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Qualcomm’s Plans with Samsung Shelved
It was previously speculated that Qualcomm would partner with Samsung Foundry to develop its next-generation flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. A special variant, anticipated to be manufactured using Samsung’s groundbreaking 2nm GAA technology, was rumored for integration into the Galaxy S26 Ultra. However, recent developments indicate that this collaboration has been shelved.
Reasons Behind the Decision
According to a recent document leak, Qualcomm has removed references to the Samsung variant, codenamed SM8850-S, from its official documentation. This suggests a definitive end to the proposed collaboration with the South Korean tech giant. The primary reason for this decision appears to be the low yield of Samsung’s 2nm production line. Even the company’s in-house Exynos 2600 processor is reportedly achieving a yield of only 50%, significantly below the 70% threshold necessary for large-scale manufacturing.
For a company like Qualcomm that demands top-tier performance and reliability, the risk associated with low-yield production is substantial. Previously, Qualcomm had partnered with Samsung for the Snapdragon 888, which faced significant criticism due to issues with overheating and inefficiency. To avoid repeating such problems, Qualcomm has opted to rely once more on TSMC, its proven partner.
TSMC’s Role Moving Forward
The entire Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 lineup is now expected to be produced using TSMC’s advanced 3nm N3P process. This decision will apply not only to the standard version but also to the special variant intended for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. With Qualcomm’s strategic pivot, attention now turns to Samsung’s Exynos 2600 processor. Following Qualcomm’s departure, the role of Exynos within the S26 series remains uncertain. However, it is evident that Qualcomm will continue its reliance on TSMC for its premium chipsets.
