Samsung debuts Exynos 2600, the world’s first 2nm mobile chip

Samsung has announced the world’s first 2nm chip, the Exynos 2600, which is expected to debut on the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026.

Built on Samsung’s Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, the Exynos 2600 features a 10-core CPU based on the ARM v9.3 architecture. The configuration includes one prime core, three high-performance cores, and six high-efficiency cores. Here are the main highlights of each core type:-

• The ARM C1-Ultra prime core, clocked at 3.8GHz, promises to deliver improved responsiveness through faster processing and higher IPC (instructions per clock).
• The prime core is complemented by three high-performance mid cores running at 3.25GHz to enhance multi-threaded workloads.
• Six high-efficiency cores operating at 2.75GHz handle system management performance with minimal impact on battery life.

To further sustain performance under heavy loads, Samsung deployed the Heat Path Block (HPB) design alongside High-k EMC materials to optimise the heat-transfer path. This improved thermal solution allows the Exynos 2600 to maintain peak performance for longer periods.

The Exynos 2600 also features a new NPU (neural processing unit) with an improved architecture, designed to enhance the computational efficiency of generative AI while reducing power consumption and latency.

Compared to its predecessor, the Exynos 2600 offers up to 39% better CPU performance and a 113% uplift in generative AI tasks. Could this usher in new capabilities in Galaxy AI feature suite over the coming year? We hope so, as its rivals aren’t sitting still either.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series, tipped to launch in February 2026, is expected to be the first mobile device to be powered by the Exynos 2600. If so, Samsung would be the first to ship 2nm chips in commercial products, ahead of Apple’s anticipated 2nm debut in the latter half of 2026.

Source: Samsung