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As Samsung makes adjustments to its 2nm GAA process for future customers, it was rumored that the Korean giant was tasked with mass-producing one version of Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. The tipster claims this version will be codenamed ‘Kaanapali S’ and have the model number SM8850s. However, Samsung was reported to have been dropped as a foundry partner for Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 orders at the start of the month. Nevertheless, an update from a tipster suggests that the 2nm GAA version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is still alive and could be cheaper, potentially convincing Qualcomm to maintain its partnership with Samsung for future orders.
According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, Samsung’s version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 has not been scrapped. This update adds fuel to the flames that Qualcomm has yet to abandon its dual-sourcing business strategy. The 2nm GAA process is rumored to be cheaper than alternatives from TSMC, which currently holds most notable customers’ orders.
Samsung has focused entirely on its 2nm GAA node, improving yields, performance, and efficiency until it can compete with TSMC. Although the exact price of Samsung’s cutting-edge lithography per wafer was not mentioned, the tipster noted that both the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and Dimensity 9500 launching later this year will not be significantly more expensive than their predecessors.
The lack of a price hike could be due to Qualcomm and MediaTek sticking with TSMC’s 3nm node. However, Samsung’s involvement in these orders is also a major factor. Next year, when TSMC’s 2nm production reaches a record high, all flagship chipsets are expected to see a price increase.
Qualcomm is likely aware of the changes it needs to introduce and has kept Samsung’s version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 in production to offset costs for its transition to more advanced lithography. For the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3, Qualcomm is rumored to be introducing two versions due to these factors. However, readers should treat this information with caution, as it remains unverified until confirmed by official sources.
News Source: Digital Chat Station
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According to the tipster, why might Qualcomm still consider maintaining its partnership with Samsung for future Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 orders despite rumors of being dropped earlier?
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