Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship processor, the Exynos 2600, touted as the world’s first smartphone chip built on a 2nm process. While the new manufacturing technology promises significant performance improvements, a key design choice has raised concerns among tech enthusiasts: the integration of an external 5G modem. This decision could potentially lead to reduced energy efficiency for devices like the upcoming Galaxy S26.

Historically, Samsung has adhered to the “System-on-Chip” (SoC) design, where the CPU, GPU, and modem reside on a single piece of silicon. This approach typically enhances mobile efficiency, as data transfer occurs within a compact space, minimizing power consumption and heat generation. With the Exynos 2600, however, Samsung has opted for a different path by utilizing an external modem, likely the Shannon 5410.

The motivation behind this shift appears to stem from the increasing complexity of modern mobile chips. As manufacturers incorporate more powerful AI engines and graphics cores, space on the chip becomes limited. By relocating the modem, Samsung has freed up valuable real estate on the 2nm die, allowing engineers to enhance other components. The Exynos 2600 boasts a 39% improvement in CPU performance and a remarkable 113% increase in NPU capabilities for AI tasks. Additionally, Samsung has introduced a “Heat Path Block,” a copper-based heatsink designed to improve thermal management.

While these performance enhancements are impressive on paper, the transition to an external modem raises critical questions about energy efficiency. With the modem functioning as a separate chip, the device requires more energy to facilitate data exchange between the processor and the cellular hardware. Consequently, the efficiency gains from the advanced 2nm process and new cooling features may be offset by the additional power demands of the external modem.

For future Galaxy S26 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 users, this could mean that despite improved speed and thermal performance, battery life may not meet expectations.

Samsung is not alone in this approach; Apple has employed separate modems in its iPhones for years. Despite this, Apple has managed to maintain commendable battery life, particularly in its Pro models. A significant factor in this success is the differing operational strategies of Android and iOS. Apple’s mobile operating system is notably more aggressive in managing background processes compared to Android, which could complicate Samsung’s efforts to mitigate potential energy efficiency losses.

Overall, the Exynos 2600 represents a strategic gamble for Samsung. The company is prioritizing raw computational power and manufacturing efficiency while developing its own chips for high-end Galaxy devices. Whether this trade-off results in a superior flagship experience or adds to the ongoing concerns related to Exynos efficiency will hinge on how effectively Samsung can reconcile the capabilities of its new 2nm powerhouse with the challenges posed by its external modem.