Samsung is reportedly working closely with Qualcomm to manufacture a bespoke version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip using its own cutting-edge 2 nm foundry. This collaboration marks a major shift—Samsung is set to build its own Qualcomm chip for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, blending in-house fab power with Qualcomm’s flagship architecture
1. 🏭 Why This Matters
- Samsung will produce a special “For Galaxy” variant—codenamed Kaanapali S—using its 2 nm node at Hwaseong fab, while TSMC handles the standard 3 nm version
- This co-development could significantly boost performance, efficiency, and thermal control in Galaxy S26 phones
2. 💡 The Dual-Chip Strategy
- Samsung will also revive its Exynos 2600 SoC (2 nm), ready for mass production by late 2025, to power S26 and S26+ in select regions
- Result: a dual-chip lineup—Galaxy S26 devices will ship with either the custom Snapdragon or in‑house Exynos, depending on the market
3. 💰 Financial & Production Drivers
- Qualcomm is facing rising costs at TSMC, making Samsung’s 2 nm fabrication a cost-effective alternative businesstoday.in.
- Samsung reduces dependence on external fabs and gains control over its supply chain—both economical and strategic gains .
4. 🌍 What It Means for Users
- This chip strategy could lead to faster, cooler, and more efficient Galaxy S26 models.
- For global availability, Snapdragon versions will likely be used in key markets like the US, while Exynos may serve Europe, India, and other regions
- Samsung aims to match Snapdragon’s benchmarks while offering better battery life at lower cost with Exynos
5. 🚀 Strategic Technology Momentum
- For Qualcomm, tapping Samsung’s 2 nm foundry restores a production avenue after previous reliance on TSMC
- Samsung strengthens its Foundry business, showing it can match TSMC’s lead—especially in premium chips .
- This collaboration may extend beyond phones into AI chips and automotive semiconductors, aligning with Samsung’s fab growth plans .
✅ Summary
Samsung is preparing to build its own Qualcomm chip for the Galaxy S26 series through a 2 nm “For Galaxy” version of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, alongside its own Exynos 2600 SoC. This dual-chip model balances performance, cost, and supply chain autonomy—potentially setting a new standard in flagship smartphone design.
