Buzz
The tech industry's races always draw attention from users. Some racers falter, while others excel, steadily climbing to the top. In recent years, one standout climber is none other than MediaTek.
The processor is one of the most crucial components in a smartphone. The involvement of multiple brands inevitably impacts us users.
Let's delve into MediaTek's admirable journey of climbing the ranks with their new Dimensity series, challenging the industry giant Qualcomm!
MediaTek leads the semiconductor market
Reflecting on MediaTek's past, the company has never been a small player in the semiconductor industry. However, its brilliance has often been overshadowed by the Qualcomm name.
MediaTek has long been perceived as a company producing low-tier chips, specializing in affordable processors, lagging behind in all aspects such as performance compared to Qualcomm's Snapdragon, Huawei's Kirin, or Samsung's Exynos.
However, in recent years, with the rise of HiSilicon, people tend to forget that there's a MediaTek quietly climbing the ranks.
Huawei's troubles, which led to HiSilicon's downfall, Samsung's stagnation, and Qualcomm's opportunistic move to increase chip prices across the board, have given MediaTek the chance to shine with its new Dimensity, Helio G, and Helio P series.
Q3/2020 marked the first time the Taiwanese chipmaker surpassed Qualcomm, claiming the number one spot in market share with 31%. Among these, the Dimensity series emerged as a viable alternative to Qualcomm's mid to high-end Snapdragon 600 and 700 series.
Entering the 5G trend not early but timely and cost-effectively, Dimensity 5G processors have gradually advanced, capturing the mid-range smartphone segment of major smartphone brands like Samsung, OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
Ambition to conquer the smartphone market with Dimensity
As mentioned above, the Dimensity series plays a significant role in MediaTek's robust endeavor. So, what makes smartphone manufacturers trust Dimensity?
It can be said that MediaTek has always been associated with the title of a budget chipmaker, facing significant biases in user perception. Hence, major smartphone brands using MediaTek for high-priced products may still encounter psychological barriers.
To tackle that issue, MediaTek has introduced a new line of processors, with a fresh name and positioning that the current semiconductor market has yet to achieve. Take Qualcomm with Snapdragon or Samsung with Exynos, brands that have built strong reputations over time, making them hard to abandon.
But for MediaTek, this marks the second time they've repositioned their product brand, the first being Helio, and now Dimensity, efforts that have been well-rewarded.
The creation of the new Dimensity chip series, integrating advanced, modern technologies at a more affordable price point, coupled with partnerships with major smartphone manufacturers, yields MediaTek-powered versions alongside, offering better value for money.
For instance, the LG Velvet using Dimensity 1000C at the same price as the Velvet using Snapdragon 845, or the Redmi K40 GEE using Dimensity 1100,... Initial impressions demonstrate impressive performance gains for users.
The company doesn't excessively boost the Dimensity's scores; as you can see in the image below, the scores are just right, matching last year's flagship Qualcomm processors, all at half the price.
Based on this positioning, manufacturers will replace mid-range Snapdragon models with flagship Dimensity 1000 series, which aren't cheap either. Users can be assured that their smartphones boast equally powerful processors as last year's flagships, with technology that's on par with Qualcomm.
A prime example is OPPO's approach with the Reno6 series, opting for Dimensity 900 instead of Snapdragon 700 series. Similarly, Xiaomi is gradually transitioning the Redmi K series to Dimensity, replacing the previous Snapdragon 800 series in models like K30 Ultra and K40 GEE.
Or more recently, the Dimensity 1300 series with its 1300T variant has been leaked, boasting impressive scores comparable to the uproar-causing Snapdragon 870.
MediaTek doesn't aim its Dimensity chips directly at the latest Snapdragon 800 series. Instead, the company is choosing to follow Qualcomm by a generation, to refine and capture market share in the mid-range to upper mid-range segments.
So, rather than directly competing with top-tier processors, MediaTek is trailing behind, seizing the gaps that Qualcomm leaves open each year.
Challenges Ahead for Dimensity in the Near Future!
Qualcomm won't sit idle and let MediaTek take all the rewards! The American chipmaker hasn't risen to the top position for years by chance; they'll find ways to block the pursuer, one of which is restructuring their mid-range and low-end segments.
If you've been paying attention, you'll notice that recently, low-end Snapdragon series like 400, 600, and mid-range 700 series have seen significant improvements. First, there was the 690 with 5G, then the powerful 780 comparable to the 865, and recently the miraculous 480 matching the strength of the 720G,...
Additionally, restructuring old flagships under new names will be the strategy for Qualcomm to directly compete with MediaTek in the upper mid-range segment. For example, the 860 and 870 are the new names for the 855+ and 865+, tweaked to rival MediaTek's 1100 and 1200.
Furthermore, the new pressure from Exynos x AMD in the high-end segment will provide a basis for Qualcomm to reduce dominance, stop excessive chip price hikes, and restore balance to the market.
As mentioned in a previous article, Snapdragon, Exynos, and Kirin are the three-legged stool restraining each other. It's highly likely that after Kirin's leg falls, MediaTek Dimensity will be the perfect replacement.
But first, we must overcome the myriad challenges of the previous pandemic. The risk of raw material shortages, labor shortages, and transportation bottlenecks will further exacerbate the difficulties of this overheated market!
So what do users like us gain in this race?
In reality, from an end-user perspective, we are the ones most affected in this story!
Indeed, Qualcomm's monopoly has resulted in your smartphone, whether purchased or yet to be, being priced higher than the same value level from before. You'll have to pay extra for hallmark technologies like 5G.
MediaTek's entry into the upper mid-range smartphone market allows users to have options in this price range.
The simplest example is that you can purchase the powerful OPPO Reno6 with Dimensity 900 for only 12 million VND. Meanwhile, at the same price point, another manufacturer sells a smartphone using Snapdragon 480 5G.
Though the comparison may seem somewhat skewed, based on a basic user perspective, isn't the best choice always a powerful chip at a good price?
The more choices and competition there are, the more users will benefit the most?
Above is my perspective on MediaTek's strength and the current semiconductor market situation.
Feel free to share your views below!
Read more:
- OPPO Reno6 5G will continue the success of Reno5, here's why...
- MediaTek unveils Kompanio 1300T chip: Enhancing gaming experience...
