Samsung's foldable phones have always used a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. The company has never used its Exynos chipset for any Galaxy Z Flip or Z Fold device, but that could change with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 this year.

A new report out of South Korea indicates that Samsung has decided to use the Exynos 2500 for the Galaxy Z Flip 7. It further adds that mass production of this device will begin next month. This would be the first Samsung foldable to be powered by an Exynos chipset.

The expectation was always that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 would get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, but rumors emerged late last year that the Exynos 2500 was still in the mix. Samsung initially wanted to use this chipset in the Galaxy S25 series but Samsung Foundry's yield issues forced it to opt for the Snapdragon chipset.

Some Galaxy Z Flip 7 prototypes were also spotted being tested on the Snapdragon chipset, further raising expectations that it will be business as usual for the next clamshell foldable. However, Korean media is now reporting that Samsung has made the decision to go with the Exynos 2500 for this device.

Even though the yields aren't above 60% which is when Samsung typically goes for mass production of a chipset, the Exynos 2500's estimated yield range of 20-40% will work for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 as the foldable ships in far lower volumes compared to the Galaxy S series.

Analysts believe that this move could help Samsung in future price negotiations with Qualcomm, which is known for double-digit price hikes for its chipsets every year. Mass production of the 3nm-based Exynos 2500 will also help Samsung gain experience that improves its 2nm process, which is crucial for long term competitiveness.