For a long time, the “brain” behind Samsung’s flagship smartphones has been a collaborative effort. Although Samsung built the overall chip, they often relied on external partners for graphics performance. Recently, this meant working with AMD to bring advanced gaming features to the Galaxy lineup. However, Samsung appears ready to take full ownership of its mobile GPU technology, targeting the Exynos 2028. The Exynos 2600’s GPU, which powers the Samsung Galaxy S26, represents the initial steps in this direction.
The recently launched Exynos 2600, which is expected to power the Galaxy S26 series, lays the groundwork for this shift. While this new 2nm chip incorporates AMD’s basic architecture, Samsung independently designed the GPU, called the Xclipse 960. According to Korean outlet Hankyung, Samsung has developed its own GPU architecture and plans to implement it starting in 2027 with the Exynos 2800 SoC.
This development positions Samsung alongside elite tech companies like Apple and Qualcomm, capable of designing their own graphics hardware. The company hinted at this direction earlier in the year by appointing a former Huawei veteran to lead the new GPU project.
Transitioning to an in-house design is not merely about prestige; it enables Samsung to optimize how the graphics processor communicates with the rest of the phone. For consumers, this means enhanced efficiency, delivering high-performance gaming and smooth multitasking while preserving battery life. Additionally, it accelerates on-device AI capabilities, as modern GPUs are essential for processing smart features without cloud dependency.
Developing an in-house GPU will allow Samsung to sever ties with external frameworks and eliminate licensing fees, reducing production costs while maintaining complete creative control over its hardware.
This “Made by Samsung” era in graphics is not confined to smartphones. A custom GPU could facilitate a diverse range of applications, from smart glasses and self-driving car software to advanced robotics. To realize this ambition, Samsung has heavily invested in attracting top engineers and industry experts to ensure their future chips are competitive globally.
The tech community is closely monitoring the Exynos 2600 as it enters mass production. The switch to a 2nm process is expected to enhance efficiency, although some design choices could jeopardize this advantage. The true test will be how effectively this new “Designed by Samsung” GPU performs in practical use.
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