Analysis of Competition between TSMC and Samsung Using the Case of Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Processor

TSMC and Qualcomm have a long history of collaboration—from Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 800, 801, and 805 built on TSMC's 28nm process to Snapdragon 808 and 810 on TSMC's 20nm process. This relationship took a hit, however, when Qualcomm turned to Samsung's 14nm process for its Snapdragon 820 in 2015 and 10nm technology for Snapdragon 835 in 2016. This report explains why Qualcomm dropped TSMC for Samsung with analysis of competition between TSMC and Samsung in advanced process technology. Using the case of Snapdragon 835, this report further highlights the key factors that have led to Qualcomm-Samsung partnership; provides insights as to whether TSMC can win back chip orders from Qualcomm with its 7nm process.

Table of Contents
1.Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Processor Unveiled
2.Competition between TSMC and Samsung Explained
3.Key Factors Leading to Qualcomm-Samsung Partnership
3.1 Samsung's Fast Catch-up in Advanced Process Technology Outstands
3.2 Qualcomm-Samsung Partnership is Mutually Beneficial
3.2.1 What’s in it for Qualcomm
3.2.2 What’s in it for Samsung
4. Future Prospects for TSMC's 7nm Process
Appendix
Glossary of Terms
List of Companies
List of Tables
Table 1: Comparison of Snapdragon 835 with 821 and 820

List of topics:

Background of the competition between TSMC and Samsung,and their advantages insecuringQualcomm's processor orders
Key factors leading to Qualcomm-Samsung partnership from both Qualcomm and Samsung perspectives
Future outlook for TSMC's 7nm process and its competitive edge