After reports emerged that a heat issue was detected in Qualcomm's next-generation mobile application processor (AP) slated for the Samsung Electronics Galaxy S27 Ultra, prompting consideration of Samsung's in-house AP, Exynos, as an alternative, Qualcomm issued a direct rebuttal. This marked a public response from a senior Qualcomm executive to pre-launch product heat controversy.
Don McGuire, Qualcomm Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the 17th, targeting the related reports, that the claims are "100% NOT accurate" and that "there is no structural heat issue with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6."
He explained, "Smartphone manufacturers continuously optimize the platform during the product launch process," adding that this is done to "balance performance and power consumption according to various usage environments and maximize product value." He further added, "We are collaborating to provide users with the best experience."
CMO McGuire was interpreted as emphasizing that adjusting performance and power efficiency before a product launch is a standard part of the development process. However, he did not specifically mention Samsung Electronics' AP selection process or the possibility of adopting the Exynos 2700.
Previously, a domestic media outlet reported that Samsung Electronics had discovered performance degradation issues due to heat in Qualcomm's next-generation AP intended for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The report stated that Samsung Electronics demanded a solution from Qualcomm by mid-month and could consider its self-developed Exynos 2700 as an alternative if improvements were not made.
According to the reports, the next-generation Snapdragon was known to show chip temperatures repeatedly exceeding standards in internal tests, with processing speeds dropping during sustained high-load tasks. If an AP overheats, "throttling," which reduces operating speed to protect the device, may occur. In particular, maintaining performance is crucial when running high-performance games or AI (artificial intelligence) features for extended periods.
The AP selection for the Galaxy S27 Ultra is a significant matter for both Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm. Since the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2023, Samsung Electronics has equipped its top-tier models with Qualcomm's Snapdragon. If the Exynos 2700 is adopted for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, it would mark the return of Samsung's in-house AP to its top-tier model for the first time in five years, since the Galaxy S22 Ultra in 2022.
If Exynos adoption expands, Samsung Electronics' System LSI division could increase its supply volume of in-house APs, and the Foundry division could boost utilization rates of advanced processes. The MX division may also have room to reduce external AP procurement costs. However, the actual cost-saving effect may vary depending on Exynos production yield and manufacturing costs. Rising prices of other components, such as memory, are also variables pressuring the profitability of the MX division. Conversely, for Qualcomm, this could be a factor reducing its supply volume of premium APs.
in TECH
