Key Takeaways
1. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is likely to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip instead of the expected Exynos 2500 due to production issues.
2. Samsung faced low production rates, manufacturing only about 5,000 Exynos 2500 chips each month, inadequate for a mainstream device.
3. Early prototypes of the Z Flip 7 were tested with the Exynos 2500, indicating initial confidence in the chip.
4. Samsung may still use the Exynos 2500 for a budget-friendly Galaxy Z Flip FE model, which would have lower demand.
5. Samsung is aiming for the Exynos 2600, a 2nm chip, for the Galaxy S26 series, but ongoing production challenges could delay a fully in-house flagship experience.
Samsung’s foldable devices may not be as Exynos-focused as anticipated. Earlier reports hinted that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 might come equipped with the Exynos 2500 chip. However, new insights suggest that production issues are likely to prevent this latest in-house processor from being included in Samsung’s flagship clamshell foldable. Instead, the Flip 7 is now predicted to launch with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is the same chip used in the Galaxy S25 series.
Exynos 2500 Hits a Roadblock
Samsung Foundry had been optimistic after successfully stabilizing its 3nm production process, raising hopes that the Exynos 2500 could rival Qualcomm’s top offerings. Initial prototypes of the Z Flip 7 were said to be operating on Exynos 2500 chips, indicating Samsung’s faith in its new processor. But it appears that those early models have disappeared, and now versions equipped with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon processor have taken their place.
Samsung has been eager to reintroduce Exynos into its premium lineup after leaning heavily on Qualcomm in recent years. The company initially intended to use the Exynos 2500 for the Galaxy S25 and S25+, but low production rates at Samsung Foundry led to the decision to utilize Snapdragon 8 Elite across the entire series. These same production issues seem to be impacting the development of the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Production Woes
At present, Samsung is reportedly manufacturing only about 5,000 Exynos 2500 chips each month, a figure that is far too low to satisfy the demand for a mainstream foldable device like the Z Flip 7. Unless the foundry can significantly boost production before the phone’s anticipated launch later this year, Samsung will have no option but to rely on Qualcomm’s chips.
However, this does not imply that the Exynos 2500 will be completely sidelined. Some sources indicate that Samsung might still utilize this chip for the forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip FE, a more budget-friendly foldable that could have a limited launch. The reduced sales volume of an FE model might make it a more suitable candidate for a chipset facing supply limitations.
Future Prospects
Meanwhile, Samsung is already setting its sights on the Exynos 2600, its upcoming 2nm chip, for the Galaxy S26 series. But if the current manufacturing challenges continue, Samsung’s goal of achieving a fully in-house flagship experience could remain unattainable for another year.
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