Late last year, conflicting insider reports provided jumbled details of Samsung's cutting-edge 2 nm GAA node process (SF2). Around that period, the South Korean megacorp's semiconductor business had initiated "mass production" of proprietary next-gen Exynos 2600 mobile processors. Earlier today, a ZDNet news article claims that yields of Samsung's first-generation 2 nm wafer product have been recorded hitting a "relatively stable" 50% milestone. This more recent achievement is puzzling, given that other inside sources disclosed a similar level being reached last September. Ideally, closer to 70% yield rates are preferred for mass manufacturing of finalized chip designs. Throughout 2025, insider reports suggested a not so smooth development of SF2—company leadership was determined to get this technology over the finishing line. Industry observers think that the alleged failure of Samsung Foundry's 3 nm line had caused potentially returning clients to stick with TSMC.

The upcoming launch of Exynos 2600 chip will be a crucial "proof of concept" moment for Samsung—with the opportunity to attract VIP customers away from a main rival's best 2 nm and 3 nm offerings. The ZDNet report mentions a second-gen 2 nm GAA option (SF2P). This refinement could be the result of "additional growth engines," and inside track info posits that guidelines have been sent to design solution partners. When compared to the first iteration, SF2P reportedly does better with: "12% improved performance, 25% improved power efficiency, and an 8% smaller footprint." One anonymous source divulged that SF2P's basic process design kit (PDK) was completed mid-way through last year. ZDNet has linked this second-gen node process to a mysterious "Exynos 2700" SoC.