Samsung’s quest to catch up with TSMC in the chip-production arena might just be on the verge of a breakthrough. Initially, it appeared that Samsung had lost the race for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, with TSMC’s 3nm N3P process taking the exclusive honors. However, fresh insights suggest a reversal of fortune could be brewing.
A key development is that one variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, known as ‘Kaanapali S,’ might leverage Samsung’s cutting-edge 2nm GAA technology. Reports indicate this version is currently in trial production, with Samsung showing promising improvements in its yield rates.
If all goes according to plan, mass production using Samsung’s 2nm GAA process could kick off as early as Q1 2026. This particular chipset might be exclusive to Samsung’s own Galaxy S26 series, marking a potentially significant step forward for the Korean tech giant.
During a recent earnings call, Samsung expressed confidence in stabilizing 2nm GAA yields and is setting its sights on ramping up orders by late 2025. Already working on prototype mass production of the Exynos 2600, Samsung aims to boost its yield rates to an impressive 50% in the coming months. These advancements may have caught Qualcomm’s attention, leading to a potential collaboration.
Industry sources suggest the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 will come in two flavors: one using TSMC’s 3nm N3P node and another employing Samsung’s 2nm GAA process. The latter’s yields have reportedly surpassed the 40% mark recently.
Mass production of this Samsung-exclusive chip could commence in the latter half of 2025, potentially paving the way for a Q1 2026 launch. While exact wafer production figures remain under wraps, expectations are high for significant growth as Samsung continues to close the technological gap with TSMC.
TSMC has started accepting orders for its own 2nm technology, maintaining a lead in the advanced lithography race. Nevertheless, Samsung’s efforts could soon see it unveil a competitive solution, potentially narrowing the market share deficit.
With strategic investments and technological advancements, Samsung is poised to make significant strides in chip production, signaling a fascinating shift in the semiconductor landscape.
