The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has been reported to be exclusively mass produced on TSMC’s 3nm process, with Samsung losing out on an opportunity of a lifetime because it could not increase chip yields. Sadly, relying on one foundry partner can result in a monumental price bump, and with Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship SoC rumored to cost $240 per unit, the San Diego firm needs to get another player into the fold to stabilize these figures. A new rumor is now doing the rounds, claiming that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is on track to use both TSMC’s N3P and Samsung’s SF2 technologies next year, but certain conditions are involved.
Qualcomm is rumored to want Samsung’s involvement, as even a small batch of Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 shipments can result in lower costs, but yields are troublesome
The chipset maker has been mentioned on innumerable occasions to be involved with both TSMC and Samsung for a dual-sourcing approach for its Snapdragon chipsets. The attempt with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 failed, and it has been reported that the company is utilizing its time and resources to ensure that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 does not face a similar fate. According to a rumor posted on DC Inside that was shared by @negativeonehero, ‘8850,’ which is the designation number of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, will be dual-sourced by TSMC and Samsung.
The more powerful variant will be mass produced using TSMC’s N3P process, while the less capable version could be fabricated on Samsung’s SF2, also known as the company’s 2nm GAA technology. The only problem with this business strategy is if Samsung can get its chip yields to an acceptable level. This issue has plagued the Korean giant for years and is largely the reason why several companies distanced themselves from the manufacturer and placed their confidence in TSMC instead.
Qualcomm is rumored to want to involve Samsung as even a small batch of Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 shipments on the SF2 node will result in a lowered manufacturing cost. The major advantage of the 2nm GAA process is its power efficiency at a higher density. Unfortunately, it will matter little if Samsung cannot address its low yields. The company is reportedly experiencing issues with its 3nm GAA node, which would be used for the Exynos 2500. The lack of progress on this front pretty much suggests that Samsung may not win any orders for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 unless it gets its act together.
News Source: DC Inside
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