Samsung’s 2nm chip is on the way, and it could show up in the next Galaxy Z Flip. A recent report from South Korea says Samsung is working on a better version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, made just for the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The twist is that Samsung is not only tuning the chip for its phones, but is also involved in making it.
According to a report from Korean outlet New Daily, Samsung Foundry has already produced sample units of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 using its 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, which have reportedly been sent to Qualcomm for testing and evaluation (via SamMobile). This move signals Samsung’s growing effort to compete directly with TSMC, which has long been Qualcomm’s go-to partner for premium chip manufacturing.
The current Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip is being mass-produced by TSMC using its 3nm N3P node, but Samsung believes its new 2nm SF2 process could deliver better performance and efficiency, if it can overcome its biggest challenge: yield rates. Historically, Samsung’s manufacturing yields have lagged behind TSMC’s, meaning too many chips per batch end up unusable. To gain Qualcomm’s confidence, Samsung’s 2nm process will need to show consistent quality, strong efficiency, and stable thermal performance during the evaluation phase.
Galaxy Z Flip 8 may get a custom “For Galaxy” Snapdragon
Credit: Daniel Bader / Android Police
If all goes well, Samsung’s 2nm-made Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 might find its way into the Galaxy Z Flip 8, potentially as a custom “for Galaxy” edition, a label Samsung often uses for optimized Snapdragon variants. That would be a notable shift, considering the company has recently leaned more on its own Exynos chips. For instance, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2500 in several markets. But with the Z Flip 8, Samsung may reverse course by bringing back Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, this time showcasing its own manufacturing tech in the process.
Samsung is also increasing production of the Exynos 2600, another 2nm chip that is likely to be used in the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung’s latest efforts could position the company as an important supplier for future Android phones. Qualcomm’s partnership with Samsung on the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 could also diversify its supply chain, reducing reliance on TSMC and giving both companies a strategic edge.
