Samsung Aims for Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Orders Using 2nm GAA Technology; Chipsets Enter Trial Production Phase

Qualcomm has officially unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which reportedly utilizes TSMC’s advanced 3nm ‘N3P’ fabrication process for its mass production. However, there have been speculations for several months regarding a potential second variant of this flagship system-on-chip (SoC), which may be produced using Samsung’s innovative 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology. Recent reports suggest that this alternate version is indeed in the trial production stage.

Samsung Smartphone Set to Feature 2nm GAA Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Limited to One Model

Recent advancements reveal that Samsung’s Exynos 2600 has successfully entered mass production, marking a yield increase from a troubling 30% earlier this year to a more promising 50%.This improvement could encourage Qualcomm to adopt a dual-sourcing strategy that capitalizes on both TSMC’s and Samsung’s semiconductor technologies. However, it’s worth noting that Qualcomm had previously severed its partnership with Samsung for foundry services back in July.

Despite that setback, Qualcomm has reportedly not retracted any orders for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 produced with Samsung’s 2nm process. As the SoC remains in trial production, the 50% yield from Samsung, while adequate for beginning full-scale production of the Exynos 2600, poses significant financial risks for Qualcomm due to the anticipated high defect rate—indicating that as many as five out of ten produced chips could be flawed.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 orders under Samsung's 2nm GAA process are rumored to be in trial production

For Qualcomm to consider a shift from trial to full mass production, Samsung must illustrate the capability to enhance its yields to 70%.Current rumors suggest that the 2nm GAA version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will be exclusively available in the Galaxy Z Flip 8, while the variants produced by TSMC will power the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the entire Galaxy S26 series.

Even if only a single device showcases the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from Samsung’s foundry, it presents a crucial opportunity for Samsung to validate its semiconductor expertise against competitors such as TSMC. However, it’s important for consumers to approach this information cautiously, as the ongoing developments are subject to change. We will continue to monitor and provide updates on this evolving story.

News Source: @Jukanlosreve

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