lucadelladora – A recent leak from Weibo confirms that Qualcomm has not cancelled the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 version made on Samsung Foundry’s 2 nm SF2 node. Earlier rumors suggested this variant was scrapped. But the Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station clarifies it remains in development under the codename SM8850s. This chip offers a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive TSMC-made Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, attracting interest from several OEMs.
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Qualcomm initially planned the Samsung variant as a “For Galaxy” edition. Intended for Samsung foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Now, the presence of two Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 versions will create a tiered device market: one powered by the TSMC N3P chip and the other by Samsung’s 2 nm SF2 chip. While both chips are designed to perform similarly on paper. Samsung’s foundry chips have historically trailed TSMC in performance and efficiency, so differences might appear in real-world use.
Samsung is still stabilizing yields for its 2 nm process. Which may delay the launch of the SM8850s beyond the expected late September release date of the TSMC variant. Despite the delay the Samsung-made chip opens the door for broader adoption of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. Particularly in devices targeting more affordable price points.
Impact on OEMs and the Smartphone Market
The introduction of the Samsung 2 nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 variant provides OEMs with a more affordable option. As the TSMC N3P chip commands a higher price. Some manufacturers may choose Samsung’s version to reduce costs while still offering flagship-level performance. This strategy could widen Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 adoption, especially in mid-to-high-end smartphones that aim to balance performance and price.
The existence of two chip versions may create challenges in distinguishing between devices. As benchmarks will be the only reliable method to identify the processor source. For consumers, this means similar specifications on paper but potentially subtle differences in battery life and performance depending on the chip inside.
Historically, Samsung Foundry’s chips have lagged slightly behind TSMC’s in power efficiency and thermal management. It remains to be seen whether the 2 nm SF2 process will close this gap. Regardless, the cheaper Samsung option offers OEMs flexibility in designing competitive devices amid a crowded market.
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This development underscores Qualcomm’s effort to diversify its supply chain and cater to varying market needs. As manufacturing costs and supply chain issues persist globally, such alternatives may be crucial for keeping flagship chipsets accessible across different price segments. Looking ahead, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Samsung variant may boost competition, encouraging OEMs to innovate and deliver affordable high-performance smartphones. Consumers can expect more choices as flagship-level tech becomes more attainable without compromising too much on quality.
