Collaboration on Developing 'Snapdragon 8 Elite' for Galaxy S25
Securing Leadership as the Top AP Provider in the Android Ecosystem
Countering the Offensive from Apple, MediaTek, Nvidia, and ARM
US semiconductor company Qualcomm has equipped all models of Samsung Electronics' latest Galaxy S25 series with its 'Snapdragon' application processor (AP), signaling its strong determination to remain competitive against Apple, ARM, and MediaTek.
On January 22 (local time), Qualcomm announced, "We have worked closely with Samsung Electronics to customize the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy to deliver Gemini AI experiences."
Qualcomm emphasized that Snapdragon will operate smoothly and efficiently in areas such as app-to-app task management, live streaming within the Gemini app, and the Gemini writing assistant.
Qualcomm actively highlighted its collaboration with Samsung. This underscores that, amid US efforts to control semiconductor exports to China and as Chinese Android smartphone makers-centered on Huawei-increase their use of domestically produced APs, collaboration with Samsung, its strongest partner, is essential.
Chris Patrick, Executive Vice President at Qualcomm, stated, "The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy represents a significant leap in technology. From personalized AI assistants to advanced AI-generated images, it delivers a more intelligent and customized experience." He added, "Our strategic partnership with Samsung is the driving force behind this innovation and sets new standards for performance and efficiency." Samsung, for its part, has chosen to partner with Qualcomm-excluding its own AP, Exynos-to take the lead in AI smartphones.
While Qualcomm is expanding into the PC market, smartphones remain its core business. Recently, it has not only closed the performance gap with Apple's A-series APs but has even surpassed them in some respects. However, challenges remain, most notably its ongoing conflict with ARM, the semiconductor design company that owns the core AP technologies. Apple is also putting pressure on Qualcomm.
Rumors are spreading that Apple will use its own modem, rather than Qualcomm's modem chip, in the iPhone SE expected to launch this year. If Qualcomm's modem is excluded from all iPhones following the iPhone SE, this could have a significant impact on Qualcomm's performance. Qualcomm's stock price has experienced considerable volatility whenever concerns about Apple's modem 'independence' have surfaced.
It is also noteworthy that Nvidia, a leader in AI semiconductors, is expanding its collaboration with MediaTek, one of Qualcomm's competitors in Taiwan. Nvidia co-designed the chip for its personal AI supercomputer, 'Project D1G1TS,' with MediaTek.
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