Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 has leaked ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch, reviving hope the S‑series base model may finally get a competitive in‑house chip.

Exynos 2600 delivers ten-core firepower

This prototype chipset sports a 10‑core CPU: a prime core at 3.55 GHz, three performance cores around 2.96 GHz, and six mid cores ticking at 2.4 GHz. Early Geekbench results show scores around 2,155 (single‑core) and 7,788 (multi‑core), though those figures could improve before release.

Exynos 2600 matches modern rivals in specs

Rumors suggest the chip pairs with a new Xclipse 960 GPU built on AMD’s RDNA tech and includes ARM’s SME extension to boost AI workloads. Samsung is also manufacturing it via an advanced 2 nm foundry process a leap forward in power efficiency.

Dual‑chip strategy continues for Galaxy S26

Samsung seems likely to reserve the Exynos 2600 for the base Galaxy S26 in select regions like Europe. Meanwhile, premium models such as the S26 Ultra are tipped to stick with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. Samsung’s goal: deliver a strong domestic chipset without compromising global performance expectations.

Key specs of Exynos 2600

• 10‑core CPU: 1 prime + 3 performance + 6 mid cores
• Approximate clock speeds: 3.55 GHz / 2.96 GHz / 2.4 GHz
• Geekbench scores: ~2,155 (single-core), ~7,788 (multi-core)
• Xclipse 960 GPU with RDNA architecture
• ARM SME support for AI boosts
• Built on Samsung’s 2 nm fabrication process

Early benchmarks show room to grow

Performance is modest underwhelming compared to early Exynos 2500 results but analysts say Samsung may still have time to optimize. Yield improvements on its 2 nm line could make the chip competitive before it ships.

Samsung’s semiconductor comeback hinges on this

The Exynos 2600 arrives amid uncertainty over whether Samsung’s processors can match Qualcomm’s in raw power and efficiency. If it succeeds, Samsung may regain credibility and rein in costs. But if the numbers lag behind Snapdragon, the S26 base model risks being sidelined.