Samsung Exynos 2600 Announced: World’s First 2nm Smartphone Chip With Massive AI and Performance Gains
Key Highlights:
- 2nm manufacturing process
- Improved CPU, GPU, and AI performance
- Better efficiency and thermal control
Samsung has launched the brand-new Exynos 2600, the first smartphone processor built on a 2-nanometer Gate-All-Around (GAA) process. The company promises massive performance improvements, industry-leading AI capabilities, and better thermal efficiency compared to previous Exynos chips.
Much Better Efficiency and Heat Management:
The Exynos 2600 is built using Samsung’s in-house Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology, designed to reduce power leakage and improve overall efficiency. This new manufacturing process represents a major leap forward for Samsung’s semiconductor roadmap.
On the thermal side, Samsung introduces a new solution called Heat Path Block (HPB). By using High-k EMC materials, HPB improves heat dissipation, allowing the processor to maintain high performance for longer periods. This approach aims to address the heating and throttling issues seen in earlier Exynos generations.
10-Core CPU and Xclipse 960 GPU Deliver Major Performance Gains:
The Exynos 2600 features a 10-core CPU configuration with new C1-Pro cores, delivering up to a 39% performance boost compared to the previous Exynos 2500. On the graphics side, the new Xclipse 960 GPU reportedly offers up to twice the GPU performance and 50% improved ray tracing.
This performance jump places Samsung in a stronger position against competing flagship processors, including Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon platforms.
Exynos 2600 Pushes On-Device AI Performance Forward:
AI performance also sees a major upgrade. The enhanced NPU boosts on-device generative AI tasks by up to 113%, enabling faster image editing, smarter AI assistants, and more efficient real-time processing without relying heavily on cloud services.
Will Galaxy S26 Models Use Exynos 2600?
Based on earlier reports, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ are expected to feature the Exynos 2600 in select regions or globally. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to continue using a Snapdragon chipset in all markets.
This mixed strategy mirrors Samsung’s previous approach and keeps competition alive between Exynos and Snapdragon variants.
Why This Matters:
The Exynos 2600 marks a significant milestone for Samsung and the broader chip fabrication industry as the first smartphone processor built on a 2-nanometer process. This advancement could help Samsung close the performance and efficiency gap with rivals like Apple Silicon and Snapdragon while delivering better thermal control.
For consumers, this means faster devices, improved battery life, and stronger competition in the premium smartphone market.
