The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is already official, and TSMC is the main producer, making it on their 3nm (N3P) line. But there is big news that could stir the semiconductor industry: Qualcomm also ordered test units of the exact same flagship chip but manufactured using Samsung Foundry’s brand-new 2nm (SF2) process.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a possible 2nm version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 manufactured by Samsung. Just a few weeks ago, rumors about it were quite active. Now, South Korean media reports claim that Qualcomm is already receiving sample units of the SoC.

Qualcomm tests the grounds with Samsung-made 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 samples

Qualcomm isn’t just ordering test chips for fun. Think of it as the ultimate audition. They want to figure out if Samsung’s 2nm process is reliable and efficient enough to score a potential mass production contract.

Getting two different companies to make the same chip is called dual-sourcing, and it’s smart business. It helps Qualcomm hedge its bets, ensuring they don’t get stuck if one supplier hits production snags. It also gives them huge bargaining power against TSMC. Rumors say Samsung is aggressively slashing prices on its 2nm process just to lure in these massive clients. When companies battle like this, everyone wins, especially consumers who might get better chips at better prices down the line.

Samsung’s big bet: GAA

The real technical difference between the two chips lies in their internal structure. TSMC is building its version on the latest 3nm technology. Meanwhile, the Samsung test chip uses its highly advanced Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor architecture at 2nm. The GAA tech basically enables better performance and lower power consumption by improving gate control (regulation of the electricity flow). The upcoming Exynos 2600 chip that will power the Galaxy S26 series in some regions is also expected to be manufactured in 2nm.

For Samsung to win a slice of this massive production pie, they need to prove one thing above all else: stable, high-volume manufacturing yields. This test phase is critical. If Samsung pulls this off, they won’t just get a contract; they’ll radically shake up the industry, potentially breaking TSMC’s grip on the flagship mobile market and kicking off the 2nm competition in earnest.

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Jean Leon – Tech Writer – 43 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

Jean, from Venezuela, has been a mobile-tech enthusiast since forever. He likes to always be up-to-date on the latest news in the industry and write about it. He specializes in Android, smartphones, tablets, wearables, apps, and some gaming.