Tag: Galaxy S26

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 to Feature Exynos 2600, Not Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

    Samsung Galaxy S26 to Feature Exynos 2600, Not Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Exynos 2600 is expected to appear in the Galaxy S26 lineup, despite past issues with Exynos chipsets.
    2. There is unclear evidence regarding the confirmation of the Exynos 2600, pending solid proof or an official statement.
    3. The Galaxy S26 Pro is rumored to use the Exynos 2600, while US and China models may feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
    4. The Exynos 2600 is anticipated to be the first commercially available 2nm chipset, offering a potential advantage over competitors.
    5. Samsung aims to improve performance with the new ARM Lumex architecture and integrated heat blocker, possibly surpassing Snapdragon’s performance.


    Even though the Exynos chipsets have had their fair share of issues, they still make an appearance each year, like we saw with the Galaxy S25 lineup. Recent reports from South Korea suggest that the disappointing performance of the Exynos 2500, which barred it from being used in the Galaxy S25, won’t happen again in 2026. For the first time, SamMobile claims to have “confirmation” of the Exynos 2600 appearing in at least the smallest variant of the Galaxy S26.

    Unclear Evidence

    Sadly, the specifics of this evidence aren’t clearly disclosed, which is why we’re using quotation marks around “confirmation” until we get solid proof or an official statement. SamMobile reports that the global versions of the Galaxy S26 Pro will utilize the Exynos 2600 rather than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with only the models for China and the US featuring Qualcomm’s chipset. If rumors about the rushed development of the Galaxy S26+ turn out to be correct, it may also be equipped with the Exynos 2600, according to the Samsung enthusiast site.

    Mixed Reactions Ahead

    Whether this is good or bad news for European markets is yet to be seen. Historically, Exynos chips have been less powerful and efficient compared to their Snapdragon rivals, but Samsung might finally turn the tide this year. The Exynos 2600 is expected to be the first commercially available 2nm chipset, ahead of competitors who will follow with TSMC-produced chips in 2026. With this manufacturing edge, along with the new ARM Lumex architecture and a heat blocker integrated directly onto the chip, Samsung might just outdo the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 this time around.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus Release Date Update: Possible Delay

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus Release Date Update: Possible Delay

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 series may include four models: S26 Pro, S26 Plus, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra.
    2. Development of the Galaxy S26 Plus has resumed after being initially halted.
    3. The decision to restart the S26 Plus development is due to disappointing sales of the S25 Edge.
    4. The S26 Pro will replace the standard S26, while the S26 Edge will replace the S26 Plus from previous models.
    5. There is no guarantee that the Galaxy S26 Plus will be released despite the resumed development.


    Word around the industry had suggested that the Galaxy S26 series would include three models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This would be a clear shift from the previous models dating back to the S20 series, which was launched in 2020. In this scenario, the S26 Pro would take the place of the standard S26, while the S26 Edge would fill in for the Galaxy S26 Plus. However, a new report hints that this plan may be changing.

    Development Resumes

    According to a report from the Korean site The Elec, Samsung is reportedly restarting the development of the Galaxy S26 Plus. Initially, the company had halted work on this model to concentrate on the other three mentioned models. However, the disappointing sales numbers of the S25 Edge have led to a reconsideration of this strategy. It seems that Samsung is now planning to develop four models in the Galaxy S26 series: the S26 Pro, S26 Plus, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra.

    Future Uncertain

    While this news is intriguing, it’s crucial to remember that it doesn’t guarantee the Galaxy S26 Plus will actually be released. Given that the lineup is expected to launch in about four months, it would be quite unexpected for Samsung to make any significant changes to its plans for the upcoming high-end smartphones.

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  • Samsung Exynos 2600 2nm Chip Promises Strong Performance for Galaxy S26

    Samsung Exynos 2600 2nm Chip Promises Strong Performance for Galaxy S26

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Exynos 2600 is expected to rival Snapdragon chips in performance and efficiency, based on early benchmark results and insider reports.
    2. Mass production of the Exynos 2600 will start this month, aligning with the launch of the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026.
    3. The Exynos 2600 will be the first commercially available 2nm chip in a smartphone, showcasing advanced manufacturing technology.
    4. The chip features improved heat management due to its SF2 GAA process and a special heat spreader.
    5. Despite potential improvements, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is likely to maintain an advantage in raw computing power over the Exynos 2600.


    This time they are surely gonna nail it! Industry insiders have been buzzing for weeks about the Exynos 2600, which might be the first Exynos chip that rivals the Snapdragon in both performance and efficiency. While testers will ultimately make the call, early clues, like leaked benchmark results from Exynos 2600 tests, seem to back this up. Additionally, a recent Korean report has provided some insider info concerning the Exynos 2600.

    Production Timeline

    According to a quote from Samsung executives during a recent internal meeting, the Exynos 2600 is set to begin mass production this month, just in time for the Galaxy S26 series launch in early 2026. Yong-In Park, who heads Samsung’s System SLI division, reportedly expressed a lot of optimism about the Exynos 2600’s development to reporters at an event, assuring them of “good results.” This chip will be the successor to the somewhat troublesome Exynos 2500, which has only been utilized in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 so far. The Exynos 2600 is anticipated to be the first commercially available 2nm chip in a smartphone.

    Technology Insights

    Manufactured with the SF2 GAA (Gate-All-Around) process, Samsung’s SoC could showcase impressive heat management for the first time. This is not just due to its smaller structure width but also thanks to a special type of heat spreader that sits directly on the chip. Despite steadily improving benchmark scores in Geekbench, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will probably still hold an advantage in raw computing power, based on earlier leaks, especially since the new Qualcomm flagship has been operating at reduced capacity so far. On a positive note for Samsung, they will achieve a symbolic win with the Exynos 2600, as the 2nm chips made by TSMC for competing brands are expected to be released much later. Both the Apple A20 in the iPhone 18 and the MediaTek Dimensity 9600, along with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, will not be available to smartphone users until late 2026.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Accessories Reveal Camera Design Features

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Accessories Reveal Camera Design Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. New flagship smartphones with Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets will be unveiled in China soon, but high-end models typically reach Europe and the US in January.
    2. The design for the Galaxy S26 series has been finalized, with slight changes expected compared to the Galaxy S25 models.
    3. The Galaxy S26 Edge features a wide camera bump and is rumored to have improved charging and a better 3x telephoto lens, though these claims are not yet verified.
    4. Initial protective case designs for the Galaxy S26 Edge have been revealed, showcasing various colors and built-in magnetic rings.
    5. There is speculation that the Galaxy S26 series may not support magnetic wireless charging, similar to the Pixel 10 generation.


    Summer is winding down, and the new year is coming up fast. In just a few days, we can expect the first flagship smartphones with the latest chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek to be unveiled in China. However, high-end phones of the next generation typically don’t reach Europe and the US until January. It remains to be seen if Samsung will once again kick off the new smartphone year in 2026 with its Galaxy S26 series, or if brands like Vivo and Oppo will take the spotlight with global launches of the Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro, as some rumors suggest.

    Design Finalization

    Since the start of September, it seems like the design for the Galaxy S26 trio has been finalized. Dummy models and CAD-based images give us a clear idea of what to expect in January 2025. The successors to the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are likely to resemble their predecessors, aside from a slight camera bump akin to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, the new version of the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Edge appears to be breaking away from tradition entirely.

    Camera Features

    A camera bump that stretches across the entire width of the back of the Galaxy S26 Edge, also known as the Galaxy S26 Air, is now visible in the first accessories for the Galaxy S26 series. Protective camera films made from tempered glass have been shown off recently by Ice Universe on X. While there are whispers of quicker charging and a notably enhanced 3x telephoto lens, these have not been verified by certifications or recent leaks. Still, the three protective films align with the anticipated camera designs for the Galaxy S26 lineup.

    Case Designs

    Ice Universe has also shared the initial protective case designs for the Galaxy S26 Edge on his Weibo profile, showcasing several color options. Each case appears to include built-in magnetic rings, which might suggest that the Galaxy S26 series will not support magnetic wireless charging, similar to the Pixel 10 generation. It’s debatable whether these designs are final, especially since part of the case obscures the Samsung logo.

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  • Samsung Producing Continuous Zoom Camera Sensors for Other Devices

    Samsung Producing Continuous Zoom Camera Sensors for Other Devices

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 series may not feature significant camera upgrades despite high expectations.
    2. Samsung is mass-producing a new continuous zoom camera technology, but it won’t be available in their Galaxy phones soon.
    3. This continuous zoom technology will likely debut in high-end Chinese smartphones instead of Samsung’s own devices.
    4. Unlike current fixed optical zoom cameras, the continuous zoom lens provides sharp clarity across various magnifications.
    5. Samsung’s strategy includes selling advanced technology to competitors and using them as testing grounds before applying them to their own products.


    Perhaps you’ve been eagerly awaiting major upgrades to the cameras on Galaxy flagship phones for quite some time. However, recent leaks indicate that the Galaxy S26 series may not introduce any significant changes in this department. To make matters worse, Samsung has started mass-producing a remarkable new continuous zoom camera technology that, unfortunately, we won’t be seeing in Galaxy phones in the near future.

    Future Prospects for Camera Technology

    As per Digital Chat Station, Samsung’s continuous zoom camera tech is expected to debut in the next generation of high-end Chinese smartphones. This technology is likely to be incorporated into the camera setups of future “Ultra” mobile devices, but—ironically—these won’t include Samsung’s own Ultra models.

    This new camera represents a major advancement from the current standards we are familiar with. Most smartphone cameras available today, even on premium devices, utilize a fixed optical zoom. This means you will get clear images at certain zoom levels, like 3x or 5x, but any zoom levels in between are achieved via digital cropping, which might lead to blurry and lower-quality images.

    The Advantage of Continuous Zoom

    The continuous zoom lens, however, operates differently. It behaves like a professional camera, adjusting its internal components to ensure sharp optical clarity across a broad spectrum of magnifications.

    This isn’t the first instance of Samsung sharing its latest technologies with competing brands rather than using them in its own products first. This trend extends beyond just camera sensors. Recently, Samsung has provided new display technologies to companies such as Apple and Google before implementing them in its own Galaxy devices, for instance.

    Samsung’s Strategy Explained

    Samsung’s approach appears to serve two primary objectives. Firstly, as a massive conglomerate with various divisions, Samsung can generate considerable profits by selling its cutting-edge technologies to other brands. Secondly, the South Korean giant might utilize these external brands as a “testing ground” to assess whether its new technologies are sufficiently developed, ensuring that widespread implementation won’t be counterproductive due to potential future problems.

    That being said, let’s remain optimistic about the arrival of Samsung’s continuous zoom camera technology on Galaxy phones in the near future.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: No Faster Charging in Certification

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: No Faster Charging in Certification

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung maintains a conservative approach with its Galaxy flagship phones compared to competitors like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.
    2. None of the Galaxy S26 models have received certification for charging over 45W, countering earlier expectations for the Ultra model.
    3. The Galaxy S26 series shows no significant improvements in charging capabilities compared to the previous Galaxy S25 models.
    4. The current certification details are specific to China, with little chance of faster-charging variants being released in other markets.
    5. Reliable sources like One UI code previously suggested higher charging speeds, but these have not been confirmed by the CQC database.


    It’s common knowledge that Samsung tends to stick to a more conservative approach with its Galaxy flagship phones compared to Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, who have been making waves with their innovative smartphones. It’s not uncommon to see Samsung using the same camera sensor or battery across multiple generations, and we’re seeing this pattern again with the recent certification of the Galaxy S26 series in China.

    Charging Spec Surprises

    Despite previous rumors suggesting otherwise, none of the Galaxy S26 models have received certification from the Chinese CQC for charging over 45W, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which was expected to support 60W fast charging. This was based on credible leaks and analysis of One UI code. Typically, this code is a reliable source of information, but it contradicts the current details found in the CQC database regarding Samsung’s upcoming flagship models.

    Similarities to Previous Models

    The screenshot below highlights that no Galaxy S26 models surpass the charging capabilities of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy S25 Ultra:

    This certification is currently specific to China. However, it would be quite rare for Samsung to release faster-charging variants of the Galaxy S26 exclusively for markets like Europe or the US.

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  • Galaxy S26: Rumored Slower Charging for Upcoming Samsung Phones

    Galaxy S26: Rumored Slower Charging for Upcoming Samsung Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 FE, its last premium candybar smartphone of the year, priced at $649.99 on Amazon.
    2. A new tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy G Fold, is expected to be unveiled by Samsung before the end of the year.
    3. The Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge will maintain 25 W wired charging speeds, similar to their predecessors.
    4. The Galaxy S26 models are rumored to have slightly larger batteries, with the S26 Pro at 4,300 mAh and the S26 Edge at 4,200 mAh.
    5. The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January 2026, but may lag behind competitors in charging times despite battery size improvements.


    Samsung has recently launched its last premium candybar smartphone of the year with the debut of the Galaxy S25 FE this month (curr. $649.99 on Amazon). Consequently, leakers like Ice Universe have shifted their focus to the upcoming flagship smartphone series from the company.

    New Developments on Tri-Fold Phones

    Interestingly, Samsung is anticipated to unveil its first tri-fold smartphone before the year wraps up. The Galaxy G Fold has been extensively covered, and Ice Universe claims to have obtained initial details regarding the charging features of both the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge.

    Charging Specs and Battery Updates

    According to a post on X, the leaker suggests that these two models will stick with 25 W wired charging speeds, similar to the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Edge prior. Recent speculations indicate that Samsung will upgrade its smallest flagship’s battery from 4,000 mAh to a 4,300 mAh battery next year, marking a 7.5% increase. Additionally, the upcoming Galaxy S Edge is rumored to sport a slightly larger battery of 4,200 mAh, up by 300 mAh as well.

    Comparison with Competitors

    Despite enhancements in battery sizes, the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge are likely to fall short of their competitors regarding charging times. This is particularly perplexing given the rumors that suggest Samsung will boost the Galaxy S Ultra’s charging from 45 W to 60 W wired charging with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s launch. All three Galaxy S26 smartphones are projected to debut in January 2026.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra & Pro: New Design Renders Revealed

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra & Pro: New Design Renders Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Major updates to the Galaxy lineup are expected in 2026, with leaks suggesting a potential renaming of the Galaxy S26 to Galaxy S26 Pro.
    2. The Galaxy S26 series will maintain a similar look to previous models but will reintroduce a camera bump, while the Galaxy S26 Edge will have a significantly different design.
    3. The Galaxy S26 series is moving towards slimmer profiles, with the Galaxy S26 Edge measuring 5.5 mm, S26 Pro at 6.7 mm, and S26 Ultra at 7.8 mm.
    4. Design elements may be influenced by competitors, with the Galaxy S26 Air potentially reflecting features from the iPhone 17 Pro or Xiaomi’s Poco series.
    5. Leaked CAD designs indicate a more rounded front display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and a dual-tone color option may be considered for the Galaxy S26 Edge.


    Major updates to the Galaxy lineup are anticipated for 2026, as per previous Galaxy S26 leaks. Several of these updates have been circulating for a number of days, initially appearing as dummy models derived from CAD projections. Soon after, specific measurements leaked out, and more dummy models were observed. All of this indicates that while the compact Galaxy S26 flagship, which may be renamed to Galaxy S26 Pro, along with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, are likely to retain a similar appearance to their earlier versions—with the notable exception of a returning camera bump—the new model replacing the Galaxy S25 Edge is set to be quite different.

    Design Inspirations

    It’s unclear whether Samsung drew inspiration from the rumored iPhone 17 Pro design or from Xiaomi’s Poco series. Regardless, the next version of the Galaxy S25+, possibly named Galaxy S26 Air, appears to diverge from the current Galaxy aesthetic. This might indicate a move towards innovation or a strategy to mirror Apple’s designs. A recent leak reveals that the Galaxy S26 Edge will be a tad slimmer than its predecessor, measuring 5.5 mm instead of 5.8 mm. The Galaxy S26 Pro is expected to be even more streamlined, reducing from 7.2 mm to 6.7 mm, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to decrease in thickness from 8.2 mm to 7.8 mm.

    Front Design Features

    In the meantime, Ice Universe has shared insights into what the front of the Galaxy S26 Ultra may resemble, based on the leaked CAD designs. In comparison to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the most noticeable change is the more rounded design of the display corners, although this is only a relative change. For instance, you can see how the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s front design stacks up against the even more curved appearance of the anticipated Xiaomi 16 model.

    High-definition render images of the Galaxy S26 Edge illustrate the probable design for Samsung’s slimmest flagship device. However, since these images are based on CAD models, it remains uncertain which color options Samsung will ultimately select. A dual-tone design could be a possibility, which Ice Universe has depicted in a shared post (see below). These inquiries will finally be clarified through official renderings or actual images of a Galaxy S26 Edge.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge: Major Design Changes Expected

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge: Major Design Changes Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 series maintains Samsung’s traditional brick-style design, but the upcoming Galaxy S26 series may introduce significant changes, especially with a potential Edge model replacing the Plus version.
    2. Leaked images suggest the Galaxy S26 Edge could feature a camera bar similar to the iPhone 17, with two vertically aligned cameras and a flash cutout.
    3. The camera layout for all Galaxy S26 models will include a vertical camera bar, with the S26 Ultra having additional cameras beside the flash.
    4. There’s speculation about the inclusion of MagSafe-like functionality in the Galaxy S26 series, indicated by round indentations for wireless charging coils.
    5. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in January of the upcoming year, following its recent product launches in September.


    For a long time, Samsung has kept its basic brick-style phone design for the Galaxy S series, and the new Galaxy S25 series follows this tradition. However, with rumors suggesting the company will swap the Plus model for an Edge version in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, there could be a significant design change ahead. The other two models are likely to experience only slight adjustments in their designs.

    New Design Features

    A recent image of supposed dummy units for the Galaxy S26 series was shared by Sony Dickson on X, suggesting that Samsung might be taking inspiration from the iPhone 17 series, particularly with the Galaxy S26 Edge. The phone features a camera bar that stretches across its entire width, similar to what has been rumored for the iPhone 17 models. On the left side, two cameras are positioned vertically with a flash cutout nearby, leaving the rest of the bar empty.

    Camera Layout Changes

    In terms of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Pro, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, instead of having separate camera cutouts, there is a vertical camera bar that contains the three sensors. The Galaxy S26 Ultra includes two additional cameras on either side of the bar, next to the flash.

    Additionally, all three dummy units show a round indentation where the wireless charging coil is usually located. Some commenters believe this could hint at the inclusion of MagSafe functionality in the Galaxy S26 series. Following a similar approach, Google introduced its Pixel Snap ecosystem with the Pixel 10 series, which featured internal magnets, so it wouldn’t be too shocking if Samsung decides to implement this as well.

    Expected Launch

    As has been the case in the past, Samsung is projected to reveal the Galaxy S26 series in January of the upcoming year. Just recently, on September 4, the company introduced the Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11, and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra at its Galaxy event.

    The insights shared by Sony Dickson on X highlight the potential shifts in Samsung’s design direction, emphasizing both innovation and continuity in its latest offerings.

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  • Galaxy S26 and S26 Edge to Feature Exynos 2600 Worldwide

    Galaxy S26 and S26 Edge to Feature Exynos 2600 Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Exynos 2600 is set to compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, showing notable improvements over its predecessor.
    2. The Exynos 2600 will be available in select markets like Korea and Europe, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be used in the US and China.
    3. The Exynos 2600 features a deca-core CPU with a 1+7+2 configuration, including one Cortex-X9930 core and nine Cortex-A730 cores.
    4. Samsung has shifted from AMD’s RDNA IP for its GPU to develop a new GPU with a former Huawei engineer.
    5. The Exynos 2600 may have manufacturing advantages, but real-world performance against the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 remains uncertain.


    A recent listing on Geekbench for the Exynos 2600 has revealed that it is going head-to-head with Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (also referred to as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5). Although the Qualcomm flagship was not operating at its maximum capacity during the test, the Exynos 2600 still demonstrated notable improvements compared to its predecessor. Fans eager to see what the chip can really do will be happy to learn that it will be featured in the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Edge next year.

    Market Availability

    As usual, the Exynos 2600 will only be found in devices sold in specific markets, such as Korea, Europe, and a few others. In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be the chip used in the US and China for all three models, as indicated by a recent Geekbench test for the Galaxy S26 Edge equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. Additionally, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will continue to utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 globally, a pattern that started with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

    Technical Specifications

    The Geekbench listing has also verified that the Exynos 2600 will include a deca-core CPU designed with a 1+7+2 configuration. Similar to MediaTek, Samsung has completely removed E-cores, and the Exynos 2600 is expected to feature one Cortex-X9930 core along with nine Cortex-A730 cores. Furthermore, rumors suggest that Samsung has abandoned AMD’s RDNA IP for its Xclipse 960 GPU and has brought in a former Huawei engineer to create a new GPU from scratch.

    Performance Insights

    On paper, the SF2 Exynos 2600 boasts a manufacturing advantage over the TSMC N3P Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy 2. However, history shows that this hasn’t always resulted in better real-world performance, and it seems doubtful that this situation will change. Even so, matching the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 could be enough to restore faith in Samsung’s struggling foundry business.

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