It’s a scenario that would have seemed unimaginable just a year ago: the upcoming Galaxy S26 models might not only catch up to Apple but actually outperform the iPhone 17 Pro in raw performance. The new Exynos 2600 chip, set to power the European variants, is already showing highly promising results in early benchmarks.
After several years of disappointment with its in-house processors, particularly in terms of thermal management and battery efficiency, Samsung finally seems ready to shake up the hierarchy. The key to this comeback? A major technological leap with a 2-nanometer manufacturing process that could change everything.
Head-Turning Performance
The latest Geekbench results speak for themselves: the Exynos 2600 scores 3,455 points in single-core performance and an impressive 11,621 points in multi-core testing. To put these numbers into perspective, Apple’s A19 Pro chip tops out at 9,702 points in the same category.
The surprise is twofold: not only is Samsung catching up, but it is actually taking the lead in multitasking performance, a first in years that could truly reshuffle the deck in the mobile performance race.
Even more impressive, the Exynos 2600 also appears to outperform Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, long regarded as the gold standard. It is a comeback strong enough to make fans, especially in Europe, forget Samsung’s past disappointments.
The Challenge of Stability
Now comes the hardest part: confirming these promising performances in real-world conditions. Samsung must absolutely avoid the pitfalls that plagued its previous chips, such as overheating and throttling, or risk undermining this strong momentum.
The launch of the Galaxy S26, expected between February and March 2026, still gives Samsung time to fine-tune its optimization. This extra window could prove valuable in ensuring that these impressive theoretical results translate into a smooth user experience.
If Samsung succeeds in this bold challenge, the Exynos comeback could mark a historic turning point in the balance of power within the high-end smartphone market. Definitely one to watch closely.
