Samsung’s 2 nm GAA node process, known as SF2, remains under close industry scrutiny as new insider reports attempt to clarify its progress. Late last year, conflicting accounts described the state of Samsung’s cutting-edge 2 nm GAA node, even as the company’s semiconductor division quietly began ‘mass production’ of next generation Exynos 2600 mobile processors. A new ZDNet report now claims that yields for Samsung’s first generation 2 nm wafer product have reached a ‘relatively stable’ 50% milestone, a figure that creates confusion because other internal sources had already suggested a similar yield level was achieved last September.
The reported 50% yield remains below what is generally regarded as suitable for high volume output. The article notes that ideally, closer to 70% yield rates are preferred for mass manufacturing of finalized chip designs, underscoring the work Samsung still needs to do to make SF2 competitive at scale. Throughout 2025, insider reports suggested that development of SF2 has not been smooth, but that company leadership has been determined to push the technology over the finishing line. Industry observers cited in the article believe that the alleged failure of Samsung Foundry’s 3 nm line has already driven some potential return customers to continue relying on rival foundry TSMC, putting more pressure on the 2 nm program to deliver.
The launch of the Exynos 2600 is framed as a crucial ‘proof of concept’ for Samsung’s 2 nm ambitions, offering a chance to lure high profile customers away from competing 2 nm and 3 nm offerings. The ZDNet report also highlights a second generation 2 nm GAA option, labeled SF2P, which is described as a refinement built on ‘additional growth engines’ and is said to have design guidelines distributed to partner firms. When compared to the first iteration, SF2P reportedly does better with: ‘12% improved performance, 25% improved power efficiency, and an 8% smaller footprint.’ An anonymous source stated that SF2P’s basic process design kit was completed mid way through last year, and ZDNet connects this upgraded node with a future ‘Exynos 2700’ system on chip, signaling Samsung’s roadmap beyond its initial 2 nm efforts.
