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TSMC ahead in 3nm process, Samsung struggles for next Snapdragon, Tensor
TSMC managed to secure its lead in the latest 3nm foundry process. It would further widen the gap with rivals such as Samsung and SMIC. Samsung failed to win orders for its most advanced 3nm foundry process due to yield and efficiency concerns.
Global semiconductor vendors could opt for the TSMC 3nm process this year. After Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, MediaTek, and Google will be joining the Taiwanese chip maker. Samsung missed orders from Qualcomm and Google for their next-gen chips.
Samsung’s contract manufacturing division’s prototypes have lagged behind TSMC. The company’s foundry yield and power efficiency concerns offered an early lead to TSMC in the 3nm race. Google and Qualcomm ultimately chose TSMC after careful consideration for their 2025 chips.
Samsung Foundry had been working hard to secure Qualcomm and Google orders for next-generation chip. The next generation Tensor processor will be manufactured by TSMC. Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is also being produced in Taiwan on a 3nm process node.
The Korean tech giant was the first to commence (in June 2022) mass production of the 3nm process using the GAAFET process. Despite entering its third year since introducing the 3nm process semiconductors, the OEM has struggled to secure customers.
The Exynos 2500, developed in-house and produced using Samsung Foundry’s 3nm process, has faced similar yield issues. The efficiency is still 10-20% lower compared to TSMC, suggesting a potential cancellation to be used in the Galaxy S25 series next year.
Also Read | No Exynos in Galaxy S25, Samsung may go all Snapdragon again!
Vivo beats Google and Samsung in the Android 15 rollout race. The Chinese phone maker started releasing the Stable Android 15 update to select models. This is surprising as Google has yet to push the update to Pixel phones.
Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 is rolling out to Vivo X100 series, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and iQOO 12. It brings wonderful new features and enhancements. Notably, the company has scheduled the deployment for September 30.
September is almost finished and there’s no One UI 7 Beta announcement. Google could update Pixel phones with Android 15 in mid-October. Meanwhile, Samsung will be holding the 2024 Developer Conference on October 3.
Google usually debuts Android 15 first, then other OEMs follow. Last year, Oppo and OnePlus kicked off the rollout shortly after Google. Things are just different this year as the owner of Android is stuck and a vendor kicked off the release.
Pixel phones currently running Android 15 QPR Beta build. The company has ended the Beta Program and shifted Pixels to either Android 14 or QPR Beta. Users who didn’t wipe data are still stuck on Android 15 Beta, awaiting the Public build.
Vivo’s Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 update comes with AI Eraser in Gallery – similar to Google’s Magic Editor. The Live Transcribe is also included as an accessibility tool, letting users follow conversations in real time.
The new software also adds partial screen sharing for enhanced privacy during presentations or collaborations, and native support for satellite connectivity, enabling communication in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 will be announced soon in LTE and 5G options. As we await the official unveiling, the phone appeared on the FCC platform. The 5G variant is also spotted on the TUV Rheinland listing, revealing key specs.
FCC listing revealed Galaxy A16 4G’s Mac address, Wi-Fi Mac Address, and serial number. The handset carries an A3LSMA165M FCC ID that will be equipped with connectivity features such as 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS.
The listing also suggests the charger will have the model number EP-TA800 and the data cable EP-DN980. Meanwhile, the TUV Rheinland database revealed that both phones will support 25W fast charging at 9V and 2.77A.
The 5G model carries the SM-A166B/DS model number and A3LSMA166M FCC ID. The phone will have 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. The sketch aligns with the design revealed in CAD renders, suggesting triple rear cameras.
Both LTE and 5G variants may come with a rated battery of 4860mAh and 5,000mAh typical. We are already aware of the nearly final design and specifications of the devices. Key Island will also be slapped surrounding the volume rockers.
The 5G model could use Exynos 1330 chip and LTE could get power from MediaTek Dimensity 6300. Both network variants will boot Android 14-based One UI 6.1 out of the box, featuring up to six years of software updates support.
Samsung officially launched the Galaxy S24 FE. The company’s latest Fan Edition will be available for order starting October 3, in the Blue, Graphite, Gray, Mint, and Yellow colors.
The new Samsung Galaxy S24 FE packs pro-grade hardware and Galaxy AI capabilities. There are many striking upgrades that make it comparable to the Galaxy S24 flagship.
Apple just launched the iPhone 16 after Google’s Pixel 9 unveiling. The Galaxy S24 FE can’t be considered non-flagship, thanks to Samsung’s approach to bring massive upgrades.
The smartphone sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and Vision Booster.
The handset comes with a 12MP ultrawide, a 50MP primary, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. On the front, it has a 10MP camera that resists inside the Infinity-O cutout.
Samsung confirms the Exynos 2400e processor that is made using 4nm process tech. Three storage configurations will be available for purchase including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB – all paired with 8GB RAM.
It has a 4700mAh battery, which can be charged up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 25W adapter. It also features fast wireless charging and wireless powershare features.
It boots Android 14-based One UI 6.1, bringing all the amazing bells and whistles of the new OS. Surprisingly, it is supported by seven years of OS and security updates so it won’t miss out on new features.
It is a 5G-supported smartphone that also has WiFi 6E technology. Security features include Auto Blocker, Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Knox Matrix, and Passkey.
As leaked earlier, the Galaxy S24 FE costs $649 for 128GB and $709 for 256GB variant in the US. You can get up to $400 instant trade-in credit apart from Education, Govt and Military offers.