Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Could Shift to Samsung’s 3nm GAA Process, as TSMC Is Rumored to Continuously Experience Production Delay

Omar Sohail
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Could Shift to Samsung’s 3nm GAA Process, as TSMC Is Rumored to Continuously Experience Production Delay

Qualcomm has mulled the idea of bringing Samsung back into the fold and using its foundry to mass produce next-generation Snapdragon chipsets while dual-sourcing from TSMC too. One rumor claims that the Taiwanese manufacturer continues to experience a delay in its 3nm process, which only means that the chances of Samsung mass-producing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 next year on its 3nm GAA architecture will become stronger.

Samsung Has a Terrible Yield Rate on Its 3nm GAA Process, but With Some Help, It Can Restore Qualcomm’s Faith

TSMC is Qualcomm’s exclusive supplier for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is mass-produced on the 4nm node. Next year holds a ton of uncertainties, especially when it comes to which partner will undertake orders for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. @OreXda on Twitter believes that Samsung is ‘likely’ expected to fulfill those orders, largely due to the problems TSMC has been experiencing with its own 3nm process.

Related Story Cybertruck-Inspired Galaxy S24 Ultra Launched, One of the Worse Looking Phones You Can Buy

On top of that, a recent report said that TSMC’s 3nm wafer prices have crossed the $20,000 mark, so it would not be prudent of Qualcomm to rely on just one manufacturer for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 since it would be a costly venture. Samsung too is said to be having trouble with its 3nm GAA production, with a yield rate said to be a horrendous 20 percent. Fortunately, the Korean giant has sought aid from a U.S.-based firm called Silicon Frontline Technology, which is helping Samsung improve yields.

At this time, Samsung is not reported to have secured smartphone partners that aim to use its 3nm GAA chips, but Qualcomm was rumored to have reviewed samples of this cutting-edge technology, likely in the hopes of a future deal. Assuming Samsung can scale past the yield problems, its GAA process is expected to bring a ton of benefits to the table, such as reducing power consumption by up to 45 percent and improving performance by 23 percent.

A second-generation 3nm GAA process may commence mass production in 2024 and will bring even more performance and power-efficiency advantages, so Samsung obviously has a roadmap where it aims to take market share away from TSMC. Naturally, it is too early to make assumptions about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but we will have more information in the coming months.

News Source: @OreXda

Share this story

Deal of the Day

Comments