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(Update: not all versions) Samsung passed Qualcomm for the Galaxy S6 LTE modem too - report
July 20, 2025
Update, April 4:TheWSJcites a person familiar with the matter claiming that the model that Chipworks analyzed was designed for a specific carrier and that other versions of the Galaxy S6 feature Qualcomm modems. Qualcomm supposedly retains a “meaningful share” of the order.
Original post, April 3:
As we outlined inthis postfrom earlier this week,Samsungstands to benefit substantially from adopting an in-house Exynos processor for theGalaxy S6andS6 Edge, over theSnapdragon 810chip from rival/partner/clientQualcomm. Now a new report from IC tech analysis firmChipworksreveals that Samsung also adopted in-house solutions for the connectivity component of its new flagships.
Chipworks disassembled a Galaxy S6 and analyzed the circuitry and chips that make it tick. While the firm has only published preliminary findings so far, there are some interesting details to be gleaned from the following component list.
Even if you know little about electronics, a quick scan of the list tells you that the Galaxy S6 incorporates many components made by Samsung, including some of the most important ones. The application processor (SoC), the RAM memory, the flash storage, the LTE modem and the associated components, the image processor, and the Wi-Fi module are all Samsung, and herein lays one of Samsung’s biggest strengths. Unlike most other phone makers, Samsung is also making (either directly or through affiliate companies) many of the key components going inside its phones, which gives it more control and flexibility and allows it to work with higher profit margins.
The chip analysis also shows that the SoC wasn’t the only “design loss” for Qualcomm, when it comes to the Galaxy S6. The modem, power management, RF transceiver, and envelope tracking chips are all from Samsung (Shannon is Samsung’s brand for various silicon components).
The design of cellular connectivity chips (branded Gobi) is Qualcomm’s other main activity, besides SoCs. It wouldn’t be the first time Samsung uses non-Qualcomm LTE chips for its phones; for instance, the Korean companyopted for Intelchips for variants of theGalaxy Note 4andGalaxy Alpha. Nonetheless, for Qualcomm, a design win in the connectivity stack would have helped soften the blow of losing the SoC spot. Especially since the Galaxy S6will probably be Samsung’s best-selling device ever.
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Samsung appears to be doubling down on its component business, where it already holds a slight lead thanks to the 14-nm manufacturing process. The company is rumored to be preparingits own custom CPU cores, as well as acustom GPU, that would replace the current designs supplied by ARM. Samsung is also pushing hard to create competitive high-end SoCs with integrated LTE, followingthe launch of a mid-range integrated SoClast year.
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