Latest news with #GalaxyS26
Phone Arena
4 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Samsung faces a deadline to choose which processor will power the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+
There is a lot of pressure on Samsung to design a more than merely capable Exynos 2600 application processor (AP). After all, the company is looking to deploy a homegrown Exynos SoC inside next year's Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 + flagship models in the vast majority of markets. Due to yield issues at Samsung Foundry, during the last two years Samsung had to dig deep into its pockets and pay more to equip all of its flagship series phones with the latest Snapdragon chipsets instead of using its own Exynos APs. Samsung had to pay $400 million to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite AP across the entire Galaxy S25 lineup. | Image credit-Qualcomm The reason that yield is so important is that the figure is a percentage showing how many usable dies have been created against the maximum number that can be diced from a silicon wafer. Samsung Foundry was rumored to have a 30% yield for production using the same process node earmarked for the Exynos 2500. A low yield increases the number of defective dies and decreases the number of usable ones. As a result, not only does the price for working chips rise, at a yield of 30% it was possible that Samsung would not be able to build enough chips to cover the amount it needed. Samsung reportedly started manufacturing a prototype of the Exynos 2600 AP and the results of the chipset's first Geekbench run through was impressive with a single-core score of 2400 and a multi-core tally of 10200. The impressive part was that the multi-core score topped that of the A18 Pro. We should point out that the latter chipset, used to power the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, is built by TSMC using its second-generation 3nm node; the Exynos 2600 is produced using Samsung Foundry's 2nm node which uses Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors that reduce current leaks and improve the drive current producing improved performance and energy efficiency. Also, to make this a fair comparison, the Exynos 2600 AP's benchmark scores should be compared with those of the yet to be released A19 Pro. That chipset will be built by TSMC using its third-generation 3nm process node and will debut later this year on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Another point to consider is that tweet from tipster @OreXda doesn't mention the efficiency of the Exynos 2600. As a result, it is a possibility that in order to achieve the high mjlti-core benchmark results, the chipset had to use an unrealistic amount of power, certainly more than the component will be fed if used to drive the Galaxy S26 line when the phones are released during Q1 next year. An interesting change in the configuration of the Exynos 2600 AP was mentioned by @OreXda. Originally designed with 10 cores (giving it the "decacore" designation), the tipster says that the Exynos 2600 will feature two Cortex Prime "X" CPU cores along with six Cortex-A cores. That would make the Exynos 2600 an octa-core AP. If Samsung Foundry doesn't improve its yield, Samsung would have to consider using the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Galaxy to power all of the models in the flagship series with Qualcomm's flagship processor. The phones won't be released until next January or February but because of lead times, Samsung will have to decide by the end of this year whether yields are sufficient (60%-70% and higher is required) to allow Samsung Foundry to manufacture enough Exynos 2600 SoCs to power the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 + units in all markets other than the U.S., China, and Canada. In those countries, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 + will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Galaxy AP. The top-of-the-line Galaxy S26 Ultra will sport the Qualcomm SoC in all markets. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 may come with Exynos 2500 chip: What it means for Galaxy S26
Samsung is launching its new generation of foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, in the upcoming days. The South Korean Giant has also started to tease the smartphone, providing a glimpse of its slim design and AI-powered camera upgrades. However, leaks surrounding the smartphones are rapidly growing, and we are all curious to know about the performance. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 model is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite model, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is tipped for Samsung's in-house chip. This could come as a major performance change for he clamshell foldable, and may also have an impact on the next year's Galaxy S26 series models. Know what Samsung has planned for its upcoming flagship models. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 likely to be world's slimmest foldable- Here's what we know Over the past few months, we have been hearing mixed opinions about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7's performance upgrade. While some rumours anticipate the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, others are hinting towards the Exynos 2500 chip. Now, according to a Korean publication, DealSite, Samsung may go all in for a proprietary mobile application processor (AP), Exynos 2500, for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 model. Therefore, the same chip will be available in all regions. Over the years, Samsung has been introducing Snapdragon chips for its foldable, but this may officially change this year. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE specs tipped, likely to have similar features as Flip 6- All details As far as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is concerned, the report highlighted that it will come with a 'mix of Exynos and Snapdragon' based on the region. Which may also come shocking to the buyer. In previous reports, the Exynos 2500 chip was said to have a low yield. However, Samsung has agreed to power its foldable with its in-house chip despite the challenges. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE set to offer affordable foldable innovation at a budget price Well, it is too early to make an assumption since we have 6 more months to get a glimpse at the Galaxy S26 series. However, we can speculate that Samsung might be running a trial and testing of the Exynos 2500 chip with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Additionally, Samsung is also rumoured to be working Exynos 2600 chip based on a 2nm process, which will likely power the new generation Galaxy S series models. Therefore, we can say that the company is focusing on in-house chip development for its smartphone, rather than heavily relying on Qualcomm.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped to 'fully adopt' Exynos chip — and that could have a huge impact on Galaxy S26
Every major Samsung phone launch seems to be preceded by the same debate — Snapdragon or Exynos? — as rumors circulate about which chipset the phone maker plans to use in its latest device. Inevitably, Qualcomm's Snapdragon silicon tends to get the call, but that might be changing with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which we're expecting to launch next month. A new report from Korean publication, DealSite (translated by leaker Jukanlosreve) claims that Samsung will "fully equip" the Galaxy Z Flip 7 with a "proprietary mobile application processor (AP), Exynos 2500." This means that every Flip 7 across the world could potentially feature an Exynos system-on-chip. If true, the report would contradict a previous claim that Samsung had decided to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Z Flip 7 models released in the U.S. while other models would feature the Exynos silicon. Outside of Asia, most Samsung phones are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. Countries like India and Korea often get mixed devices with some higher-end phones feature Qualcomm while slightly weaker ones have an Exynos chip. However, for years it's been rumored that Samsung wants to power global models with its own chip. Allegedly, the yield rate for the 2500 processor is at 30%, half of what it usually needs for mass production. The chip is based on a 3nm process, similar to what you would expect form Qualcomm or TSMC's current production of Apple chips. "I understand that there are plans to adopt Exynos as the AP for the entire Flip7 series. Although there was internal debate due to the low yield, the direction is ultimately leaning towards full adoption despite the low yield," an industry insider reportedly told DealSite. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. According to the report, Samsung will release the book-style foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a "mix of Exynos and Snapdragon." Qualcomm's chips have gotten more expensive, which may partially explain price increases for Samsung's recent phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 6, powered by a then-top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, saw a $100 price hike over its predecessor, bringing the starting price of Samsung's foldable flip phone to $1,099. It's unclear if turning to an Exynos chip would help Samsung lower the price of its new foldable — or simply maintain the existing $1,099 price tag amid rising costs for other components. It appears, the Flip 7 could be an experiment for Samsung. If it's successful, despite the current low yield, it could help Samsung negotiate with Qualcomm and find new customers looking for potentially cheaper chips. The report claims that Samsung's foundries are also working on an Exynos 2600 SoC based on a 2nm process that could potentially slot into the Galaxy S26 flagship next year. Though allegedly, the yield rate for that chip is even less than the 2500. This does align with previous rumors claiming that the Galaxy S26 could get an Exynos chip. Still, as mentioned at the top, these rumors continually crop up and keep not being true. It's clear Samsung wants to put its own chip in its phones in a bigger fashion, but the company has also failed to do so. We'll know for sure if the Z Flip 7 features an Exynos or Qualcomm chip in July when Samsung is expected to debut its next round of foldable phones.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Race for advanced 2nm semiconductor chips heats up in H2 2025 as TSMC, Samsung, Intel gear up for production
New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): The global race to lead in next-generation 2-nanometer (nm) semiconductors is expected to intensify in the second half of 2025, with top foundries TSMC and Samsung Electronics preparing to begin mass production. At the same time, Intel is also looking to outpace its rivals with the launch of its more advanced 1.8nm process technology. According to a report by The Korea Herald, Taiwan's TSMC has already started receiving client orders for its 2nm process node. The chips are expected to be produced at its Baoshan and Kaohsiung factories in Taiwan in the latter half of the year. This marks a major milestone for TSMC, as it is adopting gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture for the first time in its 2nm chips. The new node promises 10-15 per cent better performance, 25-30 per cent lower power consumption, and a 15 per cent boost in transistor density compared to the current 3nm technology. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics, the second-largest foundry player, is also targeting mass production of 2nm chips in the second half of 2025. The company confirmed in its latest earnings report that it will begin producing mobile chips using its 2nm node this year. Although it didn't mention the specific product, it is widely believed to be the Exynos 2600 chip, expected to power the upcoming Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. Samsung was the first to adopt GAA technology with its 3nm chips, but initially struggled with low yield rates. The company now aims to improve its 2nm production efficiency using its earlier experience. As per The Korea Herald, TSMC currently dominates the global foundry market, holding a 67.6 per cent share in Q1 2025. It added that TSMC's 2nm yield rate has surpassed 60 per cent, a key level for stable mass production. In comparison, Samsung's yield rate reportedly stands at around 40 per cent, with a market share of 7.7 per cent. Despite the tough competition, the 2nm market outlook remains strong. TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei said that demand for 2nm chips has already surpassed that of the 3nm generation, driven by demand from smartphones and high-performance computing. He also noted that the number of 2nm chip designs, or 'tape-outs,' in the first two years is expected to exceed those of previous nodes like 3nm, 4nm, and 5nm. Counterpoint Research has predicted that TSMC will reach full utilization of its 2nm production capacity by the fourth quarter of 2025, faster than for any previous node. Key clients are expected to include Apple, Qualcomm, MediaTek, AMD, and even Intel. To stay competitive, Samsung is making strategic moves to strengthen its foundry business. The company recently hired Margaret Han, a former TSMC executive, to lead its US foundry operations. Meanwhile, US chipmaker Intel is placing its bets on the 1.8nm process, known as 18A, to turn around its foundry business. Kevin O'Buckley, general manager of Intel Foundry Services, admitted that the company had missed some of its earlier deadlines but confirmed that 18A is now on track for high-volume manufacturing in the second half of 2025. He stated, 'I'll be very direct to admit we did not deliver all of our schedules for 18A.' Intel hopes to challenge both TSMC and Samsung in the advanced node race with this new process. (ANI)
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Samsung, TSMC set stage for fierce race in 2nm chip tech
The global race to lead the market for next-generation 2-nanometer semiconductors is set to intensify in the second half of this year, with leading foundries TSMC and Samsung Electronics preparing to begin mass production. Meanwhile, Intel is looking to leapfrog the competition with the more advanced 1.8nm process, aiming to revive its struggling foundry business. According to industry sources Sunday, TSMC has already begun receiving client orders for its 2nm process node, which is expected to be produced at its Baoshan and Kaohsiung fabs in Taiwan in the second half of this year. For the first time, TSMC is adopting gate-all-around transistor architecture in its 2nm chips, marking a major technological shift. The new node is expected to offer 10-15 percent better performance, 25-30 percent power reduction and a 15 percent increase in transistor density compared to the current 3nm process. Samsung Electronics, the second-largest player in the foundry market, is also targeting the second half of 2025 for the start of its 2nm chip production. In its latest earnings report for the January-March period, Samsung confirmed that it will start mass production of mobile chips using its 2nm process node within the year. While the company did not specify what the product would be, it is widely expected to be the Exynos 2600, the upcoming application process chip for its flagship Galaxy S26 series, set for release in early 2026. Samsung was the industry's first chipmaker to adopt the advanced GAA architecture for its earlier 3nm node process, but it struggled with low yield rates in the initial stages. Leveraging its prior experience with the cutting-edge architecture, the company now aims to improve its manufacturing stability and output at the 2nm level. TSMC, which is dominating the global foundry market, securing 67.6 percent share in the first quarter this year, appears to be on track. Sources say the company has achieved yield rates above 60 percent, crossing the threshold for stable volume production. Samsung, holding a 7.7 percent market share, is tasked with raising its yield rate, which reportedly stands at around 40 percent. Amid the intense competition, the outlook for the 2nm node is optimistic, with demand projected to surpass that of the previous 3nm generation. TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei said during a recent earnings call that demand for 2nm has already outpaced that for 3nm, driven by both smartphone and high-performance computing applications. 'We expect the number of new tape-outs for 2nm technology in the first two years to exceed those of 3nm and even 5nm or 4nm,' Wei said, highlighting robust interest from key customers. Market intelligence firm Counterpoint Research echoed this projection, forecasting that TSMC will achieve full utilization of its 2nm production capacity by the fourth quarter of this year -- faster than any previous node. Major customers are expected to include Apple, Qualcomm, MediaTek, AMD, and even Intel. Samsung's challenge will be to attract top tech clients to remain competitive in the advanced node market. For the mission, the chipmaker has recently brought on board Margaret Han, a former TSMC executive, to lead its US foundry business at Samsung Device Solutions Americas. Meanwhile, US chip giant Intel is betting on its 1.8nm process, branded as 18A, to reassert itself in the foundry market. At a recent Direct Connect event, Kevin O'Buckley, general manager of Intel Foundry Services, admitted the company was behind schedule. 'I'll be very direct to admit we did not deliver all of our schedules for 18A,' he said. Still, he emphasized that 18A is now on track for high-volume manufacturing in the second half of 2025, and that Intel believes it will soon be ready to challenge TSMC and Samsung in advanced nodes.
