First Geekbench Appearance: Samsung Galaxy S26 with Exynos 2600 Hints at Global Powerhouse Performance

The curtain is slowly starting to lift on Samsung's next-generation flagship, the Galaxy S26 series. For the very first time, a device bearing the Exynos 2600 chipset has made its debut on the Geekbench performance benchmark. This initial listing is electrifying, particularly because it confirms the presence of the powerful Samsung Xclipse 960 GPU, signaling a serious step forward in Samsung's in-house silicon development. This appearance marks a crucial milestone, as it’s the first time the new processor has been spotted in a genuine Galaxy S26 unit, moving beyond mere internal testing prototypes. The performance metrics, especially on the graphics side, suggest that the Exynos variant is poised to compete fiercely in the global market.

• ✨ The initial Geekbench listing for the Exynos 2600 appeared in a Samsung SM-S942B smartphone, confirming its real-world deployment.
• ✨ The chipset features a sophisticated deca-core (10-core) CPU configuration utilizing a tri-cluster architecture, with a peak core speed reaching 3.80 GHz.
• ✨ The integrated Samsung Xclipse 960 GPU achieved impressive Vulkan API scores, nearing the performance levels of its anticipated Snapdragon counterpart.
• ✨ The global version of the Galaxy S26 is expected to utilize the Exynos 2600, while the Ultra model is rumored to remain exclusive to the Snapdragon platform.

Deconstructing the Exynos 2600 Benchmark Details

The specific benchmark entry, associated with motherboard s5e9965, details the powerful CPU layout of the Exynos 2600. The core frequencies are broken down into three distinct clusters designed for optimized performance and efficiency. This complex structure includes a high-power cluster of one core clocked at an impressive 3.80 GHz, a performance cluster of three cores running at 3.26 GHz, and a set of six efficiency cores operating at 2.76 GHz. This configuration aims to deliver robust speeds when needed while maintaining battery life during everyday tasks.

What truly stands out, however, are the graphics results. The international Galaxy S26 powered by the Exynos 2600 secured GPU scores ranging between 19,825 and 24,726 using the Vulkan API. Achieving scores close to the 25,000 mark puts the Samsung Xclipse 960 GPU in direct contention with the performance typically seen from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which has clocked around 25,083 in similar tests. This suggests that Samsung's commitment to high-performance mobile graphics, developed in partnership with AMD, is finally paying significant dividends.

The traditional split strategy for Samsung's flagship line appears to be continuing: the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus models will feature both Exynos and Snapdragon variants across regions like Korea, India, and Europe. Exclusively, the top-tier S26 Ultra is strongly expected to run solely on the Snapdragon platform. With these initial GPU results confirming the Exynos 2600's high-end capability, anticipation is now focused squarely on the upcoming CPU performance benchmarks. Early internal testing suggested that the CPU performance would be highly competitive with its Snapdragon counterpart, a testament to the improvements realized through Samsung's advanced 2nm fabrication process.

If these performance indicators hold true, the Exynos 2600 could mark a significant turning point, offering compelling performance parity for users outside the typical Snapdragon-exclusive regions. Samsung is reportedly aiming for a major launch event around February 25 in San Francisco, with the first units potentially hitting shelves by March 11, 2026.

What specific hardware is powering the Exynos 2600 variant of the Galaxy S26?

The device spotted on Geekbench, bearing the model number SM-S942B, is equipped with the Exynos 2600 SoC, which utilizes a deca-core CPU structure across three clusters and features the Samsung Xclipse 960 GPU.

How does the Exynos 2600 GPU score compare to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?

The Exynos 2600 achieved Vulkan GPU scores up to 24,726, placing it very close to the typical scores of around 25,083 reported for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, indicating near-parity in graphics processing power.

Which regions are expected to receive the Exynos-powered Galaxy S26 models?

The Exynos 2600 version of the Galaxy S26 is slated for markets including Korea, India, and various European countries.

What is the anticipated timeline for the Galaxy S26 series launch?

Current rumors point toward an official unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series on February 25, followed by the initial sales commencing around March 11, 2026.

🔎 The emergence of the Galaxy S26 with the Exynos 2600 on Geekbench is more than just an early performance leak; it signifies Samsung's aggressive pursuit of silicon independence and competitive parity. With the Xclipse 960 GPU showing near-flagship performance indicators, the global strategy hinges on delivering a truly premium experience across all major markets. As we await the full CPU scores and real-world comparisons, this data suggests that 2026 might be the year the Exynos line reclaims its status as a true powerhouse, providing consumers globally with cutting-edge technology built on Samsung's advanced 2nm foundation.