Exynos 2600's AI computer vision technology improves Galaxy S26 cameras

The Exynos 2600 is the world’s first 2nm smartphone chip, and it powers the Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26+. In addition to offering higher performance and improved power efficiency, the new processor introduces an AI-based computer vision technology which is designed to improve camera performance and efficiency.

Samsung says the Exynos 2600 is its first chip to feature the Visual Perception System (VPS), an artificial intelligence (AI) computer vision subsystem designed for the camera. VPS analyzes the scene and assists with multiple stages of image and video processing to improve camera performance. It also enhances the overall power efficiency of the camera system, improving the device's battery life.

Previous Samsung chips relied on a conventional Image Signal Processor (ISP). The ISP processes raw Bayer data captured by the camera sensor and performs tasks such as demosaicing, noise reduction, tone mapping, and color correction before producing the final photo or video.

With the Exynos 2600, VPS introduces an AI-driven ISP pipeline. In this system, AI analyzes the scene during the preview stage, even before the photo is captured. During this phase, the system identifies subjects and understands what is happening in the frame. AI also analyzes motion and helps reduce noise in individual frames.

Using semantic segmentation, which distinguishes between subjects, objects, foreground, and background, the system can optimize colors and tones for different parts of an image. These processes occur in parallel, with continuous information exchange between different stages of the image processing pipeline.

Multi-frame processing, which is commonly used in modern smartphones, also benefits from AI analysis. The system examines motion and context across adjacent frames to reduce blur. Deep learning algorithms estimate both global and local motion, including hand movements or eye blinking. Using this information, the system combines multiple frames to produce a clearer and more detailed final image.

VPS can also process different parts of a face independently. Areas such as eyebrows and hair, which contain fine details, are processed separately from the rest of the face to maintain a natural appearance. This process is called Content Aware Preview, Video, and Capture (CAX).

The system continuously analyzes facial expressions and facial regions from the preview stage until the moment the shutter is pressed. Samsung says the Exynos 2600’s VPS can automatically select frames where no person one is blinking. This helps address a common problem in group photos where at least one person closes their eyes during the shot.

Traditionally, AI-based camera processing relies on general-purpose CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs, which can increase power consumption. Samsung’s VPS offloads key computer vision tasks to a dedicated subsystem. Core functions such as face detection, motion estimation, and real-time semantic segmentation can operate in real time even at ultra-high resolutions and 60 frames per second.

Samsung claims this approach improves power efficiency by up to 50% compared to the previous-generation Exynos 2500 while also delivering faster processing and lower latency.

The company also says that VPS provides more accurate recognition of subjects, objects, and backgrounds compared to the previous generation. This improved understanding of the scene enables better multi-frame image and video compositing.

According to the Samsung, these improvements allow the Galaxy S26 series to deliver better camera performance while consuming less power during camera operations compared to earlier Galaxy devices.