Samsung Galaxy S26: Leaked Exynos 2600 GPU Benchmark Compared with OnePlus 15

The tech world’s buzz this week revolves around one of the most highly anticipated smartphone releases of the year: the Samsung Galaxy S26. This flagship series is speculated to arrive in late February 2026, and as we edge closer to its release, leaks and rumors are beginning to paint an exciting picture of what’s in store. The latest headline comes from a leaked GPU benchmark for Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chipset—the processor expected to power some versions of the Galaxy S26 series. Even more interesting is the comparison between this benchmark and the performance of the OnePlus 15.

But why is this conversation trending? Let’s dive into the details, explore the implications of this leak, and examine what this means for tech enthusiasts shopping for their next cutting-edge smartphone in a fiercely competitive market.

Why the Galaxy S26 GPU Benchmark Leak is Making Waves

The Samsung Galaxy S series is one of the most iconic smartphone lineups in the world. Every iteration raises the bar for design, features, and performance, making it a cornerstone of the premium Android ecosystem. The Galaxy S26 is no exception, with rumors surrounding its hardware and features fueling excitement months in advance.

One area that draws significant attention is the chipset—particularly the Exynos variant. The Exynos chipsets, designed in-house by Samsung, have had a polarizing reputation over the years. While they typically lag behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in certain markets, Samsung seems poised to change that narrative in 2026. The leaked benchmark of the Exynos 2600 GPU appears to suggest competitive, if not superior, performance compared to the recently launched OnePlus 15, making this a major talking point in tech circles.

With foldable phones stealing headlines throughout 2025, the focus is now pivoting back to the bread-and-butter of premium smartphones. The Galaxy S26 is shaping up as the device that could define the next wave of handsets, and how its GPU fares against the competition is a key part of that narrative.

The Exynos 2600: What We Know So Far

Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chipset is reportedly the powerhouse behind certain regional models of the Galaxy S26 (other regions are likely to receive versions equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4). The GPU performance leak centers around what some believe is Samsung’s new-generation AMD-based RDNA 3 GPU architecture, a continued collaboration between Samsung and AMD that began with the Exynos 2200.

• Base Architecture: Utilizing 4nm process technology, the Exynos 2600 is expected to deliver heightened efficiency and improved thermals compared to its predecessors.

• GPU Performance: The leaked benchmark tests showcase the 6-core RDNA 3 GPU far surpassing the predecessor Exynos 2400 in terms of raw graphics performance. Early reports indicate that this new GPU produces a substantial improvement in both frame rates and real-time rendering capabilities, crucial for mobile gamers and those using demanding apps like video editors.

This positions the Galaxy S26 as an incredibly compelling option for users who prioritize high-performance graphics. Gamers, in particular, could find the Exynos-powered variant more tempting than ever before, especially in regions where Snapdragon options aren’t offered.

OnePlus 15: The Rival for Benchmark Supremacy

OnePlus has long been recognized for offering flagship-level hardware at (relatively) affordable prices. The recently released OnePlus 15, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, has already made waves for its stellar performance benchmarks. With a key focus on thermal management, power efficiency, and AI integrations, the OnePlus 15 has been dubbed an “underdog flagship killer” in multiple reviews. The obvious question now is: can the Galaxy S26, powered by the Exynos 2600, go head-to-head with the OnePlus 15 and outperform it?

The leaked benchmarks suggest that might very well be the case, at least when it comes to the GPU. According to reports, the AMD-inspired RDNA 3 GPU inside the Exynos 2600 outpaces the Adreno 750 GPU found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This means users could see better performance under heavy graphical loads, from gaming and VR applications to 4K video editing. Whether this performance difference translates into real-world advantages remains to be seen, but at least on paper, Samsung’s innovation with AMD could be coming to fruition.

On the flip side, the OnePlus 15 excels in optimization. It continuously scores high marks for its OxygenOS skin, which retains a super-smooth experience with lightweight customizations. Depending on how Samsung tweaks its One UI 6.1 to complement the new chipset, the Galaxy S26 will need both the raw power and seamless software experience to stay ahead in the flagship competition.

Other Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy S26

While the GPU benchmarks are the hottest news at the moment, the Galaxy S26 series promises a wealth of other powerful features that make it a strong contender for one of the best smartphones of 2026.

• 60W Fast Charging: According to Wccftech, Samsung is developing a 60W fast charger for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which can reportedly charge the device to 75% in just 30 minutes. While not the fastest charging in the industry, this is a significant upgrade for Samsung, showcasing their renewed focus on battery technology.

• Late February Launch: If rumors are accurate, Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for late February 2026, where the Galaxy S26 series will officially debut. This timing keeps Samsung in line with prior release cycles.

• Camera Upgrades: Samsung’s recent camera innovations—especially in the Ultra variants—have set the bar high for mobile photography. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 200MP main camera, enhanced computational photography, and smarter Night Mode capabilities.

• Refined Display: Samsung’s AMOLED prowess remains unmatched, and early reports suggest the Galaxy S26 will feature an improved Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Expect enhanced brightness levels, better energy efficiency, and an increased refresh rate of 144Hz for unmatched fluidity.

Competition and Consumer Expectations

The battle between flagship smartphones is often waged on three fronts: performance, camera capabilities, and software experience. The leaked GPU benchmark puts the spotlight on performance, where Samsung seems to be breaking new ground with the Exynos 2600. However, OnePlus isn’t likely to sit still, and it remains to be seen how the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4—expected to power competing devices later in 2026—will shift the narrative.

For consumers, these tech battles are great news. Competition means better performance, more innovation, and ultimately more choices for those willing to spend on flagship devices. However, the decision for most buyers often comes down to brand loyalty, price, and the viability of the phone’s entire ecosystem.

Samsung has the advantage of being an established player with a reputation for leading on features like display quality, stylus integration, and software support. OnePlus counters with aggressive pricing and a rapidly growing fanbase that values a near-stock Android experience with seamless updates. With Apple expected to unveil the iPhone 17 later this year, the release of the Galaxy S26 amid the OnePlus 15 rivalry sets the stage for a thrilling year in mobile technology.

Key Takeaways

• The leaked benchmark results for Samsung’s Exynos 2600 GPU suggest promising performance gains that rival or even outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside the OnePlus 15.

• The potential of the RDNA 3-based GPU signifies Samsung’s determination to leverage its AMD partnership to make Exynos a worthy Snapdragon competitor globally.

• The Galaxy S26 promises a host of other impressive features, including 60W fast charging and camera improvements, ensuring it maintains its status as a flagship.

• The ongoing competition between Samsung and OnePlus will likely push disruptive innovations, making 2026 an exciting year for avid smartphone enthusiasts.

As we anticipate the Galaxy S26’s official launch in February 2026, it’s becoming clear that the stakes are higher than ever in the flagship smartphone market. Whether Samsung’s claimed advances in GPU performance will translate into market success remains to be seen. Until then, the Samsung Galaxy S26 versus OnePlus 15 debate will continue to define tech discussions—and keep us all on the edge of our seats.