Samsung may regain ground against chip rival TSMC through a new Qualcomm partnership. The Korean company initially lost orders for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor to TSMC. Reports suggest Samsung could manufacture one version of the chip using advanced 2nm technology. The processor carries the code name Kaanapali S and currently undergoes test production. Samsung's improved manufacturing yields have caught Qualcomm's attention.
Qualcomm plans to create two versions of its flagship processor for 2026 smartphones. TSMC will produce the standard model using 3nm technology at its factories. Samsung will handle the premium version through its 2nm GAA manufacturing process. The Samsung-made chip appears destined for Galaxy S26 phones exclusively. Mass production could begin during the first quarter of 2026.
Samsung has worked hard to improve its chip manufacturing success rates. The company achieved yields above 40 percent for its 2nm process recently. Samsung targets 50 percent yield rates within the coming months. Higher success rates make the technology more attractive to major customers like Qualcomm. The Korean firm began prototype production of its Exynos 2600 processor.
TSMC currently leads the advanced chip manufacturing race globally. The Taiwan company started accepting 2nm orders from customers in April. Samsung hopes to challenge this dominance through technological improvements. Both companies compete for lucrative contracts from smartphone and computer makers. Samsung sees this Qualcomm partnership as crucial for closing the market gap.
Qualcomm plans to create two versions of its flagship processor for 2026 smartphones. TSMC will produce the standard model using 3nm technology at its factories. Samsung will handle the premium version through its 2nm GAA manufacturing process. The Samsung-made chip appears destined for Galaxy S26 phones exclusively. Mass production could begin during the first quarter of 2026.
Samsung has worked hard to improve its chip manufacturing success rates. The company achieved yields above 40 percent for its 2nm process recently. Samsung targets 50 percent yield rates within the coming months. Higher success rates make the technology more attractive to major customers like Qualcomm. The Korean firm began prototype production of its Exynos 2600 processor.
TSMC currently leads the advanced chip manufacturing race globally. The Taiwan company started accepting 2nm orders from customers in April. Samsung hopes to challenge this dominance through technological improvements. Both companies compete for lucrative contracts from smartphone and computer makers. Samsung sees this Qualcomm partnership as crucial for closing the market gap.
