Samsung Explores Multi-Foundry Partnerships to Revive Exynos SoC Amid 3nm Yield Issues
Samsung is reportedly in discussions with other foundry companies to adopt a multi-channel strategy for its Exynos System-on-Chip (SoC) development. This move comes after persistent yield issues with its 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, forcing the company to pivot away from using the Exynos 2500 in next year’s Galaxy S25 lineup. Instead, the flagship will feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite exclusively.
According to a report from The Bell, Samsung’s semiconductor division, LSI, is aiming to stabilize its performance and expand beyond mobile applications into automotive and communications sectors. The report hints at possible partnerships with other chipmakers to overcome its manufacturing hurdles. While no specific names are confirmed, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a likely candidate due to its leadership in advanced lithography.
Is TSMC the Solution?
TSMC remains the global leader in cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing and recently hit a significant milestone with its 2nm process, achieving a 60% yield in trial production. This progress makes TSMC less dependent on external collaborations, which could complicate any potential partnership with Samsung.
Additionally, the report mentions AMD, possibly alluding to a broader ecosystem collaboration rather than direct manufacturing support. However, AMD itself relies on TSMC for its chip production, further underscoring TSMC’s central role in advanced semiconductor technology.
Samsung’s Multi-Faceted Approach
Samsung appears to be taking a pragmatic approach by exploring multiple avenues beyond traditional smartphone SoCs. The company’s efforts to diversify into automotive and communication markets highlight its intent to recover Exynos’ reputation and ensure its foundry division remains competitive globally.
Whether TSMC or another foundry enters into a partnership with Samsung remains uncertain. Given TSMC’s current dominance and robust demand for its advanced nodes, any collaboration would likely come with conditions favoring the Taiwanese foundry.
What do you think? Can Samsung recover its Exynos SoC ambitions, or has TSMC pulled too far ahead in the semiconductor race? Share your thoughts below.
