Samsung has officially launched the Exynos 2600 chip, marking the world's first 2nm mobile processor. Manufactured using Samsung Foundry's 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, the chip promises superior sustained performance through innovative thermal management. It also features an upgraded CPU, GPU, and a more powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for faster AI computations and enhanced imaging capabilities.
The Exynos 2600 boasts a 10-core CPU with new Arm v9.3-based cores: C1 Ultra and C1 Pro. Unlike its predecessors, it eliminates efficiency cores entirely, opting for a configuration of one flagship 3.8GHz C1 Ultra core, three 3.25GHz high-performance C1 Pro cores, and six 2.75GHz C1 Pro cores. Samsung claims a 39% overall CPU performance boost compared to the Exynos 2500.
The integrated NPU introduces industry-first virtualization security and hardware-level hybrid Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), delivering a 113% improvement in AI processing over previous flagship Exynos chips. This enables smoother on-device execution of larger and more diverse AI models.
Equipped with the Xclipse 960 GPU, the Exynos 2600 doubles the computational performance of its predecessor (Xclipse 950 in Exynos 2500) and enhances ray tracing in gaming by 50%. Leveraging Exynos Neural Super Sampling (ENSS), the chip supports AI-driven frame generation and resolution upscaling for high-frame-rate gaming while optimizing power consumption.
The chip’s Image Signal Processor (ISP) supports cameras up to 320MP, enabling zero-shutter-lag 108MP photography. For video, it records 8K at 30fps or 4K at 120fps in HDR, compatible with Samsung’s proprietary APV codec—a rival to Apple’s ProRes—for superior quality and streamlined post-production. AI-powered visual perception detects real-time details like blinks to refine output, while Deep Learning Video Noise Reduction (DVNR) minimizes noise in low-light footage. The ISP also cuts power consumption by 50% versus the Exynos 2500.
Addressing past criticisms of overheating and throttling—issues that plagued earlier Exynos chips compared to Apple, MediaTek, and Qualcomm rivals—Samsung implemented a new Heat Path Block (HPB) technology. Using high-permittivity EMI materials, HPB improves heat dissipation, allowing sustained high performance under heavy workloads.
The Exynos 2600 supports UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5X memory, driving 4K displays at 120Hz with HDR10+ playback and gaming modes. Notably, it lacks an integrated 5G modem, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, likely requiring companion connectivity chips.
Mass production of the Exynos 2600 is underway, with industry expectations pointing to its debut in the Galaxy S26 and S26+ smartphones in early 2026.