Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 Dual-Sourcing Strategy Still Intact as Tipster Reveals Samsung’s 2nm GAA Version Not Cancelled

Recent adjustments in Samsung’s 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology have stirred speculation about its partnership with Qualcomm. Initially rumored to be producing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, codenamed ‘Kaanapali S’ with model number SM8850s, Samsung faced a setback when reports indicated it was no longer Qualcomm’s foundry partner. However, updates from industry tipsters suggest that the 2nm GAA version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 remains in development, hinting that Qualcomm may still pursue its dual-sourcing strategy.

Qualcomm’s Partnership with Samsung: Revived by Cost Benefits?

Digital Chat Station, a well-known tipster on Weibo, recently claimed that Qualcomm plans to keep the Samsung-manufactured version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 alive. This continued collaboration could be motiviated by a potential cost advantage. With major players predominantly working with TSMC for their chip fabrication, Samsung may have an opportunity to gain trust in its technology offerings, providing competitive pricing that secures future orders.

Samsung is strategically directing its focus towards enhancing its 2nm GAA process, with aspirations to improve yield rates, performance, and efficiency. Such advancements may position Samsung as a viable competitor to TSMC. Although specific wafer pricing has not been disclosed, the aforementioned tipster indicated that both the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and the Dimensity 9500, set to launch later this year, are unlikely to be more expensive than their predecessors.

Samsung-made Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 could still be alive — Industry insights suggest Samsung may still manufacture the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2.

The absence of a price increase could stem from Qualcomm and MediaTek continuing to utilize TSMC’s 3nm process, even in its third generation, which provides marginally enhanced performance and efficiency. Nonetheless, Samsung’s role might be a significant factor in maintaining competitive pricing. Nevertheless, with TSMC’s anticipated escalation of 2nm production next year, a price adjustment for flagship chipsets is expected, which may compel Qualcomm to implement higher costs for its customers.

Qualcomm is undoubtedly preparing for necessary changes, possibly retaining the Samsung variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 as a cost-saving measure while it transitions to advanced lithography. As for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3, rumors circulate about Qualcomm planning to release two versions. However, readers are encouraged to approach this information cautiously, as updates continue to evolve.

News Source: Digital Chat Station

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