Samsung Electronics Co. detailed specifications for its Exynos 2600 application processor on Friday, marking the industry’s first smartphone chip built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process.
The chip, designed by Samsung’s System LSI division and produced by its foundry unit using gate-all-around transistor architecture, is expected to power the Galaxy S26 and S26+ smartphones slated for early 2026. The premium S26 Ultra will reportedly continue using Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon chips, continuing Samsung’s dual-supplier strategy.
Samsung claims the new 10-core processor delivers 39% better CPU performance and 113% faster AI processing compared to its predecessor, addressing longstanding criticism that previous Exynos generations ran hot and throttled under sustained workloads. The company introduced a thermal management system called Heat Path Block to improve heat dissipation.
The announcement carries significant stakes beyond Samsung’s smartphone division. The chip serves as a showcase for Samsung Foundry’s 2nm capabilities as the unit seeks to attract major customers and narrow the gap with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which commands roughly 71% of the global foundry market compared to Samsung’s 7.3%.
Industry observers note that Samsung was first to adopt GAA technology at 3nm but struggled with yields. Whether the Exynos 2600 delivers on its promises will test whether Samsung can translate process leadership into commercial success.
