Samsung’s 70% Yield Target for 3nm GAA Process Seems Out of Reach, Shifts Focus to 2nm Process

Highlights

• Samsung is struggling with its ambitious 3nm GAA processes.
• The first-gen yields are around 50-60% and the second-gen yields at just 20%.
• Qualcomm is using TSMC’s 3nm technology.
• Samsung is shifting resources towards its upcoming 2nm process.
• A new Exynos chip is likely to launch with the Galaxy S27 in 2027.

It appears that Korean smartphone manufacturer, Samsung is struggling with its ambitious target for both the first and second-generation 3nm GAA processes.

Recent reports suggest that yields hovering around 50-60%. Here’s what the latest report reveals.

According to a new report from Korea, Samsung may have taken an early lead in the 3nm chip race with its Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology, the production yields are falling short of expectations.

The recent report from a Korean blog Naver reveals that Samsung initially aimed for a 70% yield on both its first-and-second-generation 3nm GAA processes.

However, there are high chances that the company is not likely to be able to achieve this target.

The first-generation process known as ‘SF3E-3GAE’ has reportedly managed yields of around 50-60%. This is closer to the goal but still below what is needed for commercial viability.

This yield issue is most likely why Samsung has been struggling to attract new clients for its 3nm process as well. It has been earlier reported that Qualcomm has opted to get its Snapdragon 8 Elite manufactured exclusively with TSMC’s more reliable 3nm “N3E” architecture.

The second-generation 3nm process, called “SF3-3GAP,” faces even bigger challenges, with yield rates at just 20%—far below the original 70% goal.

This situation could drive clients, including those in South Korea, to choose TSMC’s 3nm technology instead.

Samsung’s failure to achieve the 3nm yield targets is probably also the reason that’s driving the company to now steadily shift the resources and talent toward its upcoming 2nm process.

Rumours suggest that a new Exynos chip, codenamed “Ulysses” and using “SF2P” technology could be under development for a future Galaxy S model, possibly launching with the Galaxy S27 in 2027.

Whether Samsung can resolve these challenges and make its 3nm process a viable option remains uncertain. If not, the future of Samsung’s next flagship Exynos 2500 SoC could also be at risk.

FAQs

Q1. What are the current yield rates for Samsung’s first-generation 3nm GAA process?

Answer. The first-generation 3nm GAA process, known as ‘SF3E-3GAE,’ has managed yields of around 50-60%, which is below the targeted 70%.

Q2. Why has Qualcomm chosen TSMC over Samsung for manufacturing the Snapdragon 8 Elite?

Answer. Qualcomm has opted for TSMC’s more reliable 3nm “N3E” architecture due to Samsung’s yield issues with its 3nm processes.

Q4. What plans does Samsung have in response to its 3nm challenges?

Answer. Samsung is shifting resources toward its upcoming 2nm process, with rumours of developing a new Exynos chip, codenamed “Ulysses,” potentially launching with the Galaxy S27 in 2027.

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