Exynos 2600 Performance and Geekbench Results in the Galaxy S26 : Full Breakdown
Exynos has long been considered one of Samsung’s weak points.
This time, however, things may be different.
Recently leaked Geekbench 6 results for the Exynos 2600 suggest a noticeable leap forward, with single-core scores around 3,400 points and multi-core scores reaching approximately 11,000 points. Samsung appears to be pushing optimization aggressively, and the early numbers have sparked renewed interest.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Exynos 2600 brings to the table.
Exynos 2600 Geekbench Performance
According to current information, the Exynos 2600 is expected to achieve:
Single-core: approximately 3,500 ~ 4,300
Multi-core: approximately 11,000 ~ 13,000
Samsung introduces the Exynos 2600 as a chip that “demonstrates excellence,” positioning it as a major generational upgrade.
Notably, it is the industry’s first mobile SoC based on a 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) process, integrating CPU, NPU, and GPU into a compact single chip. This design aims to deliver a more advanced mobile experience while consuming less power.
Key Highlights
CPU based on the latest Arm® v9.3 architecture
Enhanced on-device AI capabilities
Improved ray tracing and ENSS technology
DVNR & VPS imaging technologies
Industry-first Heat Path Block
2nm GAA process with low-power design
Exynos 2600 Performance Overview
Samsung describes the Exynos 2600 as delivering the “true value of performance.”
The chip is built around Arm® C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores, along with Arm’s compute subsystem. Unlike its predecessor, which relied on a traditional big–middle–little tri-cluster design, the Exynos 2600 replaces little cores with additional middle cores. This change allows the SoC to meet a wider range of performance demands while maintaining peak performance and significantly improving power efficiency.
Thanks to the Arm® v9.3 architecture, CPU-based machine learning performance has been strengthened. Support for Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2) further enhances AI computation efficiency and processing speed.
As a result, Samsung claims up to a 39% improvement in CPU performance alongside meaningful gains in power efficiency, compared to the previous generation.
Enhanced CPU Architecture
The Exynos 2600 features a deca-core CPU structure designed to operate efficiently across diverse usage scenarios.
The big core uses Arm® C1-Ultra, delivering improved IPC and faster processing, which translates to better system responsiveness.
A total of nine middle cores balance performance and efficiency, enabling stable handling of both high-performance and efficiency-focused tasks.
Among these, three high-performance middle cores enhance multi-threaded application performance, while six high-efficiency middle cores focus on reducing power consumption. This effectively replaces the traditional little-core cluster.
Powerful AI in Your Pocket
Generative AI performance has reportedly improved by 113% compared to the previous generation. The upgraded NPU significantly expands AI processing capabilities, allowing larger and more complex on-device AI models to run efficiently.
Improvements to the NPU architecture also reduce power consumption and latency, further enhancing generative AI workloads. As a result, AI-driven features such as image editing and virtual assistant functions can operate faster and more efficiently.
In addition, the Exynos 2600 introduces hybrid quantum-resistant cryptography, supporting secure boot from ROM - an industry-first for mobile SoCs. This strengthens on-device privacy and security.
Immersive Gaming Experience
Gaming performance is another major focus.
The Samsung Xclipse 960 GPU adopts a new architecture, doubling compute performance compared to its predecessor. Ray tracing performance has improved by over 50%, significantly enhancing visual realism.
The Exynos 2600 also introduces Neural Super Sampling, an AI-based upscaling and frame generation technology. Even under limited power conditions, it can deliver up to three times smoother gameplay. Refinements to the power domain structure further improve efficiency, enabling longer, more immersive gaming sessions.
Smarter, Clearer Imaging
AI-based image processing plays a key role in delivering a premium mobile photography experience.
With VPS technology, the ISP can recognize and process details such as blinking and subtle facial movements in real time. At the same time, Samsung claims up to a 50% reduction in power consumption compared to the previous generation.
Additional low-power, low-light video enhancement technologies — including DVNR — ensure clearer and more stable results across a wide range of shooting conditions. These AI-driven capabilities aim to produce optimal results with a single capture.
The Exynos 2600 supports cameras up to 320MP and introduces the APV⁸ codec, which improves video detail and color reproduction to a more professional level.
Innovations in Thermal Management
The Exynos 2600 features the industry’s first Heat Path Block in a mobile SoC, representing a significant step forward in thermal management.
By applying High-k EMC and optimizing heat transfer pathways, Samsung has improved heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining a compact package size suitable for mobile devices. These improvements reduce internal thermal resistance by approximately 16%, allowing heat to escape more quickly.
As a result, the chip can maintain stable temperatures even under heavy workloads such as high-end gaming or intensive AI processing, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.
Improved Power Efficiency
Built on a 2nm GAA process, the Exynos 2600 sets a high bar for both performance and power efficiency.
The key lies in precise IP optimization, including improvements to CPU architecture and implementation efficiency. The GPU, enhanced with ENSS™ and a refined power domain structure, is designed to use limited power more effectively depending on usage conditions.
Together, these changes help optimize power efficiency across complex real-world usage scenarios.
Official Details and Production Status
Samsung Electronics recently revealed details about the Exynos 2600, the next-generation application processor set to power its upcoming flagship Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch early next year.
On the 19th, Samsung published key specifications of the AP on its official website. The chip was designed by Samsung’s System LSI Division and manufactured by the Foundry Division using a 2nm GAA process.
The Exynos 2600 is listed as being in mass production, indicating that sufficient yield has been secured for large-scale manufacturing.
Specifications Summary
Applications: AI, Network, Mobile
Product Status: Mass production
Process: 2nm GAA
CPU: Deca-core
C1-Ultra @ 3.8 GHz
C1-Pro ×3 @ 3.25 GHz
C1-Pro ×6 @ 2.75 GHz
GPU: Samsung Xclipse 960
AI: AI engine with 32K MAC NPU
Memory: LPDDR5X
Storage: UFS 4.1
Display: 4K/WQUXGA @ 120 Hz
Camera:
Single camera up to 320MP
Single camera 108MP @ 30 fps
Dual camera 64MP + 32MP
Video:
8K 30 fps encoding
8K 60 fps decoding
Codecs: HEVC (H.265), H.264, VP9, AV1, APV
Performance comparisons are based on internal testing against the previous-generation Exynos 2500. Actual performance may vary depending on usage conditions and environments.
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