- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
45%
Plausible
Samsung may have entered the 2nm race with TSMC, but it is far from competing with its rival on an even playing field, despite being considered a viable option for many customers. According to the latest report, the South Korean foundry has hit a progression barrier with its 2nm GAA technology, with the latest estimate stating that its yields remain in the mid-50 percent range. What’s worse is that the figure is expected to drop to 40 percent once back-end processes are completed. In short, the 60 percent yields of its 2nm GAA process may not have been accurate.
2nm yields in the 50 percent range only indicate that the process is ‘running’ and there’s no indication that Samsung has secured long-term customers
For Samsung to instill confidence in customers like Qualcomm, the benchmark for its 2nm GAA yields needs to be 70 percent, which it’s struggling to obtain. In fact, according to the Korean outlet Busan, the company’s progress is estimated to be around 55 percent and is in a ‘running’ stage. This means that while Samsung has entered the next-generation category, it has yet to reach a technical stage where it can expand production lines and take on more customers.
However, the report does note the incredible progress that Samsung has made in an effort to compete with TSMC. Its 2nm GAA yields were estimated at 20 percent in the second half of 2025, with that number climbing to mid-50 percent in less than a year. Various outlets have commented on different figures, so it’s difficult to ascertain Samsung’s actual progress.
Our own company contact has confirmed that the Korean behemoth doesn’t comment on yields publicly, so these reports rely more on speculation than on accurate data. Even if Samsung is struggling with its 2nm GAA process, this setback hasn’t stopped it from securing chip orders from Tesla and Chinese cryptocurrency equipment manufacturers.
Its Taylor plant, located in the U.S., is expected to undergo trial production soon, with the Exynos 2700 scheduled to be announced later this year, and could potentially be Samsung’s first to utilize the second-generation 2nm GAA node. In short, the lithography could benefit from optimizations, but these limitations aren’t stopping Samsung from progressing to the more advanced processes, so while it can still secure orders from some customers, its viability as a TSMC alternative will be questioned.
News Source: Busan
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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