TSMC Dominates the 2nm Semiconductor Market While Samsung Struggles with Next-Generation Process Yields

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Samsung’s 2nm Technology: A Competitive Landscape

While Samsung has made strides to join the 2nm competition alongside TSMC, it is not yet achieving parity with its rival. Recent analyses indicate that Samsung’s production yields for its 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology are hovering around mid-50 percent. Alarmingly, these yields could dip to 40 percent after completing back-end processes, casting doubt on previous estimates that suggested a yield of 60 percent.

Challenges in Securing Key Customers

For Samsung to gain the confidence of major clients like Qualcomm, it needs to achieve a benchmark of at least 70 percent yield, a target it is currently finding difficult to meet. As reported by the Korean outlet Busan, the company’s yield is around 55 percent, indicating it is still in a ‘running’ phase. This stage signifies that while Samsung has entered a new generation of semiconductor manufacturing, it is not yet ready to scale production and attract a wider customer base.

Progress and Challenges Ahead

Despite these hurdles, reports highlight notable advancements Samsung has made to compete with TSMC. The company’s yields, initially projected at only 20 percent in late 2025, have reportedly improved to mid-50 percent in less than a year. However, the variations in reported figures make it challenging to pinpoint Samsung’s actual progress accurately.

An insider has confirmed that Samsung refrains from publicly disclosing yield figures, which means many assessments rely more on speculation than concrete data. Nevertheless, even amidst challenges with the 2nm GAA process, Samsung has successfully secured chip orders from companies like Tesla and various Chinese cryptocurrency equipment producers.

Future Developments on the Horizon

Samsung’s Taylor plant in the United States is poised to begin trial production shortly. The Exynos 2700 is also expected to be unveiled later this year and could be the first chip to leverage the second-generation 2nm GAA node technology. While there is room for improvements in lithography, these setbacks are not hindering Samsung’s advancement in cutting-edge processes. However, its capability to position itself as a viable alternative to TSMC remains under scrutiny.

News Source: Busan

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