Qualcomm just dropped a major hint at CES 2026 that could shake up the smartphone chip world. The company is actively talking with Samsung to produce its future flagship processor on Samsung’s advanced 2nm process. Industry watchers quickly connect this to the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 leaks, as Qualcomm seeks more options beyond TSMC and taps into Samsung’s improving tech.
For years, Qualcomm stuck with TSMC for high-end Snapdragon chips. Issues like low yields and performance hiccups pushed them away from Samsung Foundry. Big names like Apple, Google, and Qualcomm all chose TSMC, leaving Samsung struggling to win back trust. So, read ahead for more details on this chipset.
Qualcomm CEO Confirms Talks With Samsung
At CES 2026, Amon told reporters that Qualcomm prioritizes Samsung for contract manufacturing on the latest 2nm node. He said, “Among various foundry companies, we started discussions with Samsung Electronics first on contract manufacturing using the latest 2nm process.”
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Qualcomm has already finished the design work and aims for quick commercialization. Although Amon didn’t name the chip, experts point to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, the next flagship after the current Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
This move shows Samsung’s 2nm process, called SF2P (second-generation), now delivers strong yields, power efficiency, and performance. Samsung plans to use it first for its own Exynos 2600 chip in the Galaxy S26 series.
Other big players are jumping on board too:
- Tesla signed a major deal with Samsung for AI chips.
- Rumors say AMD and Google are exploring options.
If Qualcomm switches or splits production, it diversifies supply and reduces risks from relying only on TSMC.
What We Know From Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Leaks
Early Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 leaks suggest exciting upgrades, though the foundry choice remains unconfirmed (many point to TSMC’s N2P node).
Known details include:
- Built on cutting-edge 2nm process for better efficiency and performance.
- Possible two variants: standard and a premium “Pro” version.
- Pro model may support faster LPDDR6 RAM and upgraded GPU.
- New CPU layout (likely 2+3+3 cores with custom Oryon architecture).
- Support for UFS 5.0 storage for super-fast speeds.
- Expected launch in late 2026, powering 2027 flagships.
This potential Samsung partnership adds intrigue to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 leaks. It could mean even better power management or cost benefits for phone makers.
Qualcomm’s move signals confidence in Samsung’s comeback. Smartphone fans can look forward to more powerful, efficient devices soon, whether made by TSMC, Samsung, or both.
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