The latest industry rumors suggest a 55% plausibility regarding Samsung's advancements in chip manufacturing, particularly with its upcoming Exynos 2600 chipset. Samsung is reportedly ramping up mass production of this chipset using a 2nm GAA process, which is expected to power the upcoming Galaxy S26 models. This shift in production could significantly impact the competitive landscape for other chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek.
One of the key factors influencing this situation is the anticipated price increase from TSMC, which is planning a staggering 50 percent price hike for its 2nm process. This increase has been widely discussed in the tech industry, especially as it affects the pricing of TSMC's 3nm ‘N3E’ and 3nm ‘N3P’ products, which will also see price adjustments. Reports indicate that the cost per wafer for the 3nm technology could rise to $25,000 and $27,000 respectively, making this a crucial moment for Qualcomm and MediaTek to consider alternative partnerships.
With the transition to 2nm technology expected to drive up costs, both Qualcomm and MediaTek are reportedly eyeing Samsung as a viable alternative foundry partner. Qualcomm is believed to have initiated a collaborative effort with Samsung, evaluating a 2nm GAA version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for future flagship devices. Meanwhile, MediaTek has announced the successful tape-out of its first 2nm SoC, set to launch in 2026, although specific plans regarding partnerships remain unclear.
The anticipated increase in pricing for flagship processors cannot be overlooked. The estimated prices for the current Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 are approximately $280 and $200, respectively. Analysts predict that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 could soar above $300, which would pose a challenge for Qualcomm's partners. They may find themselves grappling with the dilemma of either sacrificing hardware upgrades or shrinking profit margins.
Amidst these developments, Samsung stands to gain significantly. With its 2nm GAA yields currently reported at 50 percent, the company has a unique opportunity to capture future orders from both Qualcomm and MediaTek. This would not only enhance Samsung's foundry market share but also solidify its position as a leading chip manufacturer.
However, Samsung's reputation has suffered over the years, and it may require substantial effort to persuade Qualcomm and MediaTek to consider a dual-sourcing foundry partnership. As the semiconductor landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Samsung's ability to navigate these challenges and leverage its technological advancements for long-term success.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned to reliable tech news sources.
