Samsung President TM Roh will attend Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit to discuss key topics surrounding the upcoming Galaxy S25 series and Extended Reality (XR) devices. Qualcomm is expected to launch its flagship mobile chipset this month, the Snapdragon 8 Elite (previously known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4), and Samsung is planning to source all chips for the Galaxy S25 series from Qualcomm.
Strengthening Samsung-Qualcomm Collaboration
According to reports from Hankyung (via Jukanlosreve/X), TM Roh’s participation in the summit will focus on strengthening Samsung’s partnership with Qualcomm. These discussions are likely to cover chip supply, pricing, and possible collaboration on XR development, which includes a potential partnership with Google.
The Snapdragon Summit, taking place in Hawaii, will mark the official release of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, the first SoC produced using TSMC’s 3nm process technology. With Samsung being a key player in the Android smartphone market, TM Roh’s meetings with Qualcomm’s executives, including CEO Cristiano Amon, are essential. Samsung sells the largest portion of flagship phones equipped with Qualcomm chips, making this relationship critical for Qualcomm’s success.
TM Roh is set to depart for Hawaii to attend the Qualcomm Summit on the 21st. He is also scheduled to negotiate directly with Qualcomm, as Samsung decided to fully equip the S25 with the 8G4, and the price of the 8G4 has significantly increased.https://t.co/gzl49ORfP7
— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) October 17, 2024
The Shift to Qualcomm for Galaxy S25
While Samsung initially planned to use both its Exynos 2500 chip and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 series, a production issue within Samsung’s foundry division has led the company to rethink this strategy. Lower-than-expected yields from Samsung’s Exynos chips have prompted a shift towards exclusively using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite in all Galaxy S25 models.
This decision raises concerns about potential price increases, as relying solely on Qualcomm could lead to higher production costs. TM Roh’s visit to Hawaii will also likely include negotiations on chip pricing, aiming to secure favorable terms and avoid significant cost hikes for Samsung’s flagship devices.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Redesigned Camera and Premium Features
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has been the subject of much anticipation, particularly with new leaks suggesting a redesigned camera system. Concept renders from TechnizoConcept, based on CAD leaks from Onleaks and information from IceUniverse, showcase a fresh new design for the S25 Ultra’s camera setup.
The new design is said to take inspiration from the Z Fold6, featuring camera rings with a textured finish inside. These rings will be surrounded by thin circular borders, enhancing the overall appearance of the camera sensors. While the sensor arrangement is similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the subtle design changes make the S25 Ultra look more refined and sophisticated.
Another notable change is the shift away from the angular corner design seen in previous Ultra models. The S25 Ultra is expected to have slightly rounded corners, improving its in-hand comfort and usability. The width of the device will also be reduced for a sleeker feel.
Despite these changes, the S25 Ultra will continue to support Samsung’s iconic S Pen stylus. Samsung has successfully integrated the stylus into its Galaxy lineup, enhancing functionality with AI features that make the S Pen an essential tool for productivity and creativity.
XR and the Future of Samsung’s Mobile Devices
Another area of focus for Samsung at the Snapdragon Summit is the development of Extended Reality (XR) devices. Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google have been collaborating on XR technology, which is expected to play a significant role in the future of mobile devices. XR combines virtual and augmented reality, creating immersive experiences for users. With TM Roh’s visit, Samsung is likely looking to accelerate its efforts in this growing field.
This time it’s closer to reality than ever before. https://t.co/ErcqB60F1Q
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) October 17, 2024
This focus on XR aligns with the overall direction of the tech industry, where immersive experiences and advanced mobile processing power are becoming essential features in consumer electronics. As Samsung continues to innovate in both hardware and software, its collaboration with Qualcomm and Google in the XR space could pave the way for new products that push the boundaries of what mobile devices can do.
Conclusion: High Stakes for Samsung’s Future Flagships
Samsung’s participation in the Snapdragon Summit signifies the importance of its relationship with Qualcomm, especially as it prepares for the Galaxy S25 series. With the decision to rely entirely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and the development of new XR technologies, Samsung is positioning itself to stay competitive in the high-end smartphone market. The S25 Ultra, with its redesigned camera and improved handling, promises to offer a premium experience for users, while maintaining the beloved S Pen functionality.
As TM Roh heads to Hawaii, the discussions and decisions made at the summit will likely shape the future of Samsung’s flagship devices, setting the stage for the highly anticipated launch of the Galaxy S25 series.
