NPU Configuration | 32K MAC NPU |
| Performance Boost | 113% over Exynos 2500 |
| Security | First NPU with built-in virtualization security |
| Encryption | Hardware-backed hybrid Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) |
The 113% AI performance jump is significant. On-device AI is becoming increasingly important for features like real-time translation, image processing, and the Galaxy AI features Samsung has been pushing.
Memory and Display Support
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| RAM Support | LPDDR5X |
| Storage Support | UFS 4.1 |
| Display Output | 4K/WQUXGA @ 120Hz |
| Single Camera Sensor | Up to 320MP |
| Dual Camera Setup | 64MP + 32MP |
| Video Encoding | 8K @ 30fps |
| Video Decoding | 8K @ 60fps (AV1 support) |
Benchmark Performance
Let me be upfront: benchmark numbers for unreleased chips are always questionable. Different sources show different results, and pre-release optimization can skew things significantly. That said, here’s what we’re seeing:
Geekbench 6 Scores (Leaked)
| Configuration | Single-Core | Multi-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative Estimate | 3,455 | 11,621 |
| Optimistic Leak | 4,217 | 13,482 |
| Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (Reference) | ~3,800 | ~12,500 |
The wide variance in these leaked benchmarks tells me we should wait for real-world testing. The optimistic numbers would put the Exynos 2600 ahead of Snapdragon in single-core performance – something that hasn’t happened in years. If Samsung hits even the conservative estimates, they’re competitive. If they hit the higher numbers, this is a genuine upset.
Samsung claims a 39% CPU performance improvement over the Exynos 2500. Based on historical patterns, that number is likely measured under specific conditions that don’t reflect sustained real-world usage.
The Heat Problem – Finally Solved?
This is where things get genuinely interesting. Samsung has historically struggled with thermal management on Exynos chips. The Exynos 2200 was notorious for throttling under sustained load, and the 2400 wasn’t much better.
For the Exynos 2600, Samsung introduced something they call “Heat Path Block” (HPB) technology. Here’s how it works:
HPB Technology Explained
Traditional chip packaging puts DRAM memory directly on top of the processor die. This creates a barrier between the chip’s hottest components and the heat dissipation path.
Samsung’s solution:
- Move DRAM to the side of the chip
- Place a copper-based Heat Path Block directly on the processor die
- Use High-k EMC (epoxy molding compound) with superior thermal properties
The claimed results:
- 30% reduction in chip temperature compared to Exynos 2500
- 16% reduction in thermal resistance
My reasoning here: I’ve been tracking Samsung’s thermal claims for years, and this is the first time they’ve fundamentally changed the packaging architecture rather than just optimizing existing designs. If the DRAM repositioning works as described, it addresses the root cause of Exynos thermal issues. This isn’t a band-aid; it’s surgery.
Samsung is apparently confident enough in this technology that they’re considering licensing it to other chip manufacturers, including Qualcomm and Apple.
Exynos 2600 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Let’s put these chips head-to-head:
| Specification | Exynos 2600 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 2nm (Samsung Foundry) | 3nm (TSMC) |
| CPU Cores | 10 (1+3+6) | 8 (2+6) |
| Max CPU Clock | 3.8-3.9GHz | 4.6GHz |
| GPU | Xclipse 960 (AMD RDNA) | Adreno 840 |
| Ray Tracing Improvement | +50% | +25% |
| GPU Power Efficiency | Not disclosed | +20% |
| AI Performance Boost | +113% | +37% |
| Modem | External (Exynos 5410) | Integrated |
Key Observations
Where Exynos Leads:
- First to 2nm manufacturing
- More cores (10 vs 8)
- Larger AI performance jump
- Better ray tracing improvement claims
- Innovative thermal solution
Where Snapdragon Leads:
- Higher peak clock speed (4.6GHz vs 3.9GHz)
- Integrated modem (more efficient)
- TSMC manufacturing (historically more reliable yields)
- Proven track record
My analysis: On paper, this is the closest Exynos has come to Snapdragon in years. The 2nm process should give Samsung an efficiency advantage, but the external modem potentially negates that gain. The real test will be sustained performance and battery life in actual devices. Numbers are meaningless if the chip throttles after 10 minutes of gaming.
What the Community is Saying
After digging through Reddit discussions on r/samsung, r/Android, and r/GalaxyS26, here’s what I found:
The Skeptics
The dominant sentiment is cautious skepticism. Many users have been burned by Exynos performance before:
“I’ll believe it when I see real-world tests. Samsung claimed the 2200 would be competitive too, and we all know how that went.” – r/Android user
“The benchmarks look great but benchmarks have never been Exynos’s problem. Thermal throttling is the issue.” – r/GalaxyS26 discussion
The Optimists
Some users are genuinely excited about the architectural changes:
“The fact that they moved the DRAM to fix thermals shows they’re actually listening. This isn’t just a faster chip, it’s a redesigned approach.” – r/samsung thread
The Pragmatists
Most power users seem to be waiting for real-world data:
My analysis: After reading through 50+ comments across different forums, three themes kept appearing: (1) past Exynos disappointments make people skeptical, (2) the thermal solution is getting people interested, and (3) most buyers don’t care which chip they get as long as it works. The enthusiast community is watching closely, but the average Galaxy buyer won’t check their chip variant.
Which Galaxy S26 Gets Which Chip?
This is where things get complicated for international buyers:
| Device | Exynos 2600 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | Europe, Asia, Korea | USA, China, Latin America |
| Galaxy S26+ | Europe, Asia, Korea | USA, China, Latin America |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | Not available | Global (all regions) |
Important caveat: Due to potential yield constraints with Samsung’s 2nm manufacturing, the Exynos 2600 might only appear in approximately 30% of Galaxy S26 devices. This could mean some regions that typically get Exynos might receive Snapdragon variants.
My reasoning here: The fact that Samsung is reserving Snapdragon for the Ultra globally speaks volumes. They know enthusiasts who buy the Ultra – typically their most demanding customers – want the chip with the proven track record. This is either practical admission or strategic caution. Either way, it tells you where Samsung’s confidence actually lies.
The External Modem Problem
Here’s the elephant in the room that could undermine all of Exynos 2600’s gains: the external modem.
The Exynos 2600 uses the Exynos 5410 modem as an external component rather than integrating it into the SoC. This matters more than you might think:
Why Integrated Modems Are Better
- Shorter data paths = lower latency
- Shared power delivery = better efficiency
- Less heat generation = better thermal performance
- Smaller footprint = more room for battery
Real-World Impact
Industry estimates suggest external modems consume 5-10% more power during connectivity-intensive tasks compared to integrated solutions. This includes:
- Voice calls
- Video calls
- Heavy mobile data usage
- Background app sync
My analysis: This is a significant oversight that could negate much of the 2nm efficiency advantage. If you’re someone who uses their phone for lots of calls or streams video on cellular data, the Exynos variant might drain faster than the Snapdragon version despite the more advanced process node. It’s a puzzling design choice for a flagship chip.
My Verdict
The Exynos 2600 represents Samsung’s most serious attempt at chip parity in years. The 2nm process is a genuine first, the thermal solution shows they’ve identified their core weakness, and the performance numbers – if they hold up – are competitive.
The Good:
- First 2nm smartphone chip is a meaningful achievement
- Innovative Heat Path Block technology addresses historical thermal issues
- 113% AI performance boost positions it well for Galaxy AI features
- All-big-core design should provide smoother sustained performance
The Concerning:
- External modem is a step backward in efficiency
- Limited to S26/S26+ in select regions
- 2nm yields may limit availability
- Reddit community remains skeptical based on past experience
Who Should Care:
- If you’re in a Snapdragon region: This is academic – you’re getting the 8 Elite Gen 5
- If you’re in an Exynos region buying S26/S26+: Watch for early reviews before purchasing
- If you’re buying S26 Ultra: You’re getting Snapdragon regardless of region
The Exynos 2600 might finally be the redemption arc Samsung fans have been waiting for. But redemption arcs need real-world validation, not just spec sheets.
FAQ
Q: Is the Exynos 2600 better than Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
A: On paper, they’re competitive. The Exynos leads in AI performance and ray tracing; Snapdragon leads in peak clock speed and has an integrated modem. Real-world testing will determine the winner.
Q: Will all Galaxy S26 devices have Exynos 2600?
A: No. The S26 and S26+ get Exynos in select regions (Europe, Asia, Korea), while the S26 Ultra gets Snapdragon globally.
Q: Does the 2nm process actually matter?
A: Yes, smaller process nodes typically offer better performance and efficiency. Samsung claims 25-30% better power efficiency compared to 3nm.
Q: What about gaming performance?
A: Samsung claims 2x compute performance and 50% better ray tracing. The new Heat Path Block should help with thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Q: When does the Exynos 2600 launch?
A: It debuts with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026 (expected January/February).
