Latest news with #Samsung-manufactured
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Qualcomm Reportedly Scraps Samsung-Made 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, Focus Shifts to TSMC's 3nm Chip
In the ever-intensifying battle for mobile chip supremacy, Qualcomm appears to have pulled the plug on its much-anticipated 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, which was being co-developed with Samsung. According to a recent leak, the chip giant has now pivoted away from Samsung's fabrication efforts and will stick with TSMC for its next-gen flagship processors. Rumours previously indicated that Qualcomm and Samsung were collaborating on a 2nm variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, with hopes it would surpass the capabilities of current 3nm chips and potentially feature in high-end models like the Galaxy S26 series. However, this vision now seems to have stalled indefinitely. As revealed by tipster @Jukanlosreve on X (formerly Twitter), the Samsung-manufactured 2nm version, internally labeled SM8850-S, has been removed from Qualcomm's internal records. Until recently, the company's chip documentation listed two variants: the SM8850-T (produced by TSMC on a 3nm process) and the now-disappeared SM8850-S. Now, only the TSMC-based SM8850 remains, signaling a decisive shift in Qualcomm's production strategy. The reason behind the move has not been officially disclosed, but speculation ranges from cost constraints and production challenges to performance considerations or a broader strategic reset. This development deals a blow to Samsung's ambitions in the chipmaking space. The company had high hopes of establishing its 2nm capabilities in a major commercial chipset, especially one destined for top-tier Android smartphones. Adding to the intrigue, the leaked report also notes a substantial hike in the cost of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 prototype chips, which are now priced at $15,000. These prototypes are typically used by OEMs and developers for testing and early optimization, and the price surge may reflect both limited supply and Qualcomm's intent to keep early access exclusive. Meanwhile, Qualcomm is said to be reshuffling specs for another upcoming chip—the SM8845, which is expected to debut as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5. This chip will likely serve as a more affordable flagship-tier processor, targeting premium mid-range devices with slightly toned-down performance compared to the Elite series. While the cancellation of the Samsung-built 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is certainly a plot twist, Qualcomm's shift towards TSMC's 3nm tech signals a continued push for stability, performance, and perhaps a more predictable production outcome. Samsung, however, may still have another chance to showcase its 2nm prowess—just not with this flagship project.
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip cancelled? Qualcomm tipped to be working on another chipset
In the fiercely competitive smartphone market, the race for the fastest and most efficient chip is always intensifying. And for a brief moment, it looked like Samsung might be poised to leap ahead. The rumour had it that Qualcomm, in partnership with Samsung, was progressing in manufacturing a 2nm variant of its next-gen powerhouse—the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This version was expected to be even more advanced than the 3nm chips most Android flagships will use. Some even believed it would power select models in the Galaxy S26 lineup. But it appears those plans have come to an abrupt to a leaker on X aka Twitter (@Jukanlosreve), Qualcomm has now cancelled the 2nm Samsung-manufactured version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip . Internally referred to as SM8850-S, the chip has disappeared from Qualcomm's listings altogether. Previously, Qualcomm's documentation showed two separate versions: the SM8850-T, a 3nm chip made by TSMC, and the now-missing 2nm Samsung version. Now, only the base model SM8850 remains, strongly implying that the TSMC-built 3nm chip is the sole survivor. While Qualcomm hasn't explained the decision, the leak clearly indicates that the company has quietly dropped Samsung from the manufacturing equation, at least for this flagship move suggests that all major Android phones launching in late 2025 and beyond will feature the TSMC version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. It's a blow to Samsung, which had hoped to flex its 2nm muscle and regain some ground in the chipmaking race. Whether the decision came down to production challenges, performance concerns, or simple strategic realignment, we can only speculate for related news, the same source reveals that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 prototype, which developers and OEMs use for early testing, has seen a sharp price increase. It now costs $15,000, suggesting limited availability and high demand. That's a significant bump, and could be Qualcomm's way of keeping the chip exclusive to top-tier partners during the early worth noting is that Qualcomm's SM8845 chip—likely to be branded as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5—is currently undergoing a specification shake-up. Details remain vague, but this chip is expected to serve as a more cost-effective flagship option, possibly targeting upper-mid-range handsets with performance just shy of the Elite a Samsung-built 2nm Snapdragon would've been a headline-grabber, it seems the story has taken a different turn. For now, TSMC's 3nm tech holds the crown as the platform of choice for Qualcomm's flagship ambitions. Samsung may yet have a 2nm moment in the future, but this leak suggests it won't be with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.- Ends
