Samsung Introduces Exynos 2600, the First 2nm Mobile Chipset

Samsung has revealed its Exynos 2600, a mobile processor that represents a significant leap forward as the world's first to be built using a 2nm process. This advanced system-on-chip (SoC) integrates the CPU, GPU, and NPU into a single, streamlined unit, promising considerable improvements to both artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and gaming experiences on future Galaxy devices. The Galaxy S26 series smartphones, expected next year, will be the first to feature this new chip.

**Exynos 2600: Technical Details**

The Exynos 2600 is the successor to the Exynos 2500, and it's designed for flagship devices. Samsung Foundry's cutting-edge 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) fabrication technology is at the heart of its construction. The chip boasts a proprietary octa-core CPU configuration: one C1-Ultra core clocked at up to 3.8GHz, three C1-Pro cores reaching up to 3.25GHz, and six additional C1-Pro cores each operating at up to 2.75GHz.

**Performance and Efficiency Enhancements**

Beyond the CPU, the Exynos 2600 incorporates the Samsung Xclipse 960 deca-core GPU, which is based on ARMv9.3 architecture. The chip also features an AI engine with a 32K MAC NPU. ARM's Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2), an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) extension, is also supported, accelerating AI/ML applications and improving matrix operation support. Samsung indicates that these enhancements contribute to a 39% increase in overall CPU computing performance, alongside improved power efficiency.

**AI Performance Leaps**

Samsung is touting a substantial 113% improvement in generative AI performance compared to the Exynos 2500. Ray-tracing performance is also expected to increase by up to 50%. The chip also includes Samsung's Exynos Neural Super Sampling (ENSS) technology, which leverages AI-driven resolution upscaling and frame generation to provide a better gaming experience.

**Thermal Management and Display Capabilities**

To combat the heat-related challenges often associated with Exynos chipsets, Samsung has implemented Heat Pass Block technology. This innovation optimizes the heat-transfer pathway for more effective dissipation, achieving a level of effectiveness comparable to a heat sink and reducing thermal resistance by as much as 16%. The Exynos 2600 also provides support for on-device displays with resolutions up to 4K or WQUXGA, with refresh rates reaching 120Hz.

**Camera Specifications**

Exynos 2600 supports high-resolution camera setups. According to Samsung, the Exynos 2600 is capable of powering on-device displays up to 4K or WQUXGA resolution at refresh rates of up to 120Hz. Smartphones using this chip can support single-camera systems up to 320MP, or dual-camera arrangements combining a 64MP sensor with a 32MP sensor. The chip also supports single-camera video recording at resolutions of up to 108MP at 30fps, along with 8K 30fps encoding and decoding.