Samsung Completes Second-Gen 2nm Design (SF2P): Mass Production in 2026, Set to Power Galaxy S27 & Win Qualcomm Orders

Although Samsung once lagged behind in the race for advanced process technologies, the company has recently accelerated its efforts in the 2nm node, signaling a strong return to form. According to a report from Wccftech, Samsung has successfully completed the foundational design of its second-generation 2nm process, SF2P, with potential mass production slated for 2026. This cutting-edge technology is expected to power the next-generation Exynos 2700 processor, which will likely debut in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S27 flagship series.

Samsung’s first-generation 2nm process, SF2, has already achieved a yield rate exceeding 40% and is being used in trial production of the Exynos 2600. This milestone not only marks steady progress in Samsung’s semiconductor roadmap but also lays the groundwork for future high-volume manufacturing.

The second-generation SF2P process boasts substantial improvements in both performance and efficiency. Compared to SF2, it delivers a 12% performance uplift, 25% power reduction, and an 8% reduction in chip area. These enhancements will significantly bolster computational capabilities in mobile devices while extending battery life—a critical advantage in an increasingly performance-hungry market.

As Samsung’s 2nm process matures, reports have emerged of renewed collaboration with Qualcomm. Sources indicate that Qualcomm is currently conducting mass production trials of several chip models using Samsung’s 2nm technology. Should the results meet expectations, Qualcomm may reintroduce a dual-foundry strategy, continuing to partner with TSMC while allocating part of its production to Samsung—thereby diversifying cost and supply chain risk.

Such a shift would mark a significant narrowing of the gap between Samsung and TSMC in the competition for advanced foundry dominance. Currently, TSMC commands more than two-thirds of the global foundry market. If Samsung secures Qualcomm’s orders with SF2P, it could reshape the balance of power in the industry.

Despite early setbacks with 3nm yields and supply timelines, Samsung has not retreated from the pursuit of next-generation process technologies. The transition from SF2 to SF2P reflects not only increased process maturity but also Samsung’s determination to reclaim its role at the forefront of the foundry battlefield.

Of note, Samsung’s flagship smartphones for the past two years have relied solely on Qualcomm chipsets, while its own Exynos processors have been relegated to select regional models or mid-range devices. Compounding the challenge, Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series—featuring the Tensor G5 processor—is reportedly being fabricated by TSMC, further underscoring market skepticism surrounding Samsung’s advanced nodes.

Nonetheless, Samsung recently announced the Exynos 2500, a flagship SoC based on its second-generation 3nm GAA process, which is expected to power the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7. This move highlights the company’s ongoing semiconductor innovation and ambition to remain competitive—though widespread user acceptance remains uncertain.

Whether Samsung’s second-generation 2nm process can win over customers like Qualcomm and seriously challenge TSMC in the realm of leading-edge fabrication remains an open question—one that the industry will be watching closely.