Samsung’s 3nm Exynos 2500 chipset has been facing unprecedented production challenges due to poor foundry yields. Originally intended for the Galaxy S25 series, the chip is still in its early production stages. However, the company seems confident that it can make the new Exynos ready by mid-2025 and ship it with the Galaxy Z Flip FE. Samsung is also actively working on yield improvements for its next-generation Exynos 2600, a 2nm chip.
Samsung gears up to ship the Exynos 2500 with the Galaxy Z Flip FE
According to the Korean media, Samsung has finalized wafer testing plans for the Exynos 2500, confirming its mass production. The company aims to equip this chip in its upcoming affordable clamshell foldable, likely called the Galaxy Z Flip FE. While some earlier rumors said the Flip FE will feature the Exynos 2400, that doesn’t seem to be the case. This suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will run Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Since the Fan Edition model is targeted at a lower price point, it makes sense for Samsung to use an in-house processor to reduce manufacturing costs. Moreover, the Exynos 2500 still has a relatively low yield rate, reportedly below 50%. The Bell claims Samsung’s current production capacity for its first 3nm smartphone processor is only 5,000 units per month. If true, the Galaxy Z Flip FE might see a limited initial release.
Alongside the Flip FE, Samsung also plans to use the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25 FE, which should launch around September and October. However, this depends on yield and production improvements in the future. The company must secure a sufficient amount of chips before finalizing its use in any device. It must complete it all well before the device’s launch to ensure swift mass production and market release.
Samsung is already looking ahead to the Exynos 2600
After a forgettable experience with the Exynos 2500, Samsung now aims to turn things around with the Exynso 2600. This chip will be manufactured using its 2nm SF2 process, employing the second-generation GAA (Gate-All-Around) transistor technology. These upgrades are touted to boost performance by 12%, improve power efficiency by 25%, and reduce the chip size by 5% compared to the Exynos 2500’s 3nm SF3 process.
If everything goes well, the Exynos 2600 might power some Galaxy S26 phones in select markets. However, Samsung still has work to do before scaling up manufacturing. The latest test production of this chip allegedly had a 30% yield rate, which isn’t enough for mass production. Time will tell whether Samsung can solve its foundry struggles anytime soon and start challenging TSMC again.
