Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 may feature a mysterious new processor that is different from the flagship Galaxy S21 series.

This is according to reputable Samsung tipster IceUniverse, which tweeted that the upcoming fold will feature a "top secret" SoC that is not the Snapdragon 888 or the company's own Exynos 2100 chip. That leaves open the possibility of a Snapdragon 888+ variant or a new Exynos processor.

Samsung smartphones typically feature the company's own Exynos chipset outside the U.S., but last year the Galaxy Z Fold 2 only released a single version with the Snapdragon 865+. This processor gives it a slight performance boost over the Galaxy S20, which has the Snapdragon 865 in some regions.

It makes sense for Samsung to take the same approach with the Z Fold 3, but according to Reuters, Qualcomm is reportedly struggling to supply the Snapdragon 888 processor. Therefore, it would be a bit surprising to see the Snapdragon 888+ launch later this year, unless the global semiconductor shortage eases significantly.

Another option is to use the new silicon that Samsung is preparing to roll out in the upcoming Galaxy Book Pro. The laptop is said to be powered by an Exynos 2200 with an AMD GPU. It is not known if the same high-end chipset will be used in the company's premium smartphones or if a specific mobile model will be produced, but it does suggest that the Z Fold 3 could be more powerful than the Galaxy S21. [Rumors suggest it could ship as early as July of this year. Rumor has it that it could ship as early as July of this year. While details are not yet known, leaked information suggests that it will have a 7-inch internal display and a 4-inch external display. Nevertheless, another rumor suggests that it will have a 5.4-inch exterior and a 7.7-inch interior display.

Other leaked information teases that the Z Fold 3 will have an under-display camera and could be the first Samsung phone to feature the fruits of its camera partnership with Olympus.