Undoubtedly, the cornerstone of a smartphone's robust functionality lies in its CPU chip. However, realizing the chip's full potential in a device heavily relies on production technology. In this realm, TSMC holds an undeniable edge, evidenced by Apple's substantial annual investment to exclusively leverage TSMC's latest production techniques for its chips. Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek Dimensity chips similarly strive to employ TSMC processes. Excellence speaks for itself, attracting users organically.

Historically, Samsung was a significant player in the chip foundry industry. Yet, while TSMC thrives financially, Samsung's chip foundry division has been mired in losses for years. The culprit? Unsatisfactory chips produced through Samsung's processes, exemplified by the Snapdragon 888. Qualcomm entrusted Samsung with this chip, only to encounter higher power consumption than Apple's A14 and Huawei's Kirin 9000 in the same year.

Consequently, the Snapdragon 888 has become synonymous with high power consumption, leaving a sour taste for Qualcomm. From the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 onward, Qualcomm began allocating orders to TSMC, culminating in the 8 Gen 2's full transition. The 8 Gen 2's impressive performance across the board has garnered recognition from both manufacturers and users, with TSMC's advanced production technology playing a pivotal role. Samsung's chip foundry business has since declined, even being shunned by its own flagship models. Nonetheless, Samsung, intent on reviving this core business, persists in its comeback efforts.

The challenge lies in chip manufacturers' dwindling confidence in Samsung's processes, complicating its comeback. Reports indicate Samsung has submitted 3nm chip samples to Qualcomm, aiming to reclaim orders. Perhaps technological advancements have been made; Qualcomm reportedly plans to sign a foundry contract with Samsung. After years, top-tier chips manufactured by Samsung will once again grace smartphones.

Qualcomm's renewed interest in Samsung may stem from the latter's own 2nm process chip, the Exynos 2600, showcasing Samsung's prowess. To demonstrate the power of its 2nm process, Samsung will first test it on its phones; the next-generation S26 series will include models equipped with the Exynos 2600. Qualcomm is likely to award Samsung orders for the third-generation Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chips as early as next year.

Some speculate that, besides technological improvements, lower foundry prices might drive Qualcomm's shift towards Samsung. However, users are anxious, the Snapdragon 888 fiasco still fresh in their minds. Users prioritize final chip performance on smartphones over other factors. If the Samsung version lags behind the TSMC version, users will again bear the high cost of trial and error.

This heralds the return of the "lottery" mode for the year-end launch of top-tier Android flagships.