Exynos 2600 is a Turning Point for Samsung’s Mobile GPU Ambitions

Samsung appears to be rethinking its flagship silicon strategy with the Exynos 2600. Beyond adopting an external modem and an all–big-core CPU design, the processor introduces a significant change on the graphics side as well. According to Korean media, the Xclipse 960 GPU no longer follows AMD’s design approach. Instead, Samsung has built the GPU using its own proprietary technology, while retaining AMD’s Radeon architecture.

Samsung shifts towards in-house GPU with a big step in Exynos 2600

For years, Samsung has relied on external partners for GPUs for its Exynos processors. Its recent chipsets feature AMD-powered Xclipse GPUs. While the newly launched Exynos 2600 also integrates an Xclipse GPU, it is a semi-custom solution from Samsung. Instead of relying fully on AMD for design and architecture, the Xclipse 960 uses in-house GPU design and AMD architecture.

Reports suggest this is the first step of a bigger change from Samsung. The company is reportedly preparing a fully proprietary GPU architecture, with the goal of taking complete ownership of mobile graphics in the near future. An in-house GPU can be tuned more tightly to the Exynos memory subsystem, display pipeline, and thermal envelope, potentially delivering better performance and thermal efficiency.

By tailoring the GPU for parallel compute tasks, Samsung can accelerate Galaxy AI features such as image enhancement, video effects, and real-time language processing directly on the device, reducing cloud dependence. Of course, there’s a cost factor too. Reducing reliance on licensed GPU IP lowers long-term costs and gives Samsung more freedom to iterate quickly, customize features, and optimize Exynos chips.

Samsung has already achieved deep vertical integration in areas like displays, memory, and image sensors. Extending that control to GPUs would further strengthen its position in system semiconductors. The firm may complete this transition in 2027. The Exynos 2800, expected to power the Galaxy S28 series, could be the first chipset to feature a completely Samsung-built GPU, with both design and architecture developed in-house.