MediaTek is on track to pull ahead of Samsung in the market for flagship smartphone application processors, according to a report by DigiTimes. The shift rests on one main driver: TSMC is expanding support for MediaTek's Dimensity platform, strengthening MediaTek's position at the top end of the market.

The report frames the change as a two-way race. On one side, MediaTek's Dimensity flagship chips gain momentum through TSMC's manufacturing support. On the other, Samsung's in-house Exynos platform loses relative ground in the same flagship segment.

What does the ranking change mean?

For years, Samsung has ranked among the leading suppliers of flagship-class application processors, both for its own Galaxy devices and for external customers. The projected share reversal would move MediaTek into the stronger position in that specific segment of the market.

The development matters for two reasons:

• Supply chain weight. TSMC's backing gives MediaTek priority access to advanced process capacity for its Dimensity flagship line, a factor that directly affects shipment volumes.
• Competitive positioning. A higher flagship AP share strengthens MediaTek's standing against Samsung's Exynos in bids for premium smartphone platforms.

Why is TSMC the decisive factor?

The DigiTimes report attributes the projected share change directly to TSMC's role in boosting the Dimensity platform. Manufacturing capacity and process technology at the leading edge remain the tightest constraints in the flagship AP segment, and MediaTek's access to that capacity underpins its ability to scale flagship shipments.

Samsung, by contrast, faces a slower trajectory in the same segment under the conditions described in the report.

What comes next?

The report presents the share shift as an expected outcome rather than a completed result. Market observers will watch upcoming flagship device cycles to confirm whether MediaTek's Dimensity shipments translate the TSMC capacity advantage into a durable lead over Samsung in the flagship application processor market.