As Samsung prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series in early 2025, recent benchmark results have stirred the conversation around the performance of its chipsets. Specifically, the Galaxy S25+ has surfaced on Geekbench, revealing some interesting details about the performance of Samsung’s own Exynos 2500 chipset. These findings provide insight into how the non-Ultra models, including the S25 and S25+, might perform compared to their Snapdragon-powered counterparts
Comparison Table: Exynos 2500 vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite
| Feature | Exynos 2500 (Galaxy S25+) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (Galaxy S25 Ultra) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip Architecture | 10-core CPU, Xclipse 950 GPU | 8-core CPU, Adreno 740 GPU |
| Single-Core Score | 2,359 (Geekbench 6) | 3,096 (Geekbench 6) |
| Multi-Core Score | 8,141 (Geekbench 6) | 9,080 (Geekbench 6) |
| Graphics Performance | Xclipse 950 (AMD RDNA) | Adreno 740 (optimized for gaming) |
| Expected Availability | Global, excluding North America | North America and China |
Exynos 2500 Benchmark Results
The Samsung Galaxy S25+, identified by the model number SM-S936B, was recently tested on Geekbench 6, and the results are a mix of both promise and concern. Running Android 15 and equipped with 12GB of RAM, the device achieved a single-core score of 2,359 and a multi-core score of 8,141.
Although the Exynos 2500 performs relatively well in multi-core tasks, its single-core performance falls noticeably short compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite | The Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is expected to power the Galaxy S25 Ultra, recorded a much higher single-core score of 3,096 in earlier tests. In comparison, the Exynos 2500’s 2,359 score highlights a noticeable gap in raw single-threaded processing power.
This difference in performance may be crucial for tasks that rely heavily on single-core processing, such as gaming, multimedia processing, or certain productivity applications. For users seeking a device that excels in resource-intensive tasks, the Snapdragon variant might be the clear winner when it comes to pure performance
Exynos 2500 Chipset Features
The Exynos 2500 is an ambitious 10-core processor, featuring Samsung’s Xclipse 950 GPU based on AMD’s RDNA architecture. This GPU is expected to offer notable improvements in graphics performance, which could be crucial for high-end gaming and 3D rendering. However, it’s clear that while the Exynos 2500 may excel in multi-core performance and graphics rendering, it struggles to match the Snapdragon 8 Elite when it comes to single-core tasks.
Samsung’s strategy with the Galaxy S25+ appears to be a more balanced approach, leveraging the strengths of the Exynos 2500 in areas such as multitasking and graphics-intensive applications. However, for users who demand the best in single-core performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite (likely to be featured in the Ultra model) may remain the better choice.
Real-World Performance and Optimization
It’s important to remember that benchmark results don’t always reflect real-world performance. Geekbench tests typically measure raw CPU power in a controlled environment, often failing to capture how well a device handles day-to-day tasks. Samsung, like many other manufacturers, applies software optimizations to enhance the user experience, which could make the Exynos 2500 perform better in practical scenarios than these benchmark scores suggest. However, it’s clear that the Snapdragon 8 Elite holds an advantage in certain areas, particularly for users who demand the absolute best in processing power.
Pricing and Release Considerations
As we approach the expected January 2025 launch, the question of pricing for the Galaxy S25+ remains open. The Exynos-powered model will likely be available in regions outside North America and China, where Snapdragon 8 Elite will dominate. The Exynos variant’s price might be slightly lower, but the performance gap between the two chips could influence consumer decisions
Conclusion
The Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25+ brings solid performance, particularly in multi-core tasks, but its single-core performance still falls behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is likely to power the S25 Ultra. For users who need cutting-edge performance, especially in single-threaded tasks like gaming or video editing, the Snapdragon variant will likely be the superior choice. That said, Samsung’s optimizations and focus on graphics could make the Exynos-powered models appealing in certain regions. As we await the official launch, it will be interesting to see how these benchmark results translate into everyday use