On October 9, MediaTek officially launched the Dimensity 9400 processor, utilizing TSMC’s N3E process and a second-generation “all big core” architecture. It features a Cortex-X925 super core with a clock speed of up to 3.62GHz, three Cortex-X4 super cores with frequencies up to 3.3GHz, and four Cortex-A720 cores with frequencies up to 2.4GHz.
The Dimensity 9400 reportedly offers around a 35% improvement in single-core performance and about a 28% improvement in multi-core performance, with a 40% reduction in power consumption. Equipped with the Immortalis G925 GPU, its peak performance is 41% higher than the previous generation, while power consumption is reduced by 44%. Overall, it’s quite impressive.
In the past, discussions around MediaTek’s ambitions to penetrate the high-end market were often met with skepticism, but it’s undeniable that MediaTek has now firmly established itself at the high end.
However, the focus of this article is not MediaTek, but rather its competitor Qualcomm, as the preceding content serves merely as an introduction. MediaTek’s progress in recent years has been remarkable, in stark contrast to Qualcomm, whose advancements have slowed, resembling a “toothpaste” squeeze. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has been focused on developing its own Oryon core.
Some may wonder why Qualcomm is taking this approach and why it finds itself in its current situation. This is the theme of the article.
In short, Qualcomm’s focus on developing its own Oryon core, alongside relatively slow performance improvements in recent generations, stems from escalating tensions with ARM.
The conflict began with Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia in 2021, aimed at integrating Nuvia’s technologies and patents to enter the laptop processor market. However, this acquisition faced strong opposition from ARM.
Many of Nuvia’s technologies and patents were originally licensed from ARM, which argues that Qualcomm’s integration and use of these technologies requires ARM’s authorization. Qualcomm disputes this claim, believing they do not need ARM’s approval.
This infuriated ARM, leading to a deterioration in relations and subsequent legal battles, which are typically lengthy and difficult to resolve quickly.
Since then, Qualcomm has shifted its focus to developing its own cores to escape ARM’s patent constraints. This is a key reason why, despite facing numerous challenges, Qualcomm remains committed to developing and utilizing the Oryon core, while MediaTek maintains a positive partnership with ARM.
Qualcomm’s actions have further angered ARM, which has begun implementing a series of countermeasures, becoming increasingly aggressive and firm. This article will discuss the latest developments in this regard.
Recently, ARM introduced a new countermeasure by notifying Qualcomm that it would terminate an important architecture licensing agreement in 60 days. This agreement allowed Qualcomm to develop processors based on ARM’s technologies and patents.
At this stage, the implications extend beyond just these two companies. As the saying goes, “When gods fight, mortals suffer.” If Qualcomm’s licensing is indeed terminated, it could significantly disrupt the global smartphone and personal computer markets. Qualcomm would have to halt sales of most processors containing these patents, or face enormous infringement damages, which would be unsustainable.
However, the worst-case scenario is unlikely to occur. ARM has not completely severed ties; instead, it has provided a two-month buffer. If Qualcomm meets ARM’s requirements, the termination of the patent authorization can be revoked.
Therefore, ARM’s actions are not genuinely aimed at revoking patent authorization but serve as a strong warning and pressure tactic, primarily intended to bring Qualcomm back to the negotiation table and agree to ARM’s terms.
The future developments of this situation and its ultimate outcome are uncertain. The most likely scenario is that Qualcomm will compromise in the short term, as it is difficult for them to entirely bypass ARM’s patents. In the long run, Qualcomm will increasingly focus on abandoning ARM’s patents and technologies, accelerating the development and commercialization of its own cores—a path that appears irreversible.
I will share more updates and insights on this topic as they emerge.
Related:
- Apple Finally Says “No” to Qualcomm After 6 Long Years
- Qualcomm vs Arm: Legal Battle Unfolds in Nevada Court
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