Samsung’s 2nm GAA Yield Evaluations Reported Below 40% by Investment Firm, Hindering Acquisition of Key Customers

Samsung’s advancement in the 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology marks a notable improvement compared to its previous 3nm GAA processes, which were marred by disappointing yields of only 30%.This subpar performance prompted many fabless semiconductor firms to turn to TSMC for their production needs. With the launch of the Exynos 2600—the company’s inaugural 2nm GAA chipset—Samsung solidifies its standing as a formidable player in the foundry market. However, recent insights from investment analysts highlight that to meet profitability goals by 2027, Samsung will need to significantly improve its yield rates.

Analysts Provide a Cautious Perspective on Samsung’s 2nm GAA Yields

Earlier projections indicated that Samsung’s 2nm GAA process had reached yields of approximately 50%.The company has since shifted focus to a second-generation technology dubbed SF2P, for which the initial designs have reportedly been finalized. Given these advancements, it is surprising that KeyBank, as cited by the Korean news outlet Chosun, has adopted a more conservative forecast, estimating yields to be under 40%.It’s essential to note that the Exynos 2600 is currently being assessed for deployment in devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip 8, suggesting an optimistic outlook persists.’

Additionally, Samsung’s Taylor plant in the U. S., initially slated for 4nm production, is now transitioning towards 2nm wafer manufacturing. The expected commencement of test operations for ASML’s EUV machinery in March this year could significantly bolster Samsung’s production capabilities. This positions Samsung as a viable alternative to TSMC, particularly at a time when TSMC is facing extreme demand pressures that have resulted in customers paying premiums of up to 100% to secure production allocations.

Now, considering that Samsung’s yields may indeed fall below the 40% mark, it raises questions about the company’s recent multi-billion dollar partnership with Tesla. When the mass production of Exynos 2600 was first announced, yields were suggested to be around 50%.Fast forwarding to now, those figures remain unchanged since September 2025, creating some confusion about the actual state of yield improvement—either the industry has yet to grasp Samsung’s capabilities, or KeyBank’s pessimistic outlook holds some truth. We are inclined to give Samsung the benefit of the doubt, as it’s unlikely that a foundry can secure significant orders without having a compelling production track record.

For more information, visit the original article on Chosun.

Source & Images