Qualcomm Cancels Samsung’s 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Chip
The smartphone chipset race just took an unexpected turn. Recent leaks suggested that Samsung would manufacture a 2nm version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, potentially outperforming the TSMC-made 3nm variant. However, new reports confirm that Qualcomm has canceled Samsung’s 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, leaving only TSMC’s 3nm chip in play.
Earlier internal listings showed two variants of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (SM8850): a 3nm TSMC model (8850-T) and a 2nm Samsung model (8850-S). Now, only the base SM8850 (TSMC 3nm) remains, hinting at a complete discontinuation of Samsung’s 2nm project. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but it likely involves yield issues, cost, or performance concerns.
With the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 canceled, most 2025 Android flagships, including the Samsung Galaxy S26, will likely use the TSMC 3nm version. This chip will still be powerful, but the absence of a 2nm alternative means no major leap in efficiency or performance for now.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 Prototype Price Increases
In related news, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 prototype price has jumped to $15,000, making early access costly for manufacturers. Additionally, Qualcomm is reportedly reorganizing specs for the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 (SM8845), an upcoming affordable flagship chip.
While this cancellation is a setback for Samsung Foundry, the company may still use its 2nm process for Exynos chips or future collaborations. For now, TSMC remains the go-to for cutting-edge Snapdragon chips.
Qualcomm’s decision to cancel the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 suggests confidence in TSMC’s 3nm technology. Whether due to technical or business reasons, this move ensures stability for next-gen Android flagships—but delays Samsung’s 2nm ambitions.
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