Arm has updated its flagship mobile reference design with CSS for Mobile 2, a platform that directly influences the performance of upcoming flagship smartphones. Buyers and mobile gamers should care because this architecture introduces the first dedicated AI-native GPU and significant CPU speed gains. These changes set the baseline for how next-generation chips will handle local AI tasks and ray-traced gaming.
New C2-Ultra and Mali G2-Ultra NX cores boost mobile performance
The platform pairs two new CPU cores with a redesigned graphics unit. The high-performance C2-Ultra core replaces the previous Lumex branding and targets heavy workloads. A smaller C2-Pro core handles mid-range tasks to balance power and efficiency. This configuration forms the backbone of the new SoC reference design.
Arm claims the C2-Ultra delivers up to 15% higher single-thread performance and a 12% increase in multi-threaded performance compared to the previous generation. The new Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU brings up to 24% higher benchmark scores and 14% better non-AI gaming performance. The chip also features a third-generation Ray Tracing Unit and hardware support for Opacity Micromaps. A specific configuration with two C2-Ultra cores and two SME2 units completed AI workflows 24% faster than its predecessor.
Arm describes the Mali G2-Ultra NX as its first AI-native Mali GPU. The company highlights neural rendering techniques that cut external memory traffic by up to 70% and improved performance efficiency by up to 4x. Devices powered by the Mali G2-Ultra NX and C2-Ultra and C2-Pro will start showing up in the coming weeks. MediaTek Dimensity 9600 is rumored to use this configuration, while Samsung Exynos 2700 is expected to follow suit in early 2028.
The announcement marks a clear shift toward integrated AI acceleration in mobile hardware. Arm confirms the availability of the platform in the near future. The industry will now test these claims against real-world device implementations.
Source: NotebookCheck
