Core Viewpoint - Qualcomm is transitioning to TSMC's advanced 2nm N2P process for its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Gen 7 chipsets, moving away from the 3nm process, which indicates a significant investment in manufacturing technology [1][2]. Group 1: Technology Transition - Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the last flagship chipset made using the 3nm process, with future models adopting the 2nm N2P process [1]. - TSMC's 2nm N2P architecture offers a 5% performance boost or a 5% reduction in power consumption at the same clock speed compared to the previous generation [2]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - There is uncertainty regarding Qualcomm's potential collaboration with Samsung for utilizing its 2nm GAA process, which could provide Qualcomm with better negotiation leverage for wafer pricing [2]. - Qualcomm and MediaTek reportedly paid up to 24% more for 3nm wafers, highlighting the need for a dual-sourcing strategy to mitigate rising costs as TSMC is expected to increase prices for 2nm wafers by 50% [2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Qualcomm's strategy appears to focus on maximizing performance through increased core frequency while maintaining efficiency with the new N2P process [2]. - Samsung has completed the foundational design for its second-generation 2nm GAA process, indicating potential future opportunities for Qualcomm to collaborate with Samsung [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising costs associated with TSMC's latest 3nm "N3P" process technology, highlighting that Qualcomm and MediaTek are paying significantly higher prices for their chipsets compared to previous generations, which may lead to increased prices for flagship devices [2][3]. Pricing and Cost Implications - TSMC has not offered price discounts for its 3nm "N3P" process, resulting in customers paying up to 24% more for their SoCs [2] - MediaTek reportedly pays about 24% more than before, while Qualcomm pays approximately 16% more for the same technology [2] - The wafer prices for the 3nm "N3P" process have increased by about 20% compared to the previous 3nm "N3E" process, indicating that Apple may also be affected by these cost increases [3] Market Impact - The increased costs for Qualcomm and MediaTek are expected to be passed on to their partners, potentially leading to higher prices for flagship smartphones [3] - TSMC's upcoming 2nm wafers are projected to be 50% more expensive than current technologies, with Apple securing over half of the initial production capacity, making it difficult for Qualcomm and MediaTek to obtain sufficient supply in the future [3]