Samsung may abandon Exynos-only plans for the Galaxy S27, partnering with Qualcomm to produce Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro on its 2nm GAA process. Learn about the potential strategy shift.
© A. Krivonosov
Samsung may abandon plans for an exclusive Galaxy S27 launch featuring only Exynos chips. According to insider Digital Chat Station, the company is considering a partnership with Qualcomm to use Samsung's own 2nm GAA process for manufacturing a custom version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. This move could significantly alter Samsung's strategy, which in recent years has aimed to reduce reliance on third-party processors.
Initial expectations were that all Galaxy S27 variants would run on the Exynos 2700, allowing Samsung to cut chip procurement costs and strengthen its in-house division. However, Qualcomm has previously explored producing its flagship SoCs across two foundries. Reports indicate that design work for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on Samsung's 2nm process is already complete, with rumors now suggesting deeper integration in the next generation.
The insider claims the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro could receive a special "tuned" version produced specifically on Samsung's 2nm GAA. This variant might feature slightly higher CPU and GPU clock speeds, but the main benefit for Samsung would be securing Qualcomm as a major client and boosting utilization of its own production lines.
Interest in Samsung as an alternative to TSMC is growing, as the Taiwanese giant faces overwhelming demand for 2nm wafers while Samsung actively promotes its improved second-generation SF2P technology. Notably, yield rates on Samsung's 2nm line have reportedly reached around 50%, making collaboration more feasible.
Still, such a partnership could undermine Exynos ambitions. If the Galaxy S27 incorporates Snapdragon chips, it would weaken Samsung's own processor position in its flagship lineup. Analysts observe that Samsung has invested millions in developing proprietary CPUs and GPUs, including hiring former AMD vice president John Rayfield, suggesting the company wouldn't want Exynos relegated to secondary status. While these remain rumors for now, they indicate the competition between Exynos and Snapdragon in future Galaxy devices may intensify further.