Samsung’s upcoming foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, may come with a surprising change under the hood. According to recent leaks, the device is expected to feature Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2500 chipset instead of the widely anticipated Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.
This shift marks a significant departure from Samsung’s previous strategy, as the Galaxy Z series has traditionally relied on Snapdragon chips. If confirmed, this would be the first time Samsung has used its own processor in a foldable device. Reports indicate that the decision is driven by cost considerations, with Qualcomm reportedly increasing its chip prices by more than 20% annually. By opting for Exynos, Samsung aims to reduce production costs while gaining greater control over its hardware.
The Exynos 2500 is developed using Samsung’s 3-nanometer gate-all-around (GAA) process, and mass production is expected to begin in May, with over 200,000 units ready before the end of June. Despite earlier concerns about low production yield and performance, Samsung now believes the Exynos chip is stable enough for commercial release.
Interestingly, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 may use Exynos, the more premium Galaxy Z Fold 7 is still expected to run on a flagship Snapdragon chip, likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This mixed approach could give Samsung leverage in future negotiations with Qualcomm while allowing it to test its 3nm chip technology in a smaller-scale product.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to be officially unveiled in July at Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event, where more details about its specifications and performance will be revealed. As anticipation builds, tech enthusiasts are eager to see how the Exynos-powered foldable will compare to its Snapdragon predecessors.
