Samsung's Exynos 980: A Powerful 5G Processor Combining Chip and Modem Features

Samsung has unveiled the Exynos 980, its first mobile processor that integrates a 5G modem and application processor into a single chip. This innovation eliminates the need for a separate 5G chip, enabling more compact phone designs and enhanced battery life.

The Exynos 980 offers impressive connectivity, delivering gigabit downlink speeds on 4G LTE and up to 2.55 Gbps with 5G in frequencies below 6 GHz. It supports the latest WiFi 6 standard (IEEE 802.11ax) and features two powerful Cortex-A77 CPU cores alongside six efficient Cortex-A55 cores. For gaming and mixed-reality experiences, it is equipped with a Mali-G76 GPU.

A standout feature of the Exynos 980 is its built-in neural processing unit (NPU), which allows AI tasks to be performed directly on the device instead of relying on server processing. Samsung claims that the NPU enhances performance by 2.7 times compared to its predecessor.

Additionally, the Exynos 980 significantly improves photography capabilities with an image signal processor that processes images up to 108 million pixels. It can also support up to five individual sensors and process three simultaneously.

This advancement marks a significant leap for Samsung and the mobile industry, positioning the company ahead of competitors as 5G technology increasingly becomes the standard. Despite challenges such as limited coverage and national security concerns affecting the 5G rollout, the Exynos 980 ensures that Samsung smartphones will meet consumer demands for fast, reliable connectivity in slim, high-performance devices.