Qualcomm was previously reported to have placed all Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 orders with TSMC, with the upcoming flagship silicon said to utilize the semiconductor giant’s third-generation 3nm process, with additional details stating that Samsung had lost the earlier bid. However, there is still a sliver of hope for the South Korean foundry as the latest report claims that the latter is in talks to mass produce the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy on its 2nm process. However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome, particularly the yields and how TSMC has obtained a massive lead against its rival.
Currently, 2nm wafer production from Samsung’s end is 7,000 monthly units, but the company has yet to comment on individual customer orders, particularly the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
The design work of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter this year, with mass production preparations reportedly kicking off in the first quarter of 2026, according to Sedaily. The tipster @Jukanlosreve got a hold of some extra information, stating that small-scale production could be jump-started at the company’s bleeding-edge Hwaseong S3 plant, with a monthly output of 1,000 12-inch wafers. Previously, Samsung’s 2nm yields during the trial production run of the Exynos 2600 were estimated to be 30 percent, which is still lower than what it needs to be right now, but the progress is significantly better than the problematic 3nm GAA node.
Based on the latest figures, Samsung can churn out 7,000 monthly wafers on its 2nm GAA technology, but its Hwaseong S3 facility will only account for 15 percent of the total capacity. At the time of writing, the report mentions that talks are happening between Samsung and Qualcomm to equip the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy in next year’s flagship smartphones, but it is not mentioned how fruitful these discussions are. In the past, the San Diego firm has reportedly been exploring a dual-sourcing strategy multiple times, where it will leverage both Samsung’s and TSMC’s technologies to reduce its chipset expenditure.
Unfortunately, Qualcomm’s plans never materialized, mainly due to Samsung’s inability to improve its yields. With TSMC having started accepting orders for its 2nm wafers, the Korean giant is racing against time. As for anything related to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, a company spokesperson said they cannot confirm any details related to customer orders, so we will have to play the waiting game and await more updates.
News Source: Sedaily
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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