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Recent reports indicate that Samsung is entering the mass production phase for its latest fourth-generation 4nm chips, referred to as “SF4X.” Allegations suggest that this new chip design is the company’s “most advanced” yet, with a pronounced emphasis on artificial intelligence applications for various global clients. Additionally, speculation surrounds the potential launch of the Exynos 2600 SoC, which may be integrated into the upcoming Galaxy S26 model.
Sources suggest that Samsung is actively pursuing the development of a new generation of chips to enhance its foundry operations.
The information regarding Samsung’s commencement of mass production for its next-generation 4nm chips was reported by ZDNet Korea and echoed by SamMobile. According to these sources, Samsung views the “SF4X” process as a pivotal asset in its foundry business strategy, aiming to catch up with industry leaders like TSMC in the SoC manufacturing arena.
The emerging details suggest that Samsung is prioritizing AI capabilities in this new chip iteration. An unnamed source indicated that the current iteration represents the company’s most cutting-edge design to date.
Since its initial production run began in 2021, the SF4X has reportedly refined its production techniques, leading to the introduction of high-speed transistors. Furthermore, Samsung aims to enhance next-generation packaging technologies, including 2.5D and 3D approaches. Reports indicate that the company has achieved stability in the yield of the new 4nm process chip, which should bode well for overall production.
Despite this progress, concerns remain as Samsung has reportedly struggled to secure prominent clients like Qualcomm and Apple. However, the company is optimistic about marketing its 4nm chips to a global clientele, with ongoing collaborations, including a contract with X related to AI Grok products.
Samsung’s foray into 4nm chip production began in 2021, but it was only in 2022 that these chips gained widespread use, particularly in the Galaxy S22. Initial evaluations suggested that while the chips provided some performance enhancements, the improvements were not revolutionary in practical use. Notably, improvements were observed in imaging capabilities, but as of now, the focus appears to have shifted toward leveraging AI capabilities for applications requiring significant computational resources rather than for mobile devices.
Additionally, rumors suggest that Samsung is advancing towards its next 2nm chip, the Exynos 2600, with a noticeable sense of urgency. The company has reportedly assembled a “performance improvement task force” to ensure the chip’s reliability and competitiveness against industry counterparts. Speculation indicates that the Exynos 2600 could debut in the Galaxy S26 series in the coming year.
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