The upcoming launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26, expected in early 2024, is set to mark a significant shift in the smartphone chipset landscape. With this new release, Samsung aims to break the longstanding exclusivity of Qualcomm’s chipsets, as reports suggest that the company is gearing up for the mass production of its innovative Exynos 2600.
Earlier this year, Samsung revealed that the Exynos 2600 would be its first chipset built on a 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) architecture. At that time, it was announced that the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) performance of this new chipset would offer substantial improvements compared to its predecessors. Recent updates indicate that Samsung is ready to commence full-scale production of the Exynos 2600, addressing the yield issues that previously plagued the development process.
One of the critical advancements in the Exynos 2600 is the incorporation of Heat Pass Block (HPB) technology. This innovation aims to effectively manage potential overheating concerns, ensuring that the Exynos 2600 operates at optimal performance levels under various conditions. Samsung’s efforts to refine this technology signal a commitment to enhancing user experience and addressing historical issues associated with the Exynos series, particularly regarding thermal management.
Several months ago, it was reported that Samsung's yield rate for the 2nm GAA process was approximately 30 percent, which, while low, indicated progress compared to the 3nm GAA node. Although the latest updates on yield rates have not been disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that improvements have been made since then. According to a report by ETNews, Samsung’s advanced foundry is preparing to ramp up production of the Exynos 2600, suggesting that previous challenges have been resolved.
The Galaxy S26 family is expected to feature a combination of both Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 chipsets, tailored to different regional markets. This strategic approach not only diversifies Samsung's offerings but also helps to reduce the company's expenditures for the year ahead. Recently, the Exynos 2600 was leaked on Geekbench 6, showcasing performance scores that rival those of an underclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, further emphasizing its competitive capabilities.
The advancements in the Exynos 2600 suggest that Samsung's 2nm GAA technology could potentially compete with TSMC’s upcoming 2nm process, which is slated to begin mass production in Q4 2025. However, to secure orders and bolster its market presence, Samsung must also focus on improving its reputation among customers, as technological excellence alone may not suffice.
Historically, the Exynos lineup has faced criticism for overheating issues. To combat this perception, the inclusion of Heat Pass Block technology is a crucial step in restoring customer trust. While the report contains information that has been previously discussed, it is essential to approach these claims with caution, given the outlet's inconsistent track record. As more updates emerge, we will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Galaxy S26 and the Exynos 2600.
