Samsung Exynos 1680 brings 33% AI performance boost and enhanced GPU to mid-range phones

Samsung Exynos 1680 Chipset Elevates Mid-Range Phones

Samsung has officially introduced the Exynos 1680, a new mobile processor designed to bring enhanced AI performance and graphics capabilities to mid-range phones1

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. Built on a 4nm SoC process, the chipset serves as the successor to last year's Exynos 1580 and will make its market debut in the Galaxy A57 5G smartphone, which launches early next month2

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. The new chip is currently in mass production and represents Samsung's continued push to deliver advanced features typically reserved for flagship devices to more affordable handsets.

Significant AI Performance Gains Through Enhanced NPU

The Exynos 1680 chipset delivers a substantial leap in on-device AI capabilities, thanks to its upgraded NPU that achieves up to 19.6 TOPS of performance—a 33% improvement over its predecessor1

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. The new 8K MAC NPU enables the processor to handle complex machine learning tasks directly on the device without relying heavily on cloud processing3

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. This enhanced AI engine supports tasks like image processing, live translation, and other AI features, allowing users to experience faster and more responsive AI-powered applications in their daily smartphone use2

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Xclipse 550 GPU Delivers 16% Graphics Performance Boost

For graphics performance, Samsung has equipped the Exynos 1680 with an upgraded Xclipse 550 GPU based on AMD RDNA 3 architecture2

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. The new GPU features a 2WGP and 2RB configuration, adding two additional Render Blocks alongside two Work Group Processors compared to the Xclipse 540 GPU found in the previous generation1

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. This hardware collaboration with AMD results in a claimed 16% performance boost, which should translate to smoother visuals and better mobile gaming experiences for users2

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CPU Architecture Balances Performance and Efficiency

The Exynos 1680 features an octa-core CPU with a tri-cluster design that includes one Cortex-A720 core clocked at 2.9GHz, four Cortex-A720 cores running at 2.6GHz, and three Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 1.95GHz2

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. While the architecture remains largely unchanged from the Exynos 1580, Samsung has replaced one efficiency core with a mid-core to better balance performance and power consumption1

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. This adjustment should improve performance while keeping power usage in check, potentially leading to better battery life during day-to-day use.

Advanced Memory, Storage, and Display Support

The Exynos 1680 chipset brings support for LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 onboard storage, ensuring faster data access and improved overall system responsiveness1

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. Display capabilities include support for FHD+ resolution at up to 144Hz refresh rate, enabling smoother visuals for gaming and scrolling2

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. The chip also features Bluetooth 6.1 for improved connectivity, alongside Wi-Fi 6E and GNSS support1

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Camera and Connectivity Features

The Image Signal Processor on the Exynos 1680 is equipped to handle advanced mobile photography, supporting up to a 200-megapixel camera sensor, dual 32-megapixel setups, or a 64-megapixel sensor at 30fps2

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. Video capabilities include 4K recording and playback at 60fps, with support for HEVC, H.264, VP9, and VP8 codecs2

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. AI-based image processing and improved noise reduction promise better low-light results. For connectivity, the chipset includes 5G NR FR1 and FR2 support, delivering peak download speeds of up to 5.1Gbps on sub-6GHz and 4.84Gbps on mmWave, while LTE Cat.18 support offers download speeds up to 1.2Gbps2

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. Beyond the Galaxy A57, industry observers expect more Samsung phones and possibly tablets to feature the chip in the coming months3

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