Samsung Radeon Smartphones: What We Know

Yes, Samsung has been working on bringing AMD Radeon graphics to its smartphones, and the first products are already here. The Exynos 2200 chipset, introduced in early 2022, features an Xclipse GPU based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, marking the first time Radeon graphics technology has appeared in a mobile processor. This article explains what that means for performance, battery life, and the future of Samsung phones.

Background: The AMD-Samsung Partnership

In 2019, AMD and Samsung announced a multi-year strategic partnership to license AMD’s RDNA graphics architecture for use in Samsung’s Exynos mobile processors. The goal was to bring console-level graphics to smartphones, competing with Qualcomm’s Adreno GPUs and Apple’s custom silicon. The first fruit of this collaboration was the Xclipse GPU, which debuted in the Exynos 2200, powering the Galaxy S22 series in some regions. This GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and variable rate shading, features previously found only in high-end desktop and console GPUs.

How the Xclipse GPU Works

The Xclipse GPU is based on RDNA 2, the same architecture used in AMD’s Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards and the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. However, it is not a direct copy; AMD and Samsung designed a custom implementation optimized for the power and thermal constraints of a smartphone. Key features include:

• Hardware ray tracing: Simulates realistic lighting and reflections in games, though at lower resolutions and complexity than desktop GPUs.
• Variable rate shading: Renders less detailed areas of a scene at lower resolution to save power and improve frame rates.
• Advanced power management: Dynamically adjusts clock speeds and voltage to balance performance and battery life.

The GPU is integrated into the Exynos 2200’s system-on-chip (SoC) alongside a CPU, modem, and AI accelerator. It uses shared memory (LPDDR5 RAM) for graphics, which is typical for mobile GPUs but differs from dedicated VRAM in desktop cards.

Performance and Real-World Impact

Early benchmarks of the Exynos 2200 showed that the Xclipse GPU delivered competitive performance with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, though not a clear victory. In GPU-focused tests like GFXBench, the Exynos 2200 often matched or slightly exceeded the Snapdragon in raw frame rates. However, sustained performance was a challenge: the GPU would throttle after extended gaming sessions due to heat, causing frame rates to drop. This is a common issue in all flagship phones, but the Xclipse’s power consumption was notably higher when pushed to its limits.

In real-world gaming, the Xclipse GPU supports ray tracing in titles like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite (on supported devices), but the effect is subtle and often comes with a significant frame rate penalty. Most users are better off disabling ray tracing for smoother gameplay. For everyday tasks like scrolling through social media or watching video, the GPU’s performance is more than adequate, and the power management helps preserve battery life.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Radeon graphics on a phone will automatically make it a gaming beast. In reality, the Xclipse GPU is a mobile-class chip, not a desktop-class one. It cannot run PC games or even all Android games at maximum settings. Another issue is thermal throttling: the Exynos 2200 in the Galaxy S22 series was often criticized for heating up during extended use, which some users attributed to the GPU. While the GPU is a factor, the modem and CPU also contribute. Samsung has since improved cooling in later models.

Another problem is driver support. AMD provides drivers for its desktop GPUs, but for mobile, Samsung handles driver updates. This has led to slower optimization for new game releases compared to Qualcomm’s more mature Adreno drivers. Some games show visual glitches or lower performance on Exynos devices until an update is pushed.

Comparison with Qualcomm and Apple

When comparing the Xclipse GPU to its rivals, the picture is mixed:

• Qualcomm Adreno: The Adreno GPU in Snapdragon chips has a longer track record and better driver support. In most benchmarks, the Adreno 730 (in Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) and the Xclipse are close, but Adreno often wins in sustained performance due to more efficient power scaling.
• Apple A-series: Apple’s GPUs are consistently the fastest in mobile, especially in raw compute and sustained performance. The Xclipse lags behind in most GPU benchmarks, particularly in long gaming sessions where Apple’s efficiency shines.

However, the Xclipse’s ray tracing support is a differentiator. Apple only added ray tracing to the A17 Pro in 2023, and Qualcomm’s first ray tracing GPU appeared in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Xclipse was among the first to offer it, even if the implementation is not as polished.

Future Outlook and Alternatives

Samsung has not publicly announced the next iteration of the Xclipse GPU, but it is expected to be based on newer RDNA architecture. The Exynos 2400, which powers the Galaxy S24 in some markets, features an upgraded Xclipse 940 GPU with improved ray tracing and AI-based upscaling. This suggests the partnership is ongoing and will continue to evolve.

For consumers, the choice between an Exynos and Snapdragon version of a Samsung phone often comes down to region. In the US and China, Samsung uses Snapdragon chips, while in Europe and other markets, Exynos is more common. If you prioritize gaming performance and driver stability, a Snapdragon model may be a safer bet. If you want the latest ray tracing features and are willing to tolerate occasional hiccups, the Exynos with Radeon graphics is a compelling option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Samsung phone get Radeon graphics via a software update? No. Radeon graphics require specific hardware (the Xclipse GPU). If your phone has an older Exynos or Snapdragon chip, it cannot be upgraded to include Radeon graphics.

Can I play PC games with ray tracing on my Samsung phone? No. The Xclipse GPU is designed for mobile games that support ray tracing, not PC games. Even with ray tracing enabled, the visual quality and frame rates are far below what you’d get on a desktop GPU.

Does the Xclipse GPU drain battery faster? Only when gaming or running graphics-intensive apps. In normal use, the GPU’s power management is efficient. If you notice excessive battery drain, it’s more likely due to the display or modem than the GPU.

Is the Exynos 2200 with Xclipse better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1? In raw performance, they are comparable, but the Snapdragon tends to have better sustained performance and driver support. The Exynos offers ray tracing, but it’s not a clear winner overall.

Will future Samsung phones use Radeon graphics? Yes, Samsung has confirmed the partnership with AMD continues. The Exynos 2400 already features an upgraded Xclipse GPU, and future Exynos chips are expected to include further iterations.

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