Samsung is intensively developing the Exynos 2800 chip that should power the future Samsung Galaxy S28 series, but the latest information indicates a change in strategy. Instead of moving to 1.4nm, the company remains on the improved 2nm process.
The Exynos 2800, codenamed “Vanguard”, is already in an advanced stage of development and aims for a tape-out by the end of the year. The key decision is to use SF2P+, an improved version of the second generation Samsung 2 nm process, instead of the more risky transition to 1.4 nm technology.
Exynos 2800 and focus on a stable 2 nm process
The basic SF2P process brings about 12% better performance and up to 25% lower energy consumption compared to the previous generation, with an additional reduction in chip area. SF2P+ further improves efficiency through transistor layout optimization, without changing the lithography itself, which means less risk in production and more stable performance.
This move clearly shows that Samsung is changing its approach. Instead of forcing the transition to ever smaller production processes, the company now prioritizes stability, yields and realistic performance. This is especially important after challenges with previous generations of chips, where manufacturing issues affected competitiveness.
The original plan for the 1.4 nm process to enter mass production around 2027 has now been pushed back by an additional two years. The focus shifted to optimizing existing 2 nm transistor packaging technology, which could offer a better balance of performance and consumption without major risks.
In parallel, Samsung is investing more and more in the DTCO approach (Design-Technology Co-Optimization), where the chip design is adapted to the production possibilities from the very beginning. This approach enables more efficient use of technology and more stable results in practice.
If the plan is successfully implemented, the Exynos 2800 could mark a turning point for Samsung, but not through an aggressive reduction of the production process, but through smart optimization and production control, reports Sammy Fans.