Samsung may potentially develop a Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 specifically optimized for the Samsung Galaxy S26.
Recent developments have brought a change in the collaborative plans between Qualcomm and Samsung regarding the production of the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
Initially, it was anticipated that Qualcomm and Samsung would work together to create a unique Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip variant, codenamed 'Kaanapali S,' exclusively for the Galaxy S26 series, scheduled to launch in 2026. This collaboration was expected to bring significant performance, power efficiency, and thermal management improvements over previous generations [1].
However, fresh information suggests that Qualcomm has abandoned the plans for the Samsung-made 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip. The Samsung-fabricated version (SM8850-S) has been removed from Qualcomm's internal plans, and the company will instead focus solely on the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 produced by TSMC using its 3nm process (SM8850-T) [2][3].
The reasons behind this strategic change are not yet disclosed but may involve factors such as cost, production challenges, or concerns about technology transfer with Samsung's System LSI division, which designs Exynos chips.
Meanwhile, Samsung is reportedly aiming to produce 2nm chips for phones by 2025, and there are rumours that the Flip 7 and Fold 7 could use Samsung's next Exynos chip in certain regions. The Exynos 2500, referred to as the "For Galaxy" SoC, is said to be in the early stages of production testing [4].
While there are rumours about camera improvements for the Galaxy S26 series, no specific details have been revealed in this regard. Previous rumours hinted at potential improvements in the Galaxy S26 Ultra's thickness, but specific details remain scarce [5].
In the meantime, Qualcomm continues to work with TSMC to create a 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for other devices. Some regions, like the U.S., could potentially stick with Qualcomm for the Galaxy S26 series [6].
The mass production of the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip is still expected to be completed in the second half of this year, as previously mentioned [7].
[1] https://www.anandtech.com/show/17342/qualcomm-samsung-team-up-to-create-kaanapali-s-2nm-snapdragon-8-elite-2-chip [2] https://www.tomshardware.com/news/qualcomm-samsung-scrap-2nm-snapdragon-8-elite-2-chip [3] https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_drops_plans_for_samsung_2nm_snapdragon_8_elite_2_chip-news-45933.php [4] https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_exynos_2500_for_the_galaxy_s26_series-news-46009.php [5] https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s26_ultra_could_be_even_thinner-news-45930.php [6] https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s26_series_could_feature_samsungs_exynos_chip_significantly-news-45931.php [7] https://www.tomshardware.com/news/qualcomm-samsung-scrap-2nm-snapdragon-8-elite-2-chip
Gadgets like smartphones will not be utilizing the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip manufactured by Samsung, as Qualcomm has decided to focus solely on the TSMC-produced variant of this chip for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Samsung aims to produce 2nm chips for phones by 2025, potentially using them in their future devices, such as the Flip 7 and Fold 7.
