Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 Leak Hints at Price Hike and Chip Split for Galaxy S27 Series
Next-gen 2nm chip promises power and efficiency, but may challenge Samsung’s pricing and production strategy
Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 details emerge with dual-variant strategy
Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 chipset, set to launch in 2026, is making waves ahead of its debut, with leaked details suggesting a dramatic leap in performance—and a possible dilemma for Samsung’s Galaxy S27 series.
- According to insider Digital Chat Station (DCS), Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 could come in two variants, similar to Apple’s A-series strategy (e.g., A and A Pro).
- These chipsets, likely codenamed SM8950 and SM8945, will reportedly use TSMC’s 2nm process, offering superior speed, power efficiency, and thermal control compared to current 3nm designs.
2nm comes at a premium — and Samsung may pay the price
While 2nm chips promise performance gains, the cost of production is significantly higher, which could translate into increased retail prices for flagship devices.
- The Galaxy S27 series, expected in early 2027, might come with a heftier price tag, as Samsung would likely pass those costs to consumers.
- This pricing pressure stems from TSMC’s expensive 2nm node, with rumors suggesting that chip costs will far exceed their 3nm predecessors.
Galaxy S27 lineup may face chipset split
Given the rising cost, Samsung may continue its dual-chip approach, assigning Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 to premium models like the S27 Ultra, while equipping standard models with the upcoming Exynos 2700.
- This chip split strategy—which divides models by region or tier—has historically drawn criticism due to performance differences between Snapdragon and Exynos versions.
- Qualcomm fans may find this frustrating, especially if the S27 Ultra remains the only universally Snapdragon-powered model.
Samsung’s manufacturing challenges
Adding to the complexity, TSMC reportedly has a 60% yield rate on its 2nm process, while Samsung Foundry trails at around 30%, reducing its competitiveness for Qualcomm contracts.
- Recent reports suggest Samsung is negotiating to produce the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 on its 2nm process in late 2026, potentially for future foldables, but no confirmation has been made yet.
Looking ahead
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 may raise the bar for Android performance, but its high production costs and chip allocation strategy may reshape expectations for Samsung’s flagship lineup.
