Samsung and Qualcomm Raise the Bar: Custom 2nm Snapdragon Elite 2 SoC for Galaxy S26 Unveiled

The partnership between Samsung and Qualcomm seems poised for a major advancement, as reports indicate that the South Korean tech leader will not only obtain a tailored version of its «for Galaxy» processors but will also be allowed to manufacture these chips using its own foundry. Qualcomm is said to be developing a basic and a premium variant of its Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. Unlike earlier iterations that featured just a boosted clock speed for Samsung’s (for Galaxy) branding, Samsung is preparing to elevate its offerings by utilizing its proprietary 2nm process technology.

As per Jukan Choi, Qualcomm is working on its upcoming flagship chipset, designated as the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, under the codename ‘Kaanapali’. The name, which resonates with the Hawaiian connection of the brand, refers to the Kāʻanapali resort community in Hawaii, but it also translates to “the divided hill” in Hawaiian. This is where it gets intriguing.

Sources suggest that Qualcomm will introduce two versions of its high-end chipset this year – a standard model and a premium variant dubbed ‘Kaanapali S’. The standard model is expected to be a regular chip featuring conventional enhancements. For now, it is anticipated to be produced using TSMC’s 3nm technology, similar to previous models.

A unique second variant is also on the way, specifically crafted for Samsung’s Galaxy devices. However, in contrast to prior “for Galaxy” versions that incorporated only speed improvements, it appears that Samsung will produce this chipset at its own foundry. Notably, this new chipset will be fabricated using Samsung Electronic Foundry’s advanced 2nm technology.

The information suggests that this special ‘S’ variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be featured in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series set for release next year. Currently, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 models across various markets are utilizing Qualcomm’s SM8750-AB or Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) SoC, running at an elevated clock speed of 4.47GHz compared to the standard 4.32GHz.

By transitioning to a more sophisticated process, Samsung may enhance performance and provide additional benefits for its users, thanks to closer integration with its One UI interface. Additionally, the update mentions that Samsung is collaborating with Qualcomm on a project named ‘Trailblazer’; however, these chips are not intended for mobile applications. Sources believe that many clients might be drawn to Samsung’s Electronics 2nm process due to the increasing costs associated with TSMC.