Samsung’s latest mid-range chipset, the Exynos 1680, has recently secured Bluetooth SIG certification supporting Bluetooth 6.1. This milestone signals its imminent launch, likely to power upcoming models such as the Galaxy A57. The upgrade from Bluetooth 5.3, as found on its predecessor Exynos 1580, suggests meaningful improvements in connectivity and efficiency.
The new Bluetooth 6.1 technology enhances privacy features and streamlines the pairing process with wireless accessories. It also reduces power consumption during Bluetooth streaming activities, which is crucial for mid-range smartphones where battery life is a key purchasing factor. These technological enhancements contribute to a better and more reliable user experience over time.
Samsung’s chipset certification journey points towards an early 2026 release, a slight delay compared to the usual yearly updates since Exynos 1580’s debut in October 2024. The discovery by tech analyst Mohammed Khatri confirms that Samsung is finalizing the Exynos 1680 for mass production and distribution. This forthcoming chipset will position Samsung competitively in the mid-range segment alongside rivals such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 series and MediaTek’s Dimensity lineup.
Key Specifications of Exynos 1680
Earlier benchmark leaks via Geekbench have shed light on the CPU and GPU configuration of the Exynos 1680:
- CPU: Octa-core setup consisting of
- 1 prime Cortex-A78 core at 2.0 GHz
- 4 performance Cortex-A78 cores at 1.95 GHz
- 3 efficiency Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz
- GPU: AMD Xclipse 550 with 2 compute units running at 1,306 MHz, based on RDNA 3.5 architecture.
The integration of AMD’s RDNA-based GPU addresses the growing demand for enhanced gaming performance in affordable smartphones. This collaboration aims to offer noticeable graphical improvements in devices like the Galaxy A57 without significantly increasing power draw or cost.
Implications for Galaxy A57 and Mid-Range Market
Following Samsung’s typical product flow, the Galaxy A57 is expected to be the first handset powered by Exynos 1680 since the Galaxy A56 used the Exynos 1580. This continuity suggests the new chipset will bring balanced upgrades focusing on efficiency, connectivity, and modest performance boosts.
In markets like Indonesia, where mid-range smartphones dominate sales, features like Bluetooth 6.1 gain importance. Users increasingly rely on wireless accessories such as true wireless earbuds and smartwatches. Improved Bluetooth technology ensures these accessories work smoothly with minimal lag and energy usage.
Samsung’s strategic approach with the Exynos 1680 reflects a broader trend in mid-range segment development:
- Balanced performance and efficiency improvements
- Enhanced user experience through connectivity and privacy upgrades
- Competitive positioning against Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals
This chipset is likely not to revolutionize the mid-range category but to enhance the core usability aspects that matter most to budget-conscious customers.
Looking Ahead
With Bluetooth 6.1 certification finalized, Samsung is closer to officially unveiling the Exynos 1680. Industry watchers anticipate formal announcements regarding the chipset’s features and availability within the first quarter of 2026. The Galaxy A57 will likely debut alongside this release, offering consumers a well-rounded mid-range smartphone with improved gaming and wireless performance.
Samsung continues to show commitment to refining mid-tier mobile technology by blending incremental hardware advances with significant software and connectivity improvements. This approach helps maintain competitiveness in a segment that remains crucial for global smartphone sales.
Consumers interested in upcoming mid-range releases should watch for official details from Samsung soon to understand how the Exynos 1680 will compare with alternatives in similar pricing tiers. Meanwhile, the move to Bluetooth 6.1 sets a new standard for wireless connectivity at this price point, potentially influencing future designs across the market.
