Qualcomm’s relationship with Samsung Foundry appears to be strengthening. After shifting production of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and subsequent chips to TSMC, recent reports indicate a return to Samsung for a specialized version of the next-generation processor.

Shift in Manufacturing Strategy

The standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, announced in late September, is being produced on TSMC’s 3nm node according to Qualcomm. However, a report from Korean news outlet New Daily suggests that Samsung will manufacture the “for Galaxy” variant, a customized chip historically featured in Samsung’s flagship smartphones.

This “for Galaxy” version is anticipated to go beyond a simple overclocked model. It will likely be built using Samsung’s advanced 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, representing a notable technological leap.

From Flagship Phones to Foldables

Initially, Qualcomm’s announcement sparked speculation that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy would power the Galaxy S26 series. However,the New Daily report clarifies that this specialized chip is now slated for use in Samsung’s 2026 foldable phones,expected to launch next summer. This shift means the Exynos 2600 will likely power the Galaxy S26 series rather.

Implications and Background

This move represents a strategic realignment for both Qualcomm and Samsung. Qualcomm previously moved away from Samsung Foundry due to yield concerns with the 8 Gen 1. The adoption of Samsung’s 2nm GAA process for the “for Galaxy” chip suggests improvements in Samsung’s manufacturing capabilities and a renewed confidence in their partnership.

The “for Galaxy” designation signifies a customized chip tailored to Samsung’s specific needs, often featuring optimized performance and power efficiency for their devices. This collaboration allows Samsung to further differentiate it’s flagship products.