After the introduction of the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite by TSMC, reports now indicate that Samsung is making a strong comeback in the semiconductor arena. According to New Daily Economy, Samsung has produced a 2nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) sample of the Snapdragon 8 Elite and sent it to Qualcomm for evaluation. This move could signal a revival of the historic collaboration between the two tech giants.
Samsung recently began mass production of the Exynos 2600 and is demonstrating its commitment to reclaiming credibility in the semiconductor industry by delivering this new Snapdragon sample. The chip was first evaluated against Samsung’s internal standards before being sent to Qualcomm, though commercial production is still some way off.
Qualcomm will conduct rigorous tests to ensure the quality of the Snapdragon 8 Elite made at Samsung, focusing on energy efficiency, performance, heat management, manufacturing yield, and overall stability. If the tests are successful, Samsung will move into pilot production. The evaluation process is expected to last between six months and a year, and Qualcomm retains the option to cancel the partnership at any point if the chip does not meet expectations.
If confirmed, this renewed collaboration between Samsung and Qualcomm could restore a dual-manufacturer partnership that hasn’t been seen for years. The move is particularly significant given the rising production costs at TSMC, which have forced Qualcomm and MediaTek to pay up to 24% more for next-generation chips like Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9500. Industry sources estimate that wafer prices for 2nm chips at TSMC could reach $30,000 per unit, adding further financial pressure on manufacturers.
According to insiders, Samsung’s main challenge isn’t technology but production yield management and scheduling. Currently, the Exynos 2600 has a yield of about 50%, whereas a minimum of 70% is required to compete effectively. If this partnership succeeds, it could reshape the competitive landscape of 2nm semiconductor technology entirely.
