Huawei Technologies, in collaboration with China’s leading chipmaker, SMIC, has developed an advanced 7-nanometer processor to drive its latest smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, according to a teardown report by analysis firm TechInsights.
TechInsights’ report revealed that the Mate 60 Pro features a new Kirin 9000s chip produced by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) in China. This marks the first utilization of SMIC’s cutting-edge 7nm technology in a processor, indicating progress in China’s efforts to establish a domestic chip ecosystem.
While the Mate 60 Pro’s specifications include satellite call capabilities, information about the chipset’s power was not disclosed in the provided details.
The launch of the Mate 60 Pro generated considerable excitement on Chinese social media and among state media, coinciding with a visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Since 2019, the U.S. has imposed restrictions on Huawei’s access to essential chipmaking tools required for producing advanced smartphone models. Despite these limitations, research firms previously suggested that Huawei planned to re-enter the 5G smartphone market by the end of this year, leveraging its advancements in semiconductor design tools along with chip production from SMIC.
Dan Hutcheson, an analyst with TechInsights, described this development as a “slap in the face” to the U.S., indicating China’s growing self-reliance in the semiconductor industry.
Source : Reuters