Introduction:
In recent years, China has strategically accelerated its efforts towards semiconductor self-sufficiency, overcoming challenges posed by U.S. export controls, with the new case in example of Xiaomi using Nand from YMTC.
A significant breakthrough in this journey is evident in the Xiaomi 14 smartphone, released in October, which proudly features NAND flash memory from China’s leading semiconductor company, Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC).
This move underscores China’s commitment to reducing reliance on international suppliers and establishing a formidable presence in the semiconductor landscape.
Breaking Dependency: Xiaomi 14 and the Rise of Domestic Memory Solutions
The Xiaomi 14 smartphone signifies a crucial shift in China’s semiconductor strategy. By opting for NAND flash memory from YMTC, the device showcases a move away from international memory products, signaling the nation’s determination to achieve semiconductor independence.
This follows the trend set by Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, initially utilizing memory components from SK hynix and Micron but now embracing memory independence.
YMTC’s Strides in NAND Flash Technology:
TechInsights, a reputable semiconductor research firm, conducted a detailed analysis of YMTC’s 232-layer NAND products. Their conclusion, stating that “there is increasing evidence that China is successfully overcoming U.S. trade restrictions and building its semiconductor supply chain more effectively than expected,” underscores the adaptability and resilience of China’s semiconductor industry.
In July, YMTC released the ZhiTai Ti600 1TB SSD, featuring its cutting-edge 232-layer NAND, further solidifying its position in the market.
YMTC’s groundbreaking achievement in mass-producing the 7th generation 232-layer 3D NAND flash, ahead of competitors, highlights its resilience despite being included in the U.S. sanctions list.
The company’s strategic leap from 128 layers to 232 layers positions it as a serious contender, closely trailing leading South Korean semiconductor companies.
The speed at which YMTC is progressing towards commercializing next-generation products is remarkable. With recent smartphones predominantly using 176-layer (6th generation) NAND technology, YMTC’s rapid development of 232-layer NAND demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology.
Image Credit: TechInsights
Read More: China Makes World’s Most Advanced 3D NAND memory chip Despite US Sanctions
Closing the Tech Gap:
While Samsung Electronics and SK hynix maintain a technological edge over Chinese companies, the tech gap in NAND technology has significantly narrowed to approximately two years.
This poses a challenge to established players, hinting at China’s potential to disrupt the industry and establish itself as a key player in the global semiconductor market.
Challenges in DRAM:
While China makes strides in NAND technology, challenges persist in entering the DRAM market.
ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a key player in China’s DRAM sector, currently produces DRAM at the 22-nanometer level, lagging significantly behind the industry’s leading-edge process technology at the 12-nanometer level. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for China to establish dominance in the highly competitive DRAM segment.
Read More: How China Circumvented US Restrictions to Unveil 120 Layer NAND Flash
How Xiaomi is a surprising winner in US-China War?
Use of Qualcomm Chips:
Xiaomi benefits from using Qualcomm chips, gaining access to the latest technology for potentially faster performance. In contrast, Huawei encounters challenges due to U.S. government restrictions, limiting its access to technologies like Qualcomm chips.
Access to Google App Store:
Huawei faced challenges after the U.S. government blacklisted it, limiting collaboration with American companies like Google. This restriction prevented Huawei from pre-installing Google services on its devices, affecting its global market appeal. In contrast, Xiaomi could still use the Google App store. This allows Xiaomi to offer a more familiar ecosystem for users worldwide, outside of China.
Collaboration with Leica:
Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica for camera technology was seen as a positive move. This could potentially enhance the quality of their smartphone cameras. High-quality camera systems are often a key factor for consumers when choosing a smartphone.
Read More: 1 TB chip: SK Hynix’s 321 layer Flash Revolution
Conclusion:
China is making strategic strides toward semiconductor self-sufficiency, as seen in the Xiaomi 14 smartphone. The nation’s determination is evident in rapid progress in NAND technology and a shrinking tech gap with established players. This signals a major breakthrough for China’s semiconductor industry, poised to bring transformative changes to the global landscape in the years ahead.
