Galaxy S25+ Prototype Reveals Exynos 2500 Featuring 10-Core Cluster, Lower Single & Multi-Core Scores Compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite

Samsung’s challenges with the yield of its first and second-generation 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology have delayed the mass production of its Exynos 2500 chipset, which is intended to compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. Despite these hurdles, testing of this chipset continues on various Galaxy S25 models. A recent prototype of the Galaxy S25+, showcasing a 10-core CPU configuration, has emerged in benchmarking databases. However, the tentative performance of the Exynos 2500 in single-core and multi-core tests raises concerns about its viability in the flagship market.

Performance Discrepancies: Exynos 2500 vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite

According to a Geekbench 6 listing shared by tech insider Jukanlosreve, the Exynos 2500 is currently undergoing tests in the Galaxy S25+. This chipset retains the 10-core CPU layout of its predecessor, the Exynos 2400, with the top-performing core clocked at 3.30GHz. While the advanced 3nm GAA process is expected to enhance efficiency compared to the previous manufacturing node, ongoing yield issues hinder mass production capabilities.

This prototype also boasts 12GB of RAM and is expected to run on Android 15. However, in terms of performance metrics, the Exynos 2500 substantially trails behind its competitors. It registers a single-core score of 2,358 and a multi-core score of 8,211, falling short when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple’s A18 Pro. In fact, the Exynos 2500 is approximately 37% slower in single-threaded tasks and lags by 29% in multi-threaded applications against Qualcomm’s top-tier offering.

Exynos 2500 tested in Galaxy S25 prototype — Exynos 2500 benchmark results in Galaxy S25 prototype.

If Samsung were to resolve its yield issues and successfully mass-produce the Exynos 2500, current performance metrics may not satisfy consumers, who would likely feel disappointed by the absence of Snapdragon 8 Elite variants. This scenario leaves Samsung with potentially limited options; it could revert to using the Dimensity 9400, though Qualcomm’s strategic interests may lead to an exclusive launch of the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Source: Geekbench

Further Reading: Wccftech