Samsung Tests Galaxy S25 with MediaTek Chipset Amid Rising Qualcomm SoC Prices

Samsung is testing its upcoming Galaxy S25 series with a MediaTek chipset, seeking alternatives to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 due to high costs and production issues with the Exynos 2500. This move aims to maintain performance and profitability.

Samsung Tests MediaTek Chipset for Galaxy S25 Amid Exynos 2500 Production Issues and High Qualcomm Costs

Samsung was previously expected to exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to power its upcoming Galaxy S25 series due to unresolved low yields at its foundry, rendering the Exynos 2500 commercially unfeasible for mass production. However, alternative strategies may be in play. Speculation suggests that the Galaxy S25 family is currently undergoing testing with a MediaTek chipset. Since Samsung is rumored to introduce the Dimensity 9300+ to its upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, transitioning to MediaTek could be a viable option.

Repeated reports (via Wccftech), indicate that Samsung intends to implement a dual-chipset launch strategy for the Galaxy S25 lineup. However, 3nm yield issues imply that the Exynos 2500 may need more preparation time. The South Korean publication The Financial News suggested that using a MediaTek chipset could help Samsung maintain its dual-chipset strategy. The rationale for testing the Galaxy S25 with a MediaTek chipset is sound.

Samsung Weighs MediaTek for Galaxy S25 to Offset Rising Qualcomm Chipset Costs and Maintain Margins

As Qualcomm continues to raise the prices of its premier chipsets, Samsung faces increasing challenges in sustaining higher profit margins. Samsung might need to compromise in other areas to compensate for the premium it must pay for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 model housing MediaTek’s SoC is expected to exhibit similar performance and efficiency since MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 is based on the same TSMC 3nm ‘N3E’ process as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

MediaTek’s chipsets, priced lower than Qualcomm's, have gained significant traction. The Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer shipped approximately 114 million units in Q1 2024, generating $23 billion in revenue. In contrast, Qualcomm shipped 75 million chipsets and generated $37 billion in the same period. This positions MediaTek to potentially secure a long-term partnership with Samsung, demonstrating that its premium SoC can rival or surpass Qualcomm’s equivalent in future Galaxy S launches.

However, this speculation should be cautiously considered, as numerous factors could impact Samsung's decision-making process. While transitioning to MediaTek could reduce chipset expenditure, many events in the background could influence the company's final choice.

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