The Mate 60 Pro smartphone reportedly employs a Chinese-made chip, previously believed unattainable due to the lack of access to restricted Western technology
Analysts suggest that China has created a 5G smartphone, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, using an advanced silicon chip that achieves a level of miniaturization previously deemed beyond its capabilities, mainly due to export restrictions led by the US. TechInsights, an analysis firm, reports that this groundbreaking chip, the Kirin 9000s, is domestically produced in China by the partially state-owned Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC).
The processor in the Huawei Mate 60 Pro is pioneering as it’s the initial one to utilize SMIC’s cutting-edge 7-nanometer (nm) technology. This development indicates progress in the Chinese government’s endeavors to establish a self-reliant domestic chip ecosystem, according to the research firm.
Since 2019, the US has imposed constraints on Huawei’s access to crucial chip fabrication tools needed for producing top-tier smartphone models. Despite its stature as a 5G network equipment manufacturer, Huawei had previously been restricted to releasing only a limited number of genuine 5G phones, utilizing chips that were stockpiled.
Huawei has faced bans on supplying 5G network equipment in several countries, including those within the Five Eyes security alliance. These bans have been prompted by concerns about national security due to Huawei’s connections with the Chinese government. In response, Huawei has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit in a Lisbon court against operators in those countries that have prohibited the use of its equipment in 5G mobile networks.
According to Dan Hutcheson, an analyst at TechInsights, this recent development is seen as a rebuff to the United States. It’s worth noting that the most advanced chip previously produced by SMIC had a larger scale of 14nm. This limitation arose because SMIC was blocked by Washington in late 2020 from acquiring the necessary equipment from the Dutch firm ASML.
In 2022, TechInsights suggested that SMIC had potentially achieved the production of 7nm chips by making adjustments to simpler machines that were still available from ASML without restrictions. However, certain research firms have projected that the yield from these 7nm chips, produced through this method, might be as low as 50% or even less, in contrast to the industry standard of 90% or higher. This limitation could result in reduced shipments of the smartphones using these chips.
Beyond China, the most advanced 7nm chips are manufactured using an advanced technique known as extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV). This technology is closely guarded, and the United States is leading efforts to prevent its transfer to Beijing.
China is preparing to introduce a new government-supported investment fund with the goal of raising approximately $40 billion to bolster its semiconductor sector. This initiative reflects China’s increased efforts to narrow the technological gap with the United States and other global competitors in the chip industry.
Last week, Huawei commenced the sale of its Mate 60 Pro smartphone. While the product specifications highlighted its capability for satellite calls, there was no information provided about the chipset’s performance.
Chinese consumers who purchased the Mate 60 Pro have been sharing teardown videos and conducting speed tests on social media. These tests suggest that the Mate 60 Pro can achieve download speeds surpassing those of leading 5G smartphones.
The launch of this phone generated significant excitement among Chinese social media users and received extensive coverage in state media. Some observers noted the timing of the launch, which coincided with a visit by the US Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo.
Certain analysts have suggested the possibility that Huawei acquired the technology and equipment from SMIC to produce the chip independently, rather than engaging in a collaborative effort.
