The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series has stirred up fresh discussions in the tech community, spotlighting the potential use of its in-house Exynos 2500 chip alongside Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. Early Geekbench results for a prototype of the Galaxy S25+ have unveiled that the Exynos 2500 might feature prominently in some models, reversing the previous trend of exclusive Snapdragon use in certain regions. This is based on the latest Geekbench test results which show the Galaxy S25+ running on the Exynos 2500 chip.
Benchmark Details: Exynos 2500 on the Radar
Recent benchmark tests have fueled these rumors, showcasing the performance of the Exynos 2500-powered Galaxy S25+. The device, identified as model SM-S936B, scored 2,359 in single-core and 8,141 in multi-core tests. These figures, while indicative of strong performance, fall short when compared to Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite variant, which reached 3,069 and 9,080 in single and multi-core scores, respectively. This reveals a competitive but differentiated offering between the two chipsets, suggesting that Samsung is positioning the Exynos 2500 to balance cost and capability in certain markets.
A Glimpse into the Exynos 2500: What Sets It Apart?
The Exynos 2500 is reported to feature a unique 10-core CPU configuration, structured as 1+2+5+2 cores. The primary core operates at 3.30 GHz, while two high-performance cores run at 2.75 GHz, supported by five mid-tier cores at 2.36 GHz, and two power-efficient cores at 1.80 GHz. Additionally, the chip is complemented by the Xclipse 950 GPU, developed using AMD RDNA architecture, promising improvements in graphics performance—an area where past Exynos chips have struggled.
Samsung’s interest in maintaining an Exynos presence in its flagship lineup comes down to manufacturing economics. The company’s chip division has faced significant challenges, marked by profit drops and past criticisms about performance disparities compared to Snapdragon alternatives. Nevertheless, using its own chips significantly lowers production costs; Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips, for instance, could add up to $220 per unit—nearly a third of a high-end device’s cost.
Regional Strategy and Production Challenges
Historically, Samsung’s strategy of using different chips based on geographical regions has been met with mixed reactions. Reports suggest that the company is considering a dual-sourcing approach for the Galaxy S25 series. The Exynos 2500 is expected to cater to regions outside the U.S., which will likely receive Snapdragon-powered models. This strategy hinges on overcoming production challenges; Samsung’s foundry has grappled with low yields due to the complex 3GAP process. Nonetheless, the company remains committed to bolstering production to secure enough supply for its flagship lineup.
An unnamed Samsung Electronics official recently hinted at the ongoing deliberations: “We will consider the possibility of installing Exynos until the end.” The final decision, anticipated by late November, will determine if the chip will be featured in sufficient volumes.
While the Exynos 2500 appears promising on paper, Samsung’s execution will be critical to gaining consumer trust, particularly after prior Exynos iterations faced backlash for underperformance. The upcoming Galaxy S25 series, expected to launch with Android 15 and up to 12GB of RAM, will be a litmus test for whether Samsung’s internal efforts at refining its semiconductor division pay off.
Rumors about the Exynos 2500 production constraints have also not been confirmed before. Nevertheless, this news is still interesting for technology enthusiasts, especially those who follow Samsung’s innovations in the chipset world. For now, we need to wait for further confirmation from Samsung before concluding further.
Technology enthusiasts eagerly await official confirmation and more detailed specifications as the debut of the Galaxy S25 series approaches. Whether Samsung’s dual-chip strategy will win over global consumers—or reignite old debates over performance disparity—remains to be seen.
