Huawei’s Kirin 9100 Chip: A Price and Performance Overview

Huawei’s upcoming Mate 70 series is set to debut with the new Kirin 9100 chip, and there’s already buzz around its performance and pricing. Recent reports indicate that this chip could outperform Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which has raised eyebrows in the tech community.

Pricing Insights

According to a tipster on Weibo, the Kirin 9100 may cost manufacturers between 1100 to 1300 yuan (approximately $157 to $186). This pricing places it in a competitive range alongside flagship processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek. For context, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is rumored to retail around $190, while MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 is priced slightly lower at about $155.

While it’s always tricky to verify component costs—since chip manufacturers seldom disclose such details—this leak suggests that the Kirin 9100 could align closely with its rivals, making it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to balance performance and cost.

Manufacturing Process

Huawei is reportedly employing a “domestically developed n+2/3 process” for the Kirin 9100, which points to a 5nm node. The chip will be produced using Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) lithography with multiple patterning techniques. This development is being spearheaded by SMIC, a China-based chipmaker, which is working on a 5nm process utilizing DUV lithography.

However, it’s worth noting that earlier reports suggested potential yield and production cost issues with the 5nm DUV process. If these challenges persist, the Kirin 9100 might ultimately end up being a 7nm chip. Even if SMIC manages to achieve a satisfactory yield with the 5nm process, it’s unlikely to compete with the more advanced EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography employed by industry leaders like TSMC and Samsung.

Performance Expectations

Despite the manufacturing challenges, the Kirin 9100 is anticipated to deliver performance that is on par with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While it may struggle to match the efficiency and capabilities of the latest offerings from Qualcomm or MediaTek, the Kirin 9100 is expected to hold its own within its price range.

Conclusion

As the launch of Huawei’s Mate 70 series approaches, all eyes will be on the Kirin 9100. If the performance predictions hold true and it comes in competitively priced, it could represent a significant step forward for Huawei in the smartphone market. With the backdrop of advanced manufacturing processes and fierce competition, the upcoming months will be crucial for Huawei and its new chip.

Courtesy by: gizmochina