In a significant leap for mobile silicon, Samsung has officially announced the Exynos 2600, claiming the title of the world's first smartphone chip built on a 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) manufacturing process. This announcement, made on December 19, 2025, positions Samsung ahead of rivals Qualcomm and MediaTek in the race to next-generation process technology. The new chip promises substantial improvements in CPU and GPU performance, advanced AI capabilities, and crucially, better thermal management—a historical pain point for Exynos processors. This article delves into the specifications, claimed performance metrics, and the potential impact of this new silicon, which is expected to power select models in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
Exynos 2600 Key Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Process Node | Samsung 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) |
| CPU | 10-core ARM v9.3: 1x C1-Ultra @ 3.80GHz, 3x C1-Pro @ 3.25GHz, 6x C1-Pro @ 2.75GHz |
| GPU | Samsung Xclipse 960 |
| AI Engine | 32K MAC NPU |
| RAM Support | LPDDR5X |
| Storage Support | UFS 4.1 |
| Max Camera | 320MP single / 64MP + 32MP dual |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps HDR |
| Display Support | 4K @ 120Hz |
| Thermal Tech | Heat Pass Block (HPB) |
| Special Features | ARM SME2, Exynos Neural Super Sampling (ENSS), AI Visual Perception System (VPS), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) |
A Foundry and Design Leap with 2nm GAA
The cornerstone of the Exynos 2600's advancements is its manufacturing process. Samsung has transitioned to a 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor architecture, a more advanced and efficient design compared to the FinFET technology used in previous nodes. This allows for better control of current flow within the transistor, which translates to higher performance at lower power consumption or reduced heat generation. By being the first to market with a 2nm mobile chip, Samsung demonstrates its integrated strength as both a chip designer and a leading-edge foundry, gaining a potential several-month lead over competitors relying on TSMC's 2nm process.
An All-Performance CPU Cluster and Architectural Upgrades
Breaking from traditional big.LITTLE designs, the Exynos 2600 features a unique 10-core CPU configuration composed entirely of performance-oriented cores, forgoing dedicated low-power cores. The cluster is built on ARM's latest v9.3 architecture and includes one high-frequency C1-Ultra core clocked at 3.80GHz, three C1-Pro cores at 3.25GHz, and six additional C1-Pro cores tuned for efficiency at 2.75GHz. This setup is bolstered by support for ARM's Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2), an instruction set that accelerates matrix operations common in AI and complex computing tasks. Samsung claims this combination delivers up to a 39% improvement in overall CPU computing performance.
Enhanced GPU, Ray Tracing, and AI-Powered Upscaling
Graphics receive a substantial upgrade with the new Xclipse 960 GPU. Samsung states it offers twice the compute performance of its predecessor and improves ray tracing performance by up to 50%, aiming for more immersive mobile gaming. A standout feature is the introduction of Exynos Neural Super Sampling (ENSS), Samsung's answer to technologies like NVIDIA's DLSS. ENSS uses AI to upscale resolution and generate frames, promising significant framerate boosts in supported games without excessively taxing the GPU.
A Focus on AI, Imaging, and Thermal Management
The integrated AI Engine features a 32K MAC Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which Samsung claims delivers a 113% generational leap in generative AI performance. For imaging, the chip supports cameras up to 320MP and introduces an AI-based Visual Perception System (VPS) for the ISP, enabling real-time recognition of fine details. Perhaps most critically for user perception, Samsung has directly addressed thermal concerns with a new "Heat Pass Block" (HPB) technology. Using specialized materials to improve heat transfer, the company claims this innovation lowers thermal resistance by 16%, a key metric for sustaining performance during intensive tasks.
Claimed Performance Improvements (vs. Exynos 2500)
- CPU Performance: Up to 39% improvement.
- AI Performance: Up to 113% improvement for generative AI.
- GPU Ray Tracing: Up to 50% improvement.
- Thermal Resistance: 16% lower (improved heat dissipation).
- ISP Efficiency: Up to 50% lower power consumption.
Market Position and the Road Ahead
The Exynos 2600 is widely expected to power the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models in many regions, while the S26 Ultra is rumored to exclusively feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This split strategy suggests Samsung is confident in its new chip for flagship duties but may still see an edge in Qualcomm's solution for the absolute top tier. With Qualcomm and MediaTek's 2nm chips (like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Dimensity 9600) not expected until late 2026, the Exynos 2600 has a clear window to establish its capabilities. Its success will ultimately depend on real-world performance, battery life, and thermal behavior—factors that paper specifications can only hint at.