Samsung taps Huawei expert for Galaxy S26 chip graphics

Samsung is reportedly bringing in a former Huawei chip specialist to head the graphics development for its Exynos 2600 processor, set to power the Galaxy S26 series in 2026. The move aims to boost the performance of Samsung’s in-house Xclipse 960 GPU, according to a rumor shared on X by tipster @Jukanlosreve. The Exynos 2600 is expected to feature an upgraded graphics unit, replacing the AMD-based GPUs used in earlier chips like the Exynos 2200.

This new GPU, tentatively called Xclipse 960, could deliver smoother visuals and better gaming on future Galaxy devices. Early tests suggest it may score 5,800 points in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark, a 60% jump over the Exynos 2400’s graphics performance. Samsung’s chip division has faced challenges with Exynos processors, often lagging behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon in performance.

Hiring a Huawei veteran, known for leading GPU work at the Chinese tech giant’s HiSilicon unit, signals Samsung’s push to close this gap. The Exynos 2600, built on a 2nm process, is also expected to be more power-efficient and faster, with potential Geekbench scores of 2,950 single-core and 10,200 multi-core.

While details about the expert remain scarce, this move could help Samsung create a stronger, homegrown chip for its flagship phones, reducing reliance on external partners. The Galaxy S26 is slated for an early 2026 launch, and fans are hopeful for a competitive Exynos comeback.