What you should know
- The Exynos 2500 chipset, expected to be unveiled this year, will be the first Samsung application processor produced using its second-gen 3nm process node, potentially making it more efficient than the competing Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
- Samsung Foundry’s use of Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors on its 3nm silicon, a technology not yet adopted by TSMC for its 3nm node, could lead to superior performance for the Exynos 2500 SoC due to reduced current leakage and improved drive current.
- According to leaker Roland Quandt, the Exynos 2600 will feature Samsung’s own GPU, marking a significant shift from the AMD-supplied RDNA GPU used in the next Exynos chipset, the Exynos 2500.
- The introduction of Samsung’s own GPU in the Exynos 2600 SoC could enhance the competitiveness of Samsung’s Exynos application processors against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, potentially leading to cost savings for both the company and consumers.
Full Story
So, here’s the scoop. The Exynos 2500 chipset is on the horizon, expected to drop this year. If the stars align, it’s gonna be a game-changer for Samsung. Why? Well, it’s their first application processor (AP) to roll off the line at Samsung Foundry using a fancy second-gen 3nm process node.
Now, this is where it gets juicy. Compared to its rival, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Exynos could be the sleeker, more efficient option. The Snapdragon’s being cooked up by TSMC with their own 3nm tech. But, and it’s a big but, Samsung’s got a trick up its sleeve.
They’re a whole year ahead of TSMC. Their secret weapon? Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors. These bad boys are not on TSMC’s menu until they hit 2nm production next year. GAA’s like the secret sauce that makes the Exynos 2500 SoC not just good, but potentially great.
Picture this: horizontal nanosheets, stacked up like pancakes, with the gate hugging the channel from every angle. Less leakage, more drive current. It’s tech wizardry that boosts electrical signals zipping through the transistors. Bottom line? GAA equals stellar chip performance.
Switching gears a bit, let’s chat about the Exynos 2600 SoC. Word on the street, courtesy of leaker extraordinaire Roland Quandt, is Samsung’s going rogue. They’re ditching the RDNA GPU from AMD. Instead, they’re betting the farm on their own GPU.
Every new Exynos chip inches closer to Snapdragon’s turf. And the Exynos 2600? It’s no exception. With Samsung’s GPU, it’s poised to power the Galaxy S26 and S26+ in most places. Except, of course, the U.S. and China. They’ll get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, with its Adreno GPU, in the Galaxy S25 and S25+.
Oh, and for those keeping score, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is Snapdragon territory, no matter where you are. But here’s the kicker: if Samsung pulls this off, if their GPU is up to snuff, they could dominate their flagship lineup with Exynos chips. That’s a big deal. It could mean savings for Samsung and, fingers crossed, for us too.
So, yeah. That’s the lowdown. Samsung’s cooking up something big. And if all goes according to plan, we’re in for a treat.
