Samsung Electronics is set to challenge its rival TSMC in the race to secure clients for their advanced 2nm chip production technologies. Samsung, which has previously not attracted external clients for its 3nm process, is reportedly in the process of constructing a prototype 2nm chip for Qualcomm—a significant move which could position them as a competitive force in the foundry market.
Potential Samsung-Made 2nm Snapdragon Processor on the Horizon
Emerging reports indicate that Qualcomm has tasked Samsung with the development of a 2nm prototype chip that could potentially be utilized in future iterations of the Snapdragon 8 Gen series. This development is an important step for Samsung as it demonstrates Qualcomm’s interest in their 2nm fabrication capabilities. The success of the prototype in meeting performance criteria and yield objectives may well influence Qualcomm’s final decision on whether to proceed with mass production.
The process used for creating the chip is known as the Multi-Wafer Project (MWP), which involves producing several semiconductor prototypes on a single wafer. Qualcomm has initiated prototype projects with both Samsung and TSMC to explore their respective 2nm processes and will decide in due course which company will manufacture their next top-tier smartphone chip.
Samsung anticipates that it could start mass-producing 2nm chips by using its Gate All Around (GAA) process as early as the second half of 2022. Additionally, the company has already designed the Exynos 2400 with their third-generation 4nm process (4LPP+), which is integrated into the Galaxy S24 and S24+ models available in most markets.
Revival of Samsung Foundry’s Standing with the 2nm Process
Following some setbacks in energy efficiency with their manufactured Snapdragon 888 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips—which led Qualcomm to switch to TSMC for subsequent Snapdragon models—Samsung Foundry is determined to restore its reputation. The company aims to reaffirm its presence in Qualcomm’s supply chain with the successful development of their 2nm process, despite facing a lack of orders from Qualcomm for its 3nm chips.
The successful development of the 2nm prototype chip could mark a significant comeback for Samsung Foundry in the cutthroat semiconductor manufacturing industry. As tech giants continue to push the boundaries of chip miniaturization and performance, alliances with leading chip designers such as Qualcomm become ever more crucial.
