For the past several months, Samsung has been struggling with poor 2nm yields, raising concerns about the Exynos 2600’s mass production. It appears the company has finally made some improvements. According to the Korean media, Samsung achieved a 30% yield rate during a recent test production of the Exynos 2600 using the SF2 (2nm) process. It now expects to stabilize the process for mass production in the second half of 2025.
Samsung’s 2nm Exynos 2600 is on track for mass production later this year
Samsung’s System LSI and Foundry divisions are working hard to ensure the Exynos 2600 enters mass production on time. The company aims to produce the chip on its SF2 process, featuring third-generation Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology. The upgraded process node is touted to bring a 12% boost in performance and a 25% boost in power efficiency. It also reduces area usage by 5% compared to the SF3 predecessor.
However, Samsung’s main challenge has been its yield rate, which dropped after it shifted to the GAA architecture with the 3nm process in 2023. The company struggled to secure a healthy yield for its first 3nm smartphone processor, the Exynops 2500, leading to its cancelation for the Galaxy S25 series. The yield issues continued to the 2nm process — its 2nm yield languished under 20% for months, while TSMC has already secured a 60% yield.
It appears Samsung is now on the way to recovery. A 30% yield rate in test production is a promising result for an early-stage process. The Korean behemoth aims to mass-produce the 2nm Exynos 2600 in the fourth quarter of 2025. This will ensure its readiness for the Galaxy S26 launching in early 2026. A stable manufacturing process will not only benefit Samsung’s smartphone division but also help Samsung Foundry attract more customers.
“The Exynos 2600 is cruising,” an industry insider stated, suggesting that it is on track for timely mass production. “While the mass production of the Exynos 2500 has been delayed, the mass production of the Exynos 2600 seems to be proceeding as scheduled,” they added. “Recently, a wafer test was conducted by a domestic post-processing company, and the yield rate exceeded 30%.”
Samsung aims to regain its footing in the foundry industry
Samsung’s 2nm production success with the Exynos 2600 is a positive step in stabilizing its foundry business. Its foundry division has failed to secure major 3nm and 2nm manufacturing contracts due to poor yields. Time will tell if it can ensure smooth mass production and attract more customers for its advanced process technologies anytime soon. This could help Samsung regain competitiveness in the mobile chipset and semiconductor manufacturing markets.
