According to reports, Chinese smartphone major Xiaomi and Unisoc are moving closer to creating their own 4nm processors for smartphones. It is known to be a strategic stride to lessen their dependency on foreign chipmakers like MediaTek and Qualcomm. This revelation of building 4nm processors coincides with China’s concerted efforts, supported by significant government backing, to increase semiconductor sector self-sufficiency.
Both Xiaomi and Unisoc claim to have successfully finished the “tape-out” process for their domestic 4nm chips, citing reports from various media outlets.
This marks the completion of a major developmental stage for 4nm processors, at which the design is sent to a foundry for production. Reports make clear, meanwhile, that these chips make use of foreign intellectual property (IP) cores from IMG and ARM.
After Apple and Samsung in the worldwide smartphone manufacturing rankings for the first quarter of 2024, Xiaomi has become a key player. Their goals go beyond phones, as there are reports of a competitive 4nm processors that might come later this year to compete with Huawei’s Kirin 9000s.
Significant impact of Kirin Chips
Kirin chips are derived from a 7nm technology developed by SMIC, a significant Chinese chip manufacturer. Because of their prior partnerships with Qualcomm, Xiaomi is well-positioned for long-term success in the chip development industry.
However, it is also said that Unisoc, a fabless chip manufacturer with headquarters in Shanghai and a focus on connectivity and mobile communication technologies, is jumping on the 4nm bandwagon. It is reported that their processor has already passed the tape-out phase and reached a level of performance that is on par with the Snapdragon 888 from Qualcomm.
China Finds Local Avenues to Develop SoCs
Analysts warn that it could take until 2026 for 4nm SoCs made locally to be widely used in Chinese smartphones. In the Chinese market right now, well-known companies like MediaTek and Qualcomm are in a commanding position.
This development might be a turning point for the semiconductor sector in China. With Huawei in the forefront and Xiaomi and Unisoc joining the fray, local chipmakers have the ability to take on global rivals.
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