Qualcomm originally planned to adopt the 2nm process to challenge Apple's A20 chips in 2026, but it appears they may have to wait a bit longer. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm's latest mobile processor, currently uses a 3nm process, but the semiconductor company wanted to work with Samsung to develop chips with the 2nm process.
The Bell reports that while Qualcomm appears content with the technical side of Samsung's 2nm process, pricing disputes are allegedly delaying the deal to 2027.
The report details that Qualcomm is demanding a price reduction, and Samsung is reluctant to meet it. Allegedly, the production volume discussed by both parties also isn't big enough for Samsung to budge on its pricing. With price negotiations delaying production, this could mean that Qualcomm's 2nm chips might not be ready in time for early smartphone launches in 2027. Phone manufacturers like Xiaomi and Vivo might look to Mediatek instead, or it's possible that Qualcomm falls back to TSMC.
- Read more: Samsung Galaxy S26 report: in-house Exynos 2600 for S26 base, Plus, Qualcomm chip for S26 Ultra
- Read more: Google's next-gen Tensor G6 chip will be made on TSMC's 2nm process, ready for Pixel 11 phones
- Read more: Samsung Foundry stakes survival on 2nm process node with a new special directive to fight TSMC
Samsung and Qualcomm previously worked together on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip (4nm), but Samsung faced yield issues. As a result, TSMC took over production of the 3nm chips (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2). However, as reported by Business Korea, the yield rate for the 2nm process has improved to over 70%, which means Samsung will likely avoid its previous problems. Again, Qualcomm has shown a positive reaction to Samsung's process; it's just the pricing that remains an issue for them.
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Qualcomm's issues aside, Samsung will use its 2nm SF2P process in its Exynos 2700 chips, according to a leak from SemiAnalysis. These chips are likely to debut in the Galaxy S27 lineup.
