Exynos 2600: The New 2nm Processor Challenges The Apple M5 And Snapdragon 8 Elite
Samsung appears ready to restore the reputation of its Exynos division. According to recent leaks, the upcoming Exynos 2600, manufactured on a 2nm process by Samsung Foundry, could be one of the most powerful mobile processors ever created — potentially competing with the performance of Apple M5 chips.
If everything goes according to plan, the Galaxy S26, S26+, and potentially the Galaxy S26 Ultra (in Europe and South Korea) could be the first smartphones to feature this groundbreaking chip.
Exynos 2600: A 2nm SoC With GAA Transistors
The Exynos 2600 will be Samsung’s first chip produced using the 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) process. This technology, which succeeds FinFET, helps reduce current leakage, enhances computing power, and boosts energy efficiency.
In short, it marks the first time Samsung Foundry can genuinely compete with TSMC on a leading edge process node.
Decacore Architecture for High-End Performance
The Exynos 2600 adopts an unusual CPU configuration: 1 + 3 + 6 cores, including:
- 1 Prime Core at 4.20 GHz,
- 3 Performance Cores at 3.56 GHz,
- 6 Efficient Cores at 2.76 GHz.
On the graphics front, it is expected to feature a GPU called Xclipse, co-developed with AMD, based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture — the same foundation used by recent Radeon GPUs, optimized for mobile ray tracing.
Impressive Geekbench Scores
A capture posted on X by leaker @lafaiel shows record results for an Exynos SoC:
- Single-Core: 4,217 points
- Multi-Core: 13,482 points
Exynos 2600 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zpj1iNxb7X
—INIYSA (@lafaiel) November 3, 2025
If the scores are accurate, the Exynos 2600 would rival the Apple M5 processor (4,263 points in single-core testing) and surpass the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which averages 2,865 (single) and 9,487 (multi).
However, since this data has not appeared in the official Geekbench database, caution is advised: it might have been removed or could originate from an internal test that is not public.
A Strategic Move for Samsung Foundry
Samsung has every reason to ensure that the Exynos 2600 is a success. In 2024, low production yields from the Exynos 2500 forced the Korean giant to purchase an additional $400 million in Snapdragon 8 Elite chips from Qualcomm. However, reports indicate that this time around, yield rates have improved significantly, allowing Samsung to produce enough 2nm chips for the majority of Galaxy S26 models.
This could lower costs and reinforce the group’s competitiveness against TSMC, which remains the market leader (with a 70.2% market share compared to 7.3% for Samsung Foundry).
Consequently, the Exynos 2600 might power up to two of the three Galaxy S26 Ultra variants, representing a significant shift after years of exclusive Snapdragon offerings for the premium model.
A Renaissance for the Exynos Lineup
It’s worth noting that just a few years ago, Exynos chips faced criticism for their lack of power and efficiency when compared to Snapdragon chips. Samsung even disbanded its internal Mongoose core development team in 2019 after several disappointing generations.
Since then, the company has completely overhauled its strategy:
- New partnerships with AMD and ARM,
- Optimizing the production chain,
- Complete restructuring of the Exynos division.
The outcome? A processor that, according to initial data, is finally capable of competing with the best in the market.
The Exynos 2600: A True Comeback for Samsung
If the performance of the Exynos 2600 is confirmed, it would mark a first in a decade: a Samsung processor able to rival Apple and Qualcomm chips, while also being more energy-efficient. Beyond just smartphones, this could restore Samsung Foundry’s credibility in the advanced semiconductor market — an arena where TSMC has dominated for far too long.
If all goes as planned, the Galaxy S26 Ultra “Exynos Edition” could be the standout surprise of 2026.
