Exynos 2600 GPU performance nears Snapdragon 8 Elite in tests

Samsung is gradually reclaiming its position in the flagship mobile processor segment. Recent benchmark results for the Exynos 2600 in Geekbench 6 Vulkan show the chip has come remarkably close to Qualcomm's top solution in graphics performance.

In the Vulkan test, the Exynos 2600's GPU scored 27,478 points, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 achieved 27,875 points. The gap is minimal and will likely be imperceptible in real-world use. A similar pattern was observed earlier in the OpenCL test, where Exynos posted 25,460 points versus the competitor's 25,971.

OpenCL and Vulkan assess GPU performance from different angles. OpenCL is often used for computational tasks, including image processing and some AI workloads, while Vulkan targets modern graphics applications, mobile gaming, and complex visual effects. A strong Vulkan result typically signals robust gaming capabilities for a chip.

The performance boost in the Exynos 2600 is largely attributed to the shift to a 2-nanometer GAA transistor process. This architecture enhances energy efficiency and reduces leakage, which should improve stability under heavy loads. Graphics are handled by the Xclipse 960, built on an adapted AMD RDNA 4 architecture optimized for mobile gaming.

Samsung has also focused on thermal management. Employing Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging and a thermal block design has cut thermal resistance by approximately 16%. This should help the processor sustain high frequencies longer without throttling.

Despite the impressive benchmark numbers, final judgments will only be possible after the Galaxy S26 smartphones launch. Real-world usage will reveal how the Exynos 2600 handles workloads, battery life, and heat. Nevertheless, the current results clearly indicate Samsung has seriously narrowed the gap with Qualcomm in graphics performance.