Smartphone Technology Advances: Samsung Unveils 2nm Exynos Chip

Samsung has officially announced the Exynos 2600, the world's first smartphone SoC built on a 2nm Gate-All-Around manufacturing process. According to Android Authority, this new chip features a 10-core CPU based on Arm's latest v9.3 architecture, which includes new C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores.

Samsung promises significant gains in performance, efficiency, and thermal management, areas where prior Exynos chips have lagged behind competitors like Qualcomm and Apple. The Exynos 2600 boasts a prime C1-Ultra core clocked at 3.8GHz, three high-performance C1-Pro cores at 3.25GHz, and six efficiency-focused cores at 2.75GHz, leading to a 39% overall CPU performance increase compared to the Exynos 2500.

In terms of graphics, the chip includes the Xclipse 960 GPU, which provides double the compute performance of its predecessor and enhanced ray tracing capabilities. Notably, the Exynos 2600 also emphasizes AI, with a reported 113% increase in AI performance, allowing for complex generative AI models to run directly on devices.

Additionally, Samsung asserts that the chip is designed to enhance on-device privacy and protect sensitive data against future security threats. Its integrated ISP supports cameras up to 320MP and enables advanced video recording capabilities.

The Exynos 2600 will reportedly power some models of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, as it moves into mass production. This advancement not only improves device performance but also opens up discussions about the implications of more powerful mobile processors in terms of data processing and privacy, especially as smartphones increasingly handle sensitive information.