Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Gen 4 Rumored to Feature Both Samsung and TSMC 3nm Process

Revegnus (@Tech_Reve) claims that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be manufactured using the 3nm (N3E) technology at TSMC, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 For Galaxy will be produced using the 3nm (GAP) process at Samsung Foundry. Assuming these claims hold true, Samsung Foundry’s 3nm node may soon be competitive with TSMC’s 3nm process in terms of performance and efficiency.

Apparently, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will come from two different manufacturers. TSMC N3E will produce one version of the SoC that is intended for widespread use. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy, exclusive to Samsung, will be manufactured on the 3GAP node at Samsung Foundries.

It would be the first time in quite some time that a manufacturer produced the same chip utilizing two distinct vendors, as Apple did with the A9 processor in the iPhone 6s. The A9 was manufactured with both Samsung’s 14nm process and TSMC’s 16nm technology. The A9 chip produced by Samsung was more compact, while the chips produced by TSMC were more efficient in terms of power consumption.

Samsung’s much-rumored “Exynos 2500” processor may join the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 For Galaxy in specific Galaxy S25 smartphones. Both chips may have equal performance since they will both be manufactured using Samsung Foundry’s 3nm GAP process. There will always be some variations, but it is Samsung’s responsibility to ensure that they are minimal, particularly in terms of power usage.

We urge you to take this rumour with a grain of salt until it can be verified independently. The future is bright for Qualcomm chips nonetheless.