Xiaomi’s Internal Smartphone Specs Revealed

Xiaomi Tapes Out First China-Designed 3nm Smartphone Chip: A New Challenger to Qualcomm and MediaTek?

By investigative Tech Reporter, archyde.com | April 4, 2025

The global smartphone market is bracing for a potential shakeup as Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant, reportedly “taped out” its first in-house designed 3nm smartphone chip in late October 2024. This move signals a notable step towards self-reliance and could challenge the dominance of established players like Qualcomm and MediaTek. But what does this mean for U.S. consumers and the future of mobile technology?

The Chipset Landscape: A Shift in Power?

For years, American consumers have largely been unaware of the intricate dance between smartphone manufacturers and the companies that supply the brains of their devices – the System on a Chip (SoC). Qualcomm, based in San Diego, California, and MediaTek, a Taiwanese company, have been the primary providers for Android phones, much like Intel and (more recently) Apple’s own silicon have powered the personal computer and iPhone markets, respectively. Xiaomi’s venture into in-house chip design aims to disrupt this established order.

The initial reports surrounding xiaomi’s chip were shrouded in conflicting facts. “there have been several murmurs about Xiaomi developing a OWN SOC FOR SMARTPHONES after his first attempt failed,” noted industry observers. Early speculation suggested the chip was being manufactured using TSMC’s advanced N3 node (3nm process), but later reports pointed towards the more mature and cost-effective N4P node.

This discrepancy highlights a critical aspect of chip manufacturing: the balance between performance and cost. The 3nm process allows for more transistors to be packed onto a single chip, leading to improved performance and power efficiency. However, it also comes with higher manufacturing costs and potential yield issues. Opting for the N4P node suggests Xiaomi is prioritizing affordability and reliable production, potentially targeting the mid-range smartphone market first.

Chip Specifications and Performance Expectations

Details regarding the chip’s specifications remain limited, but information gleaned from reliable sources suggests a focus on efficiency and balanced performance. According to one report, the chip will feature a CPU configuration including a Cortex-X925 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz,three Cortex-A725 cores at 2.6 GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 2.0 GHz.

While this setup might not immediately rival the top-tier performance of flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, it represents a solid foundation for a first-generation in-house chip. “Although this arrangement does not shout exactly high range, it is fine for what is essentially the first Xiaomi arm V9 chip,” sources indicated.

The choice of imagination Technologies’ IMG DXT-72 GPU running at 1.3 GHz for graphics processing adds another layer to the equation. While imagination Technologies is a reputable company, this particular GPU is not generally considered a high-end part. This further reinforces the likelihood that Xiaomi’s initial chip will be aimed at the mid-range market, competing with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A series or Google’s Pixel “a” line.

Component	Specification	Implications
CPU (Prime Core)	Cortex-X925 (3.2 GHz)	Handles demanding tasks.
CPU (Performance Cores)	3x Cortex-A725 (2.6 GHz)	Multi-tasking and gaming.
CPU (Efficiency Cores)	4x Cortex-A520 (2.0 ghz)	Power saving for background tasks.
GPU	Imagination IMG DXT-72 (1.3 GHz)	Handles Graphics.
Manufacturing Node	TSMC N4P (Likely)	Balance of cost and performance.

Potential Applications and Market Impact

The expected debut of this chip is slated for some point in 2025. “The prospects of feeding a high -end smartphone are scarce, but there are many possibilities that debut with a mid -range such as the Xiaomi 15S,” insiders suggest.

For U.S. consumers, this development could translate into more affordable and feature-rich mid-range smartphones. Increased competition in the chip market could also pressure Qualcomm and MediaTek to innovate further and potentially lower prices, benefiting consumers across the board.

However, there are also potential challenges. Xiaomi’s success will depend on its ability to optimize the chip’s performance, ensure software compatibility, and provide consistent updates. Furthermore, the company will need to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and potential trade restrictions that could impact its access to manufacturing facilities and key technologies.

Addressing the Counterarguments

The development of in-house chips is a costly and complex undertaking. Critics might argue that Xiaomi’s resources could be better spent focusing on other areas, such as software development or marketing. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that xiaomi’s chip will be competitive with those from established players like qualcomm, whose expertise is well-proven.

Tho, Xiaomi’s move towards self-reliance aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry. Companies like Apple and Google have already demonstrated the benefits of controlling their own silicon, allowing for tighter integration between hardware and software, improved performance, and greater control over product roadmaps. By developing its own chips, Xiaomi can reduce its reliance on external suppliers, differentiate its products, and potentially gain a competitive edge in the long run.

The Road Ahead

The success of Xiaomi’s chip initiative remains to be seen. Though, the company’s commitment to innovation and its ambition to become a global technology leader are undeniable. As Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, U.S. consumers can expect to see more competition, more affordable devices, and perhaps even a new player in the chip market.

Beyond the CPU and GPU, many other components are essential for a complete SoC, “such as DSP, 5g modem, etc.” It is expected that Xiaomi will use standard parts from manufacturers such as Mediatek and Synopsys. Looking ahead, the key question will be whether Xiaomi can leverage its in-house chip design capabilities to create truly unique and compelling smartphone experiences. the company’s next steps will be critical in determining its long-term success in this increasingly competitive market.

what are the key counterarguments to Xiaomi’s approach of designing its own 3nm chip, and what steps would the company need to take to succeed long-term?

Interview: Decoding Xiaomi’s 3nm Chip – Market Impact and Consumer Benefits

Introduction

Archyde News: welcome, Mr. Chen. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Xiaomi’s groundbreaking move into in-house 3nm smartphone chip design. For our audience,can you introduce yourself and your role in the industry?

mr. Wei Chen, Senior Semiconductor Analyst at TechInsights: Thank you for having me. I’m Wei Chen, a senior semiconductor analyst specializing in mobile chipsets at TechInsights. I’ve been following the evolution of the SoC market for over a decade,and I’m particularly interested in the trends of in-house chip designs.

Xiaomi’s 3nm Chip: A Game Changer?

Archyde News: From what we understand, Xiaomi is aiming to challenge giants like Qualcomm. What’s your initial assessment of this venture, and how meaningful is the move for the global smartphone market?

Mr. Wei Chen: It’s a very significant development. Xiaomi taking on Qualcomm and MediaTek signals not only ambition but also a strategic shift towards self-reliance. The fact that they are “taping out” a 3nm chip, even if it may be a more mature node N4P, underscores their commitment to the future of SoC design and could indeed reshape the market dynamic.

Archyde News: Reports suggests that the chip might use the TSMC N4P node. What are the implications of this decision, given the cost-performance trade-offs involved?

Mr. Wei Chen: Choosing N4P allows Xiaomi to find a balance. N4P offers attractive performance with lower manufacturing costs than cutting-edge 3nm. This implies Xiaomi is likely prioritizing affordability in their initial iterations, probably targeting the mid-range market. It is a smart entry strategy, allowing them to learn and improve without bearing the full burden of the most bleeding-edge technology.

chip Specifications and Performance expectations

Archyde News: The chip is rumored to have a Cortex-X925 prime core and an IMG DXT-72 GPU.How would you evaluate this hardware configuration in terms of performance and competition?

Mr. Wei Chen: The CPU configuration is a good starting point. The Cortex-X925 provides a robust prime core, and the other cores ensure efficiency. But the choice of the IMG DXT-72 GPU indicates that they are perhaps aiming for the mid-range market. This also keeps costs under control,as premium GPUs are known to be expensive. The specs hint at a well-balanced SoC, perhaps for devices like the Xiaomi 15S.

Archyde News: Are there any specific components that can indicate the chip’s targeted market?

Mr. Wei Chen: absolutely. The focus on efficiency cores within the CPU alongside a GPU from Inventiveness Technologies (like IMG DXT-72) rather than a high-end solution are very strong indicators hear. This arrangement is well-suited for mid-range smartphones like the Xiaomi 15S or similar devices, which prioritize battery life and acceptable performance over cutting-edge graphics capabilities.

Market Impact and U.S. Consumers

Archyde News: how could this in-house chip design impact U.S. consumers and the broader global smartphone market?

Mr. Wei Chen: Increased competition in the chip market is good for consumers. It often leads to more affordable devices and improved features. U.S. consumers could see more choices in the mid-range segment, potentially lower overall smartphone prices, and benefit from a more competitive landscape. However,it depends on whether Xiaomi can successfully launch its chip and how well it functions.

Archyde News: Are there any geopolitical or trade-related factors that might pose challenges for their project?

Mr. Wei Chen: Yes. The company must navigate complex geopolitics and trade restrictions, particularly impacting access to manufacturing facilities and key technologies. A misstep here could substantially undermine their ambitions.

Addressing the Counterarguments and the Road Ahead

Archyde News: What are some of the key counterarguments to Xiaomi’s approach? And what steps would the company need to take to succeed long-term?

Mr. Wei Chen: Some people argue that this is elaborate, costly, and may not be competitive with established players. Though, self-reliance in the semiconductor sector is critical in today’s world. To succeed, they need to be exceptionally efficient, optimize performance, provide consistent updates, and navigate complex trading conditions.

Archyde News: If everything goes as planned,what are the most exciting prospects for Xiaomi’s chip development in the coming years?

Mr.Wei Chen: The greatest promise comes from greater integration between Xiaomi’s hardware and software. They could streamline operations, create unique features, and fine-tune their chips for specific devices. This is what rivals such as Apple do. The question remains: can they build their own ecosystem effectively and efficiently, and what truly unique experiences could their in-house chip design enable? It is indeed going to be exciting to see.

Archyde News: Thank you, Mr. Chen, for sharing your insights. Is there anything else you’d like to add for our readers?

Mr. Wei Chen: I think the most interesting thing to watch will be how consumers respond to Xiaomi’s new chip designs. Will they be able to win over consumers? This market is rapidly evolving, and consumer behavior will play a huge factor in shaping the future.