Samsung’s 2nm SF2 Process Achieves 30% Yield in Trial Production?

Samsung Gears Up for Exynos 2600 Production with Improved 2nm Yield

According to a report from Korean media outlet The Bell, Samsung is heavily investing resources into the development of its Exynos 2600 processor to ensure timely mass production.

The report suggests that Samsung Foundry’s 2nm SF2 node has achieved an initial yield of around 30% in trial production for the Exynos 2600. If yield optimization progresses as planned, Samsung aims to stabilize mass production by the second half of 2025.

Samsung SF2: The Third-Generation GAA Process

Samsung's SF2 process, expected to launch in H2 2025, is a significant upgrade over the SF3 node, featuring:

12% performance improvement

25% better power efficiency

5% reduction in chip area

The Exynos 2600 is anticipated to be used in Samsung’s Galaxy S26, set for release in Q1 2026. If yield optimization stays on track, mass production could start as early as Q4 2025.

Exynos 2600 Progress on Track

Insiders claim that Exynos 2600 is progressing well, and recent backend processing tests in a Korean semiconductor firm showed over 30% yield. However, since this is still a trial production phase, yield standards remain at an early stage.

Both Samsung Foundry and Samsung’s System LSI division are working closely to ensure Exynos 2600 production. Given that Exynos 2500 was delayed due to low yield issues, another delay for Exynos 2600 would not only impact Samsung but also South Korea’s entire semiconductor ecosystem.

Lessons from Exynos 2500 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Shift

Initially, Samsung planned to use the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25, but due to yield challenges, production was postponed. As a result, Samsung had to rely entirely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for its Galaxy S25 lineup.

During Samsung’s Q4 2024 earnings call, the company acknowledged that missing the launch window for its flagship SoC (Exynos 2500) led to ongoing losses in its semiconductor division.

Current Samsung 2nm Customers and Market Outlook

As of now, only two publicly known customers have committed to Samsung’s 2nm SF2 process:

Preferred Networks (PFN) from Japan (using SF2X for AI and HPC applications)

Ambarella from the U.S. (using SF2A for automotive applications)

During its earnings call, Samsung confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with major clients across multiple sectors, including mobile, HPC, and automotive.

With TSMC set to begin 2nm production in 2025, Samsung’s ability to stabilize its SF2 node yields and secure more clients will be critical to competing in the next-generation semiconductor race.