Samsung’s next flagship series, the Galaxy S25, is drawing attention due to conflicting reports about its chipset. Over the past few months, rumors have surfaced about which processors will power the Galaxy S25 models, creating some confusion. At the same time, information about the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition has also emerged, revealing new insights into its features and possible launch dates.
Chipset Choices: Snapdragon, Exynos, or MediaTek?
Samsung officially announced the Exynos 2500 chipset earlier this year, leading many to believe it would be used in the Galaxy S25 series. However, multiple reports suggest different possibilities. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed that Samsung has significantly increased its orders for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips (also referred to as the Snapdragon 8 Elite). If true, this could mean that Samsung is planning to use Snapdragon chips across all Galaxy S25 devices worldwide.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is Qualcomm’s most powerful and expensive mobile processor to date, with an estimated price of $180 per chip. Qualcomm plans to ship around 9 million units of this processor in 2024 alone, indicating strong demand.
Despite these reports, other sources suggest that Samsung might be considering MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 for certain Galaxy S25 models, including the Galaxy S25 and S25+. This new chip from MediaTek was recently launched and has already gained attention for its performance. Additionally, there are still whispers that Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2500 could make an appearance in the Galaxy S25 lineup. According to the South Korean media outlet Hankyung, Samsung will finalize its processor decision by the end of October or early November.
Exynos 2500: Will It Power the Galaxy S25?
Samsung originally planned to use the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25 and S25+ models. However, issues with the production yield of its 3nm chip have raised doubts. If Samsung’s foundry division can improve the yield of its 3nm chips, the company might still be able to use the Exynos 2500. Otherwise, they may turn to third-party chipmakers like Qualcomm or MediaTek.
Another factor is the cost of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This chip is reportedly 15% more expensive than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and these higher costs could lead to increased pricing for the Galaxy S25 series. If Samsung is hesitant to raise prices, it might opt for the Dimensity 9400, which could be a more affordable alternative without compromising performance.
As of now, it appears the Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite globally, while other models in the series could use different chips, depending on Samsung’s final decision.
Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition: Features and Launch Date
In addition to the Galaxy S25 rumors, Samsung is preparing to launch a special edition of its foldable device, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. This model is expected to debut on October 25, 2024, according to a report by FNNews. Samsung’s goal with this edition is to compete with Chinese smartphone brands that have been leading the market in thin and large-screen foldables.
The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is rumored to have a slim design, measuring just 4.9mm when unfolded and 10.6mm when folded, which is thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This improvement in thickness is one of the key upgrades, as foldable phone users often demand more portability.
Enhanced Display and Camera Capabilities
Another significant enhancement is the larger display. Reports suggest that the cover screen will increase from 6.3 inches on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to 6.5 inches on the Special Edition. The inner screen is also expected to grow from 7.6 inches to 8 inches. Additionally, the Special Edition could feature a 200MP main camera, similar to other high-end Samsung devices, while other camera components may remain unchanged from the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Competing in the Foldable Market
Samsung once dominated the foldable smartphone market but has recently seen its position slip. In the first quarter of 2024, Samsung’s market share dropped to 23%, placing it behind Huawei, which now leads the foldable segment with a 35% share. Other competitors, such as Honor, Motorola, and OPPO, are also gaining ground with 12%, 11%, and 8% market shares, respectively.
Despite these challenges, Samsung aims to regain its lead in the foldable market with innovative designs and new technologies. The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition’s thinner profile, larger screens, and high-end camera could help the company achieve that goal, appealing to consumers looking for premium foldable devices.
Conclusion
Samsung is gearing up for an exciting few months, with the Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition both generating significant interest. However, questions remain about the processors Samsung will use in its flagship Galaxy S25 lineup. Whether it will be the Snapdragon 8 Elite, MediaTek Dimensity 9400, or the in-house Exynos 2500, the decision will significantly impact the performance and pricing of these devices. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition promises to be a game-changer in the foldable phone market, with its sleek design and powerful specs.
As we approach the rumored launch dates, consumers will eagerly watch to see how Samsung’s choices play out in this highly competitive landscape.
