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Galaxy S26 Exynos 2600: Surprising Thermal Management Performance Analysis, Despite Some DisappointmentThe in-depth analysis results of the Exynos 2600 AP's performance, integrated into the Galaxy S26, have been released. Compared to the S26 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the iPhone 17 series, the Exynos 2600 showed some areas of disappointment in certain performance metrics. However, it received positive reviews for its stability due to innovative thermal management technology. While there were differences in gaming performance and CPU single-core scores, the overall conclusion is that it is more than adequate for general usability.
1. 🎮 Real-time 3D Rendering Performance Comparison
· We compared and analyzed the performance of the Galaxy S26 (Exynos 2600) with the Galaxy S26 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5), iPhone 17 (A19), and iPhone 17 Pro Max (A19 Pro).
· In real-time 3D rendering tests, which are only possible on Android devices, the Galaxy S26 recorded similar frame rates to the S25 Ultra, showing approximately 30% lower performance compared to the S26 Ultra.
· However, the S26 had the smallest frame rate fluctuation, indicating superior stability in 3D rendering.
· In real-time 3D rendering tests, which are only possible on Android devices, the Galaxy S26 recorded similar frame rates to the S25 Ultra, showing approximately 30% lower performance compared to the S26 Ultra.
· However, the S26 had the smallest frame rate fluctuation, indicating superior stability in 3D rendering.
| Model | Average FPS |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | 119.7 FPS |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 171.1 FPS |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | 121.9 FPS |
00:00 - 01:47
1. 🎮 Real-time 3D Rendering Performance Comparison
· We compared and analyzed the performance of the Galaxy S26 (Exynos 2600) with the Galaxy S26 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5), iPhone 17 (A19), and iPhone 17 Pro Max (A19 Pro).
· In real-time 3D rendering tests, which are only possible on Android devices, the Galaxy S26 recorded similar frame rates to the S25 Ultra, showing approximately 30% lower performance compared to the S26 Ultra.
· However, the S26 had the smallest frame rate fluctuation, indicating superior stability in 3D rendering.
· In real-time 3D rendering tests, which are only possible on Android devices, the Galaxy S26 recorded similar frame rates to the S25 Ultra, showing approximately 30% lower performance compared to the S26 Ultra.
· However, the S26 had the smallest frame rate fluctuation, indicating superior stability in 3D rendering.
| Model | Average FPS |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | 119.7 FPS |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 171.1 FPS |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | 121.9 FPS |
01:48 - 03:29
2. 📊 3DMark Benchmark and Stress Test Results
· In 3DMark tests, the Galaxy S26 generally scored higher than the iPhone 17 series.
· The Wild Life Extreme score, which measures 4K rendering performance, was about 9% lower than the S26 Ultra.
· In ray tracing and cross-platform graphics performance tests, it was difficult to determine a clear winner between the S26 and S26 Ultra.
· Stress test results showed that the S26 maintained performance stability of 60-64%, similar to the S26 Ultra, indicating significant throttling improvements compared to previous standard models.
· The Wild Life Extreme score, which measures 4K rendering performance, was about 9% lower than the S26 Ultra.
· In ray tracing and cross-platform graphics performance tests, it was difficult to determine a clear winner between the S26 and S26 Ultra.
· Stress test results showed that the S26 maintained performance stability of 60-64%, similar to the S26 Ultra, indicating significant throttling improvements compared to previous standard models.
| Test Item | Galaxy S26 vs S26 Ultra | Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Life Extreme (Peak Performance) | 9% lower | 30% higher |
| Wild Life Extreme (Real-world Performance) | 10% lower | 23% higher |
| Solar Bay (Peak/Real-world Performance) | Within margin of error | Peak 28% higher Real-world 30% higher |
03:30 - 04:16
3. 💻 Geekbench 6 CPU Performance Analysis
· In Geekbench 6 scores, the Galaxy S26 had a 14% lower single-core score compared to the S26 Ultra, but its multi-core score was within the margin of error.
· Compared to the iPhone 17, the single-core score was 12% lower, but the multi-core score was 20% higher.
· While the absolute performance is excellent, the single-core performance was noted as a drawback when compared to contemporary APs.
· Compared to the iPhone 17, the single-core score was 12% lower, but the multi-core score was 20% higher.
· While the absolute performance is excellent, the single-core performance was noted as a drawback when compared to contemporary APs.
| Item | Galaxy S26 vs S26 Ultra | Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Core | 14% lower | 12% lower |
| Multi Core | Within margin of error | 20% higher |
04:17 - 06:18
4. 🎮 Real-world Gaming Performance Test (Genshin Impact, Mabinogi Mobile)
· When playing Genshin Impact (max graphics settings, 60 FPS), the Galaxy S26 experienced occasional frame drops, while the S26 Ultra maintained a stable 60 FPS.
· In Mabinogi Mobile dungeon play, both devices initially maintained 50-60 FPS with no significant difference.
· However, when continuously playing demanding dungeons, the S26 showed a tendency for its gaming performance to degrade more than the S26 Ultra.
· While the absolute gaming performance is sufficient for smooth gameplay in most titles, the S26 Ultra performed better in max graphics settings and prolonged high-load environments.
· In Mabinogi Mobile dungeon play, both devices initially maintained 50-60 FPS with no significant difference.
· However, when continuously playing demanding dungeons, the S26 showed a tendency for its gaming performance to degrade more than the S26 Ultra.
· While the absolute gaming performance is sufficient for smooth gameplay in most titles, the S26 Ultra performed better in max graphics settings and prolonged high-load environments.
06:19 - 07:42
5. 🔥 Amazing Thermal Management Performance (Heat Path Block HPB)
· The Galaxy S26 recorded similar peak external temperatures to the S26 Ultra in various environments, including stress tests, Genshin Impact gameplay, 4K video recording, and YouTube 4K viewing.
· Notably, during Genshin Impact gameplay, the S26's temperature was sometimes measured to be even lower.
· This is thanks to the 'Heat Path Block (HPB)' technology integrated into the Exynos 2600.
· HPB is a technology that reduces heat generation by up to 16% by installing a copper heatsink in the space created by shifting memory to one side during the mobile AP packaging stage.
· With temperatures reaching 42.6°C during stress tests and a maximum of 38.3°C during Genshin Impact gameplay, it is evaluated as a smartphone that can be used without thermal concerns.
· Notably, during Genshin Impact gameplay, the S26's temperature was sometimes measured to be even lower.
· This is thanks to the 'Heat Path Block (HPB)' technology integrated into the Exynos 2600.
· HPB is a technology that reduces heat generation by up to 16% by installing a copper heatsink in the space created by shifting memory to one side during the mobile AP packaging stage.
· With temperatures reaching 42.6°C during stress tests and a maximum of 38.3°C during Genshin Impact gameplay, it is evaluated as a smartphone that can be used without thermal concerns.
07:43 - 08:18
6. 🧠 AI Performance (Geekbench AI) Comparison
· In Geekbench AI tests, the Galaxy S26 scored higher in ENN backend compared to the S26 Ultra, while the S26 Ultra scored higher in CPU and GPU backend.
· Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the S26 led in Exynos Neural Network's half precision and quantized scores, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max was superior in other areas.
· Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the S26 led in Exynos Neural Network's half precision and quantized scores, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max was superior in other areas.
| Comparison Target | S26 Advantage Items | Opponent Device Advantage Items |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | ENN Backend Score | CPU/GPU Backend Score |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Exynos Neural Network (Half Precision, Quantized) | Other Items |
08:19 - 09:20
7. ✅ Galaxy S26 (Exynos 2600) Overall Evaluation
· The Galaxy S26 shows some shortcomings in gaming performance, CPU single-core, and GPU rendering performance compared to the S26 Ultra.
· However, despite its smaller form factor, it boasts thermal management capabilities comparable to the S26 Ultra and stable basic performance, earning it a positive evaluation.
· The Exynos 2600 has significantly improved upon its chronic issues, offering absolute performance that is more than sufficient for use in standard or Plus models.
· If mobile gaming is your top priority or you desire the best performance, choosing the S26 Ultra is recommended. However, for general usage, the Exynos 2600-equipped model will also provide a sufficiently satisfying experience.
· However, despite its smaller form factor, it boasts thermal management capabilities comparable to the S26 Ultra and stable basic performance, earning it a positive evaluation.
· The Exynos 2600 has significantly improved upon its chronic issues, offering absolute performance that is more than sufficient for use in standard or Plus models.
· If mobile gaming is your top priority or you desire the best performance, choosing the S26 Ultra is recommended. However, for general usage, the Exynos 2600-equipped model will also provide a sufficiently satisfying experience.