Previous rumors claimed that Qualcomm and Samsung were working together to produce a 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip that would power next-generation flagships. But it looks like the project has been canceled. Rather, a new chip is being developed.
The competition for the fastest and most efficient processor is constantly getting more intense in the very competitive smartphone market. And for a split second, it appeared as though Samsung might be ready to take the lead. According to rumors, Qualcomm and Samsung were making headway in producing a 2nm version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, the company’s next-generation powerhouse. It was anticipated that this generation will be even more sophisticated than the 3nm CPUs seen in the majority of Android flagships. certain even thought it will power certain of the Galaxy S26 lineup’s models. However, those preparations seem to have ended abruptly.
Qualcomm has now canceled the 2nm version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip that was made by Samsung, according to a leaker on X, now known as Twitter (@Jukanlosreve). The chip, known internally as SM8850-S, is no longer listed on Qualcomm’s website. Two distinct versions were previously included in Qualcomm’s documentation: the now-missing 2nm Samsung version and the SM8850-T, a 3nm chip manufactured by TSMC.
The fact that just the base model SM8850 is left suggests that the 3nm chip manufactured by TSMC is the only one that has survived. The leak makes it abundantly evident that Qualcomm has quietly removed Samsung from the manufacturing equation, at least for this flagship chip, even if the firm has not provided an explanation for the move.
According to the move, the TSMC version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be included in all major Android phones that arrive in late 2025 and after. It’s a setback for Samsung, which was hoping to show off its 2nm prowess and catch up in the semiconductor industry. For now, we can only surmise as to whether the decision was made due to basic strategy realignment, performance issues, or production constraints.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 prototype, which developers and OEMs utilize for early testing, has witnessed a significant price increase, according to related news from the same source. Its current price of $15,000 indicates both great demand and limited supply. That’s a big jump, and it might be Qualcomm’s strategy to limit the chip to exclusive partners in the early stages.
It’s also important to note that Qualcomm is currently changing the specifications for its SM8845 chip, which is probably going to be marketed as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5. Although specifics are still unknown, this chip is anticipated to function as a more affordable flagship choice, potentially aiming for upper-mid-range phones with performance that falls just short of the Elite series.
A 2nm Snapdragon manufactured by Samsung would have made headlines, but it appears that the story has changed. For Qualcomm’s flagship goals, TSMC’s 3nm technology is currently the preferred platform. Although this leak implies it won’t be with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, Samsung may still have a 2nm moment in the future.
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Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.
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