Samsung has introduced the Exynos 2600, the world’s first smartphone chip built with 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology. This breakthrough promises substantial improvements in performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities, setting a new benchmark for mobile processors. However, unlike its predecessor, the Exynos 2500, the Exynos 2600 lacks an integrated 5G modem, marking a notable departure in connectivity design.
The fundamental difference between these chips lies in their fabrication process. The Exynos 2500 uses a 3nm node, while the Exynos 2600 pioneers the 2nm GAA node, delivering 25-30% better power efficiency. According to Samsung, this translates to longer battery life or higher performance without overheating, thanks to better current control and reduced leakage in the new architecture.
CPU Architecture: More Power, Fewer Cores
The Exynos 2600 design drastically shifts from the 2500’s CPU layout. The 2500 features a heterogeneous mix with power-efficient Cortex-A520 cores, whereas the 2600 opts to eliminate efficiency cores altogether. It sports 10 high-performance cores (1x C1 Ultra at 3.8 GHz, 9x C1 Pro across speeds up to 3.25 GHz). This approach, similar to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, yields a 39% CPU performance boost as claimed by Samsung. While this promises snappier multitasking and gaming, idle power efficiency now depends on the advanced 2nm process and sophisticated power management.
GPU and AI Enhancements
Both chips run GPU Xclipse series based on AMD architecture, but the Exynos 2600 upgrades to the Xclipse 960, doubling the computational power of the 2500’s Xclipse 950. Ray tracing performance improves by approximately 50%, and AI-driven features such as Exynos Neural Super Sampling (ENSS) enable frame generation and real-time resolution upscaling. This marks the 2600 as a strong contender for premium mobile gaming, supporting 4K gameplay at 120Hz with HDR10+.
Camera and AI Imaging
The Exynos 2600 steps up AI integration in its ISP by introducing a Visual Perception System capable of recognizing objects, facial expressions, and even detecting eye blinks. It also includes Deep Learning Video Noise Reduction for low-light conditions with 50% less power consumption than its predecessor. The chip supports camera sensors up to 320MP and enables zero shutter lag on ultra-high-resolution shots. This smart AI empowers users to capture flawless moments, enhancing real-world photography beyond gimmicks.
AI Performance and Security
With the same 32,768 MAC units as the 2500, the 2600 delivers a 113% increase in generative AI performance while lowering latency and power use. It also pioneers hardware-based virtualization security and post-quantum cryptography protections, ensuring robust defense against future quantum computing threats. This prioritization of long-term security is critical for biometric authentication, digital wallets, and encrypted communication.
Connectivity Trade-offs
In a controversial move, the Exynos 2600 omits an integrated 5G modem, unlike the Exynos 2500 which includes a full 5G modem with satellite emergency support and GNSS (GPS, Galileo, etc.). As a result, the 2600 requires pairing with a separate communication chip. This separation could improve raw performance and thermal management but risks added system complexity and potentially higher power draw. It raises questions whether Samsung is temporarily sidelining its 5G modem development or signaling an architectural rethink.
| Feature | Exynos 2500 | Exynos 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Modem | Integrated with satellite support | None, relies on external chip |
| Satellite (NTN) | Yes | No |
| GNSS (GPS, Galileo) | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | None included |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.4 | Not included |
Advanced Cooling with Heat Path Block
Samsung introduces Heat Path Block (HPB) cooling technology in the Exynos 2600, a first in the industry. Utilizing High-k EMC materials, HPB efficiently transfers heat from the chip’s cores to its casing. Compared to Exynos 2500’s FOWLP packaging, HPB enables longer sustained boost clocks, reduces thermal throttling, and maintains consistent performance during intensive gaming sessions. This innovation directly addresses the challenge of overheating that plagued earlier Exynos generations.
Memory and Storage Upgrades
Both chips support LPDDR5X RAM for fast and efficient memory performance. For storage, the Exynos 2600 upgrades to UFS 4.1, offering higher read/write speeds and enhanced power efficiency compared to the 2500’s UFS 4.0 standard. Although these upgrades may be subtle for average users, they contribute to faster app launches and smoother multitasking.
Samsung’s Exynos 2600 marks a bold leap in semiconductor innovation, combining the new 2nm architecture with AI enhancements and thermal breakthroughs. While it sacrifices integrated connectivity, the chip’s raw performance gains make it a promising candidate for next-generation Galaxy devices. The strategic shift to separate modem solutions may redefine Samsung’s approach to cutting-edge mobile chip design in the current competitive landscape.
