Xiaomi's 3nm Chipset Faces 5G Modem Sourcing Challenges
Xiaomi's upcoming 3nm chipset will rely on overseas suppliers for 5G modems, posing potential risks due to trade sanctions and pricing.
Xiaomi's ambitious plan to launch a custom 3nm chipset in 2025 faces a significant hurdle: sourcing 5G modems. The company will have to rely on overseas suppliers, which presents potential risks due to ongoing trade sanctions and pricing pressures. While Xiaomi achieving this milestone would be a first for a Chinese company, procuring 5G modems from international partners could prove problematic, particularly given the current political climate and the Trump administration's focus on limiting China's technological advancements. This reliance on external suppliers could jeopardize Xiaomi's goal of competing with established players like Qualcomm and MediaTek in the 3nm market. Potential partners for Xiaomi include Samsung, which has previously supplied Google with 5G modems. However, Qualcomm, the industry leader, might be reluctant to collaborate unless Xiaomi agrees to a significant price premium. Huawei, with its existing cross-licensing agreement with Xiaomi, offers a…