Qualcomm’s next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets are expected to power the majority of flagships in 2024. The chipsets are rumored to be sourced from both Samsung and TSMC to reduce manufacturing costs. However, according to a report, the Taiwanese company will get to manufacture the majority of SD 8 Gen 2 chips due to the high 80 percent yield rate of its 3 nm process. Here are the details.
A Business Next report, citing experts specializing in semiconductor studies, claims that TSMC’s 3nm process node has a yield rate of about 60 to 70 percent, and even around 80 percent in some cases. There are many key factors that affect the yield rate, including materials, parameters, and machines, all of which are variable.
It is estimated that the current yield rate from a 3nm GAA wafer is 60–70%, but TSMC is somehow managing to get a yield rate between 75–80%. If the data provided by the report is anything to go by, both Apple and Qualcomm won’t have shipping issues with their next-generation chipsets, the A17 Bionic and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Samsung was reported to get a yield rate of about 20% before partnering with US company Silicon Frontline Technology. This is likely the reason why the majority of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 orders will be fulfilled by the Taiwanese manufacturer. According to those familiar with Samsung’s plans, the company’s wafer yield is only 10%.
As a result of the added costs and complexities associated with this manufacturing process, Qualcomm may have to charge its smartphone partners more per chipset. This should mean that the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered smartphones will be slightly pricier compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
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