Samsung is preparing a major comeback in smartphone chips with its new Exynos 2600 processor, set for mass production this month and expected to power next year’s Galaxy S26 series.

The Exynos 2600 marks the return of Samsung’s in-house chipset to its flagship Galaxy line after being absent in the Galaxy S25 series due to previous overheating, power efficiency and yield issues.

The chip is also the company’s first to use the cutting-edge 2-nanometre gate-all-around (GAA) manufacturing process, a milestone for Samsung Foundry.

The new processor could be a turning point for Samsung’s struggling System LSI and foundry businesses, long hampered by technical and credibility challenges.

The chip includes a new Heat Path Block thermal management feature, designed to improve stability and efficiency under heavy workloads.

Early Geekbench tests are promising, with the Exynos 2600 scoring 3,309 in single-core and 11,256 in multi-core performance – almost matching Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which is expected to feature in rival Android devices.

Financial analysts are cautiously optimistic. Samsung’s Device Solutions division, which covers LSI, foundry, and memory units, is forecast to post 5 trillion won (A$6 billion) in operating profit for the July–September quarter, which is a sharp recovery from previous losses.

Stability improvements from the Exynos 2600 and in-house chip use in devices like the Galaxy Flip 7 have helped the turnaround.

Reports suggest the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge will feature the Exynos 2600, while the S26 Ultra may continue using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.

This dual-chip strategy could reduce costs for Samsung’s mobile division while supporting its semiconductor ambitions.

If successful, the Exynos 2600 could rebuild confidence in Samsung’s 2nm foundry process, attract major clients like Tesla and Nintendo, and strengthen the company’s position in high-end mobile chipmaking.

Samsung’s next-generation flagship series is expected to launch in early 2026, with the Exynos 2600 at the centre of its comeback.