TL; DR
- Samsung is betting on the 2nm Exynos 2600 for Galaxy S26 after Exynos 2500 failed due to poor 3nm yields.
- A special task force is working to improve 2nm yields (currently 30%) and chip performance, aiming for mass production by May 2025.
- Success could boost Samsung’s profits and reduce Snapdragon dependence.
Samsung’s Exynos journey hit a rough patch with the Exynos 2500. Designed for the Galaxy S25 series, it stumbled due to dismal 3nm yield rates, forcing Samsung to lean on Qualcomm’s pricier Snapdragon 8 Elite across all models. That misstep cost them profit margins and pride.
Now, Samsung is doubling down on redemption with the Exynos 2600, a 2nm chip slated for the Galaxy S26 lineup—and they’re assembling a dedicated team to ensure it doesn’t flop.
Everything’s looking good so far
According to The Financial News, Samsung Foundry has formed a specialized “task force” to spearhead the Exynos 2600’s development. Within Samsung’s Semiconductor division, System LSI designs the chips, while Foundry manufactures them.
The Exynos 2500’s failure stemmed from Foundry’s 3nm woes—yield rates reportedly sank as low as 10% before clawing back to 50%. The new team’s mission is twofold: boost the 2nm process yield and fine-tune the Exynos 2600’s performance.
Early signs are encouraging—initial 2nm tests in February hit a 30% yield, a solid starting point with room to climb toward the 60-70% sweet spot for profitability.
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Exynos will make a comeback
Samsung seems confident in its 2nm SF2 process. An official told The Financial News that the Exynos 2600’s yield already outpaces the Exynos 2500’s, signaling a leap forward. If this holds, mass production could kick off in May 2025.
Success here isn’t just about powering the Galaxy S26—it’s about reclaiming financial ground. Relying on Snapdragon chips has squeezed Samsung’s margins; a reliable in-house SoC could save millions and lure back clients like NVIDIA and Qualcomm (although we hope that doesn’t happen), who’ve drifted from Foundry’s services.
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