TSMC’s 2nm process is in raging demand, with the technology estimated to have recorded 1.5 times the number of tapeouts compared to its 3nm node, with Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek all competing for a piece of that supply to maintain their competitiveness this year. However, where the A20 and A20 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and lastly, the Dimensity 9600 will transition to the cutting-edge lithography, a fresh report states that consumer interest in process node reductions is waning, forcing fabless semiconductor manufacturers like Apple, Qualcomm and MediaTek to resort to other tactics, such as introducing architectural improvements and increasing memory cache.
Experts argue that the transition from 3nm to 2nm lithography is less meaningful due to the ‘increasing complexity and number of internal smartphone functions’
With Apple seemingly securing more than half of TSMC’s initial 2nm capacity, Qualcomm and MediaTek are rumored to pounce on the improved 2nm ‘N2P’ variant to have an edge against competitors in not just acquiring adequate wafer shipments, but the upgraded node should allow both chipset makers to target a higher CPU frequency. While this fierce rivalry will allow the three companies to introduce their best silicon yet, DigiTimes reports that these upgrades are becoming less impactful for consumers and aren’t becoming the primary source of daily driving the next generation of smartphones.
Sources have examined recent marketing trends and have found that companies have placed emphasis on architectural refinements and increased memory cache. In short, improving overall system integration with SoCs is being viewed as a key step toward unlocking performance gains, with the transition to the cutting-edge fabrication no longer influencing consumer interest. Apple has already embraced this change last year, with its A19 Pro’s efficiency cores sporting impressive architectural improvements that allow them to deliver up to an astonishing 29 percent performance gain at practically zero power draw.
The Dimensity 9500s is also another example where MediaTek included 19MB of CPU cache to have an edge over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Analysts have noted that flagship devices remain the primary growth driver in the industry, but veterans have noticed that customers are less inclined to judge a SoC’s capabilities solely on annual improvements in specifications. Despite companies showcasing slideshows, revealing between 20-30 percent performance gains, customers are more interested in tangible user experiences. 2nm chipsets definitely have their perks, but there are more reasons to upgrade to a flagship.
News Source: DigiTimes
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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