This could be a game-changing comeback in the smartphone world. Samsung is reportedly preparing a major technological response with its upcoming Galaxy S26, whose Exynos 2600 chip is said to significantly outperform the current reigning champion, Apple’s A19 Pro.
Performance that’s bound to turn heads
According to usually reliable sources, the AI component in the Exynos 2600 could be up to six times more powerful than that of the iPhone 17 Pro. The improvements don’t stop there: graphics performance is said to increase by 75% and the processor by 14% in multitasking mode.
Even against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Samsung’s chip would maintain the edge, offering 30% more performance. If these figures hold true, it would mark a significant turning point for the Korean giant’s semiconductor division.
The challenge of user experience
The real test now will be turning potential into reality. Benchmarks and everyday use can be worlds apart. Samsung engineers will need to tackle the tricky issues of thermal management and battery life, two areas that have often held back previous generations of Exynos chips.
A two-tier strategy
As usual, Samsung would adopt a differentiated approach depending on the market. Europe and South Korea are expected to get the Exynos 2600, while the United States, Canada, China, and Japan will likely stick with the Snapdragon.
If these performance gains hold true, 2026 could be the year of Samsung’s comeback. After several challenging seasons, the Korean giant appears to have leveraged its 2nm chip-making expertise to regain the technological edge. Apple’s response, which is sure to come, promises to be just as exciting.
