Anticipation is building for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8, rumored to be the next big leap in clamshell-style foldable smartphones, following the Galaxy Z Flip 7 which debuted in July. According to recent reports, this innovative device could feature an unprecedented, unreleased version of Qualcomm’s formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Samsung has reportedly supplied samples of this cutting-edge processor to Qualcomm, fabricated using its advanced 2nm (SF2) process technology. This move aligns with Samsung’s history of utilizing slightly overclocked flagship Snapdragon chips in its premium Galaxy S series devices.
The current Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, seen in the accompanying image, is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 2500 processor. The potential shift back to a custom Snapdragon chip for the Z Flip 8 highlights a strategic focus on pushing performance boundaries. Notably, Samsung’s SF2 process promises significant improvements in transistor density and power efficiency compared to its 3nm predecessor, thanks to a Gate-All-Around (GAA) architecture that enhances chip performance and reduces power consumption more effectively than older FinFET designs. Qualcomm is expected to rigorously test these 2nm samples for power efficiency, performance, heat management, production yield, and overall reliability in the coming months.
Unveiling Samsung’s Advanced 2nm Chip for the Galaxy Z Flip 8
While the recently launched Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is currently manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm N3P process, a Korean report indicates that Samsung’s Foundry division is actively developing an even more advanced iteration. This unreleased version is specifically designed to be fabricated on Samsung’s new 2nm process technology, known as SF2.
Samsung, a major player in tech, has provided samples of this next-generation application processor (AP) to Qualcomm. This crucial step is part of a multi-stage evaluation to determine the feasibility of its mass production. Qualcomm’s rigorous testing phase over the next few months will assess key factors such as the chip’s power efficiency, overall performance, heat generation, manufacturing yield, and long-term reliability before trial production can even commence.
Beyond raw technical metrics, the report highlights that Qualcomm will also scrutinize aspects like production yield stability, adherence to development schedules, and the long-term capacity for supply. Should the contract be successfully secured, mass production of this advanced 2nm chip is expected to be primarily handled by TSMC. However, Samsung could still participate as a “sub-partner,” contributing limited production volumes.
An industry expert quoted by the publication suggested that if this collaboration with Qualcomm truly takes off, it could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape for 2nm foundry technology in the future.
If all development and testing proceed as planned, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 could indeed make its debut with the groundbreaking 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This highly anticipated foldable phone is projected to be unveiled in July 2026, alongside its sibling, the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
It’s worth noting that Samsung traditionally equips its flagship Galaxy S-series phones with custom “for Galaxy” variants of Qualcomm chips, which feature adjusted clock speeds. Interestingly, the last Galaxy Z Flip model to utilize a Snapdragon processor was the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which was powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Subsequent iterations, including the most recent Galaxy Z Flip 7, have transitioned to Samsung’s in-house Exynos chips, with the Z Flip 7 featuring an Exynos 2500 processor.
The Strategic Shift: Why a 2nm Qualcomm Chip for Samsung?
The report underscores that Samsung’s SF2 processor is designed to deliver superior transistor density and power efficiency compared to the company’s existing 3nm process. This significant improvement is attributed to its adoption of a Gate-All-Around (GAA) architecture. GAA technology fundamentally refines both chip performance and power consumption by offering enhanced gate control over the older FinFET architecture.
Samsung has reportedly achieved stability in the manufacturing yield for this unreleased 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC through its Exynos 2600 test production. The company only proceeded to provide samples of this advanced chipset to Qualcomm after ensuring that its stringent internal quality standards were fully met.