MediaTek beats Apple in asserting 3nm chip, however manufacturing is a yr away

What simply occurred? MediaTek has efficiently developed its first chip based mostly on cutting-edge 3nm expertise from TSMC. MediaTek described the tape-out of its flagship Dimensity SoC as a major milestone in its partnership with TSMC, including that quantity manufacturing is on observe to start out in 2024.

MediaTek President Joe Chen stated TSMC’s constant and prime quality manufacturing capabilities allows them to display their superior chipset designs and supply the very best efficiency to prospects across the globe.

Dr. Cliff Hou, SVP of Europe and Asia gross sales at TSMC, stated MediaTek’s Dimensity SoC will put the facility of the business’s most superior semiconductor course of tech in your pocket as a smartphone.

TSMC’s 3nm expertise is a significant step ahead for cell computing. In keeping with the corporate’s newest estimates, chips fabricated utilizing 3nm supply as much as an 18 % pace enchancment over TSMC’s N5 course of on the identical energy degree, or 32 % energy discount on the identical pace, and a 60 % improve in logic density. These figures fluctuate barely from earlier claims, however solely by a small margin.

MediaTek’s announcement is critical partially as a result of technically, they beat Apple to the punch in asserting a 3nm half. Technicalities apart, Apple is the true winner as its A17 Bionic SoC, which is constructed on 3nm expertise, is ready to be revealed in a matter of days and can be delivery within the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max later this month. MediaTek’s first 3nm Dimensity SoCs is not going to be prepared till later subsequent yr on the soonest.

Phrase surfaced in early 2023 that Apple had procured TSMC’s complete preliminary provide of 3nm chips. It was a significant blow to nearly everybody not named Apple because it compelled them to look elsewhere for a cutting-edge manufacturing course of or play the ready recreation.

MediaTek stated its first 3nm Dimensity SoCs can be utilized in smartphones, tablets, and automotive functions beginning within the second half of 2024, however stopped in need of naming any particular units we will stay up for seeing it in.