In a bold move that could reshape the mobile GPU landscape, Samsung is reportedly developing a custom graphics processing unit (GPU) for its upcoming Exynos 2600 chipset, expected to debut in the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. What’s turning heads is who’s leading this initiative — a seasoned GPU architect with roots at Huawei. This development signals Samsung’s ambition to reduce its dependency on AMD and bring GPU design entirely in-house, optimizing performance and efficiency specifically for Galaxy smartphones.

But what does this mean for users? A leap in gaming performance, more efficient battery usage, and possibly, a new era for Samsung’s Exynos chip lineup.

Let’s unpack the details.

Why Samsung Is Moving Away from AMD’s Xclipse GPUs

Samsung partnered with AMD in recent years to bring Xclipse GPUs powered by RDNA 2 architecture to its Exynos chips. This collaboration began with the Exynos 2200 and continued through the Exynos 2400 and Exynos 1480. While these chips delivered decent ray tracing performance, the results were a mixed bag — particularly when compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and Apple’s Bionic chips.

Now, Samsung seems ready to take full control.

Key Reasons Behind the Shift:

• Greater optimization: A custom GPU allows Samsung to align hardware and software more precisely.

• Cost-efficiency: Cutting ties with AMD reduces licensing costs in the long term.

• Strategic independence: Owning the full SoC design stack offers Samsung a strategic edge.

Meet the Man Behind Samsung’s In-House GPU Project

According to industry insiders, Samsung has handed the GPU project for the Exynos 2600 to a former Huawei graphics veteran. This executive reportedly played a pivotal role in building Huawei’s in-house graphics tech before U.S. sanctions disrupted its chip ambitions.

His addition brings:

• Deep technical expertise in GPU architecture

• Experience optimizing for ARM-based processors

• Leadership in performance-per-watt tuning for mobile devices

Samsung is clearly betting on this experience to deliver a competitive custom GPU that can rival or even surpass Apple and Qualcomm offerings.

Exynos 2600: Performance Expectations and Key Specs

Early leaks and benchmark whispers suggest that the Exynos 2600’s GPU could be a game-changer for Samsung:

• 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Score: ~5800 points
  → This marks a 60% improvement over the Exynos 2400.

• Manufacturing Node: Built on Samsung’s 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) process.

• Production Timeline:

  • Prototype phase has begun.

  • Mass production scheduled for late 2025.

  • Expected launch: Galaxy S26 series in early 2026.

This means smoother gameplay, better thermal control, and extended battery life for high-performance tasks.

Yield Challenges: Can Samsung Pull It Off?

While the 2nm GAA node promises groundbreaking efficiency and miniaturization, it’s not without hurdles. Early yield rates reportedly hovered around 30%, making mass production economically unviable. However, Samsung is aggressively working to hit a 50–60% yield threshold — a target considered viable for scaling chip production for premium smartphones.

To overcome these obstacles:

• A dedicated task force is working on process optimization.

• Samsung is reportedly tweaking its lithography and packaging techniques for better yields.

The Competition: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 & Apple A19 Pro

Samsung’s Exynos 2600 won’t exist in a vacuum. It’s set to compete with:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 – Known for power efficiency and AI integration.

• Apple A19 Pro – The expected powerhouse for the iPhone 17 Pro.

Early Benchmark Insights:

• Multicore performance: Expected to outpace Apple A18 Pro

• Single-core tasks: Still lagging behind Apple’s Bionic chips, but gaining ground.

If Samsung succeeds, this would be the first time in years that Exynos chips become a genuine contender in global flagship devices — not just in European or South Asian variants.

Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking?

Samsung’s bold pivot to an in-house GPU for the Exynos 2600 represents a calculated gamble. With a seasoned former Huawei engineer at the helm and bleeding-edge 2nm process tech, the Galaxy S26 series could mark a turning point for Samsung’s silicon strategy. If the company can fix its yield issues and deliver on performance expectations, it might finally close the gap with Apple and Qualcomm — or even take the lead.

FAQs

1. Why is Samsung making its own GPU instead of using AMD’s?
To gain tighter control over performance, reduce costs, and integrate the GPU more efficiently with Galaxy devices.

2. Who is leading the GPU development at Samsung?
A former Huawei graphics veteran is reportedly overseeing the GPU project for the Exynos 2600.

3. Will the Exynos 2600 outperform Snapdragon and Apple chips?
Leaks suggest it could beat Apple’s A18 Pro in multi-core benchmarks and offer significant gains over previous Exynos GPUs.

4. When will the Galaxy S26 with Exynos 2600 launch?
The Exynos 2600 is expected to debut in the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, with mass production planned for late 2025.

5. Is Samsung’s 2nm GAA process reliable yet?
Currently facing yield challenges, but Samsung is targeting a 50–60% success rate for mass production viability.