Samsung May Outfit Galaxy Z Flip 7 with Exynos 2500, Moving Away from Galaxy Z Fold 7’s Snapdragon Processor
Samsung is reportedly planning a major change in its foldable smartphone strategy by integrating its own Exynos 2500 processor into the soon-to-be-launched Galaxy Z Flip 7, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is anticipated to continue using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipset. This decision signifies a significant shift from Samsung’s past practices, where both foldable models utilized similar Qualcomm hardware.
A First for Samsung’s Foldables
If verified, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 would be the inaugural foldable device from Samsung equipped with an Exynos processor. A report from The Chosun Daily indicates that Samsung has opted to move forward with the Exynos 2500 despite existing concerns about its manufacturing yield, currently estimated to be between 20% and 40%. This number is considerably lower than the industry standard for mass production, typically around 60%.
Despite these obstacles, Samsung seems optimistic that the yield has stabilized sufficiently to meet the relatively lower production demands of the Galaxy Z Flip series in contrast to the flagship Galaxy S line. An anonymous industry source mentioned to The Chosun Daily, “It looks like the company has concluded that yield has reached a viable level. The comparatively smaller shipment volumes of foldable phones, relative to the Galaxy S series, also made it simpler to choose Exynos.”
Reasons for the Shift?
Multiple factors may have shaped Samsung’s choice to incorporate the Exynos 2500 for the Galaxy Z Flip 7:
1. Cost Factors:
Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chipsets, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, are reportedly pricier than their earlier versions. By utilizing its own silicon, Samsung can potentially lower expenses and enhance profit margins.
2. Strategic Investment in Exynos:
Samsung has been striving to rejuvenate its Exynos range after years of criticism regarding its performance and efficiency compared to Qualcomm’s products. The Exynos 2500 is expected to represent a significant advancement, possibly incorporating Samsung’s cutting-edge 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor technology.
3. Device Differentiation:
By equipping the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 with different processors, Samsung may aim to more distinctly differentiate the two devices beyond mere form factor and display size. The Z Fold series is typically pitched as a productivity-focused device, while the Z Flip range is more geared towards fashion and consumer appeal.
Testing and Production Schedule
Samsung reportedly evaluated both Exynos and Snapdragon versions of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 as recently as last month. However, the company now seems to have reached a final decision to adopt the Exynos 2500. Mass production of the device is expected to commence in May 2025, with a launch projected during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in New York City this July.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is still anticipated to come with a Snapdragon chipset, likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8 Gen 4, depending on availability and performance metrics at the time of its release.
Challenges for Exynos Ahead
While Samsung is placing its bets on the Exynos 2500, the chip’s low yield rate continues to be a concern. Samsung Foundry has faced difficulties in recent years in matching the efficiency and dependability of competitors like TSMC, which fabricates Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. These challenges have compelled Samsung to rely more on third-party chip manufacturers for its flagship devices.
Nonetheless, Samsung did release the Galaxy S24 and S24+ with the Exynos 2400 in select markets, hinting at a gradual reintroduction of Exynos chips into its premium offerings. However, the Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to deploy Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets globally, indicating that Samsung is still exercising caution.
Implications for Consumers
For consumers, the processor variation between the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 could yield multiple implications:
– Performance Variations: Depending on the Exynos 2500’s performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/4, users may observe differences in speed, energy efficiency, and thermal management between the two foldables.
– Software Optimization: Samsung must ensure that One UI is equally optimized for both chipsets to eliminate performance inconsistencies.
– Regional Variants: It remains uncertain whether Samsung will release Snapdragon-powered Z Flip 7 models in specific markets, as it has previously done with the Galaxy S series.
Looking Ahead
Samsung’s decision to integrate the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 signifies a bold move toward self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing. If successful, it could open the door for wider utilization of Exynos chips across Samsung’s product range. However, the company will need to surmount ongoing manufacturing challenges to guarantee that performance and reliability meet consumer expectations.
As the foldable market continues to progress, Samsung’s readiness to adapt and innovate is crucial.
