Samsung Unveils Exynos 2600 as the World’s First 2nm Smartphone Processor
The Exynos 2600 has been introduced as a new flagship smartphone processor built on a 2nm process. As a result, it targets rivals such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the Dimensity 9500. Unlike last year, the in-house chip is expected to return after a brief absence. Consequently, some variants of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series may feature this processor.
Performance gains and GPU upgrades
The Exynos 2600 includes an upgraded NPU that delivers 113 per cent higher performance than its predecessor. Moreover, the chip uses a 10-core CPU based on new C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores. Instead of low-power cores, the design focuses on a mix of mid and high-performance cores. Compared to the Exynos 2500, the new processor offers up to 39 per cent better overall performance.
In addition, the Xclipse 960 GPU brings up to 50 per cent higher ray-tracing performance. It also introduces AI-based resolution scaling and frame generation. Therefore, the chip aims to deliver smoother visuals and more advanced gaming experiences.
Camera features and thermal improvements
The flagship chipset supports cameras up to 320MP and enables zero shutter lag on 108MP sensors. Furthermore, it records 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at 120fps with HDR. Alongside imaging upgrades, thermal performance has also received attention. Using Heat Path Block technology and a High-k EMC, thermal dissipation efficiency improves significantly. As a result, thermal resistance drops by up to 16 per cent, helping internal temperatures remain stable under heavy workloads.
The Exynos 2600 is expected to power the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus. However, its real-world performance will become clearer once these devices launch in the coming weeks.
