Samsung Introduces Exynos 2600 — World’s First 2nm Smartphone Processor, Set to Debut in the Galaxy S26 Series
The global semiconductor and smartphone industry has recorded a major technological breakthrough. has officially unveiled the , described as the world’s first smartphone processor built on a 2nm process. The new chipset is set to power Samsung’s next-generation flagship devices, which are expected to enter global markets in early 2026.
According to Samsung, the Exynos 2600 is not only a significant performance upgrade but also the company’s most advanced mobile chip to date in terms of power efficiency, on-device AI capabilities, and long-term sustained performance.
2nm GAA Process: Samsung Foundry’s Next Leap
The Exynos 2600 is manufactured using Samsung Foundry’s 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process technology. This approach is considered far more advanced than traditional FinFET designs, as it offers better transistor control and reduced leakage. The direct benefits include improved battery life and enhanced thermal management.
Samsung claims the new 2nm process delivers up to 30% lower power consumption and more stable performance compared to the previous generation. These gains are expected to be especially noticeable during high-load tasks such as gaming, video recording, and AI processing.
Powerful Performance with a 10-Core CPU Architecture
Samsung has introduced a new 10-core CPU configuration in the Exynos 2600, consisting of:
- 1 prime C1 Ultra core clocked at 3.8GHz
- 3 high-performance C1 Pro cores at 3.25GHz
- 6 efficiency-focused C1 Pro cores running at 2.75GHz
The company says this setup delivers up to 39% better CPU performance than the Exynos 2500, along with more balanced power efficiency. For users, this translates into faster responsiveness, smoother multitasking, and longer battery life in everyday use.
Xclipse 960 GPU Brings a Strong Focus on Gaming
On the graphics front, the Exynos 2600 features the new Xclipse 960 GPU, based on ’s RDNA architecture. Samsung claims the GPU offers:
- 50% improved ray-tracing performance
- Double the compute capability
These upgrades are aimed at delivering a better high-end mobile gaming experience, with more realistic lighting, improved shadows, and more stable frame rates. Samsung has also placed a strong emphasis on thermal efficiency to minimize performance drops during extended gaming sessions.
Heat Path Block Technology for Better Thermal Control
Thermal management has been a long-standing concern for Exynos chips in the past. Addressing this, Samsung has introduced a new Heat Path Block (HPB) technology in the Exynos 2600.
This system more effectively dissipates heat generated by the CPU and GPU, allowing the chip to maintain stable clock speeds over longer periods. Samsung says this will significantly reduce throttling during gaming, 4K video recording, and intensive AI workloads.
Major Focus on AI with Up to 113% NPU Improvement
One of the biggest highlights of the Exynos 2600 is its upgraded Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Samsung claims the new NPU delivers up to 113% higher AI performance compared to the previous generation.
According to reports from Korean media, Samsung says the AI engine is several times faster than before and is positioned ahead of competing solutions. This enhanced AI power will enable faster and more accurate on-device image processing, live translation, smart camera features, and generative AI tasks.
First to Power the Galaxy S26 Series
The Exynos 2600 will make its debut in the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and the expected Galaxy S26 Ultra. The chipset supports:
- LPDDR5X RAM
- UFS 4.1 storage
- 4K display output at 120Hz
In the camera segment, its ISP is capable of handling:
- Sensors up to 320MP
- 108MP zero shutter lag
- 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at 120fps with HDR
The chip also includes an AI-based Visual Perception System and advanced video noise reduction features.
Regional Strategy: Where Exynos, Where Snapdragon
Samsung is once again expected to follow a region-based chipset strategy. According to reports:
- Markets such as Europe, India, South Korea, Australia, and Brazil will receive the Exynos 2600
- The US, China, Japan, and Canada will get Galaxy S26 models powered by
Samsung is reportedly planning an almost 50-50 split, depending on production yields and partnership agreements.
Strong Position in Benchmarks
Based on leaked data, the Exynos 2600 has reportedly scored:
- Between 3,300 and 4,200 in single-core tests
- Over 11,000 to 13,000 in multi-core performance
These figures place it on par with, or in some cases ahead of, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in benchmark comparisons.
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