Xiaomi is rumored to be preparing a groundbreaking release with its upcoming flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Data suggests this would mark Xiaomi’s first smartphone launch using their own chipset called Small Surge. The recent move to produce custom silicon shows courage that will help Xiaomi gain more ground in the mobile phone sector.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra follows a long gap in Xiaomi’s custom chip development. In 2017 the company unveiled its Surge S1 processor built on 28nm technology that launched in the Mi 5c phone. After 2017 Xiaomi shifted away from developing custom silicon until the launch of the new product. Xiaomi aims to rebuild its chipmaking ambitions by competing against industry leaders Qualcomm and MediaTek.
What We Know About the ‘Small Surge’ Chip
While specifics about the ‘Small Surge’ chip remain under wraps, it’s expected to play a significant role in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s performance. The Small Surge chip exists separately from an SoC to deliver exceptional performance in particular features without needing multichip capabilities. By developing a targeted chip Xiaomi can enhance its smartphone functions to better align with its software features.
Xiaomi and other Chinese smartphone companies now study and develop solutions exclusively for their devices. OPPO and other companies tested this concept through their development of MariSilicon imaging chip technology. Xiaomi’s renewed focus on custom silicon with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra suggests it’s looking to gain greater control over hardware and software optimization.
A Step Toward 3nm and Beyond
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra might not stop at the ‘Small Surge’ chip. People expect Xiaomi will launch a 3nm chipset to compete directly with Qualcomm and MediaTek’s top-tier chips. If true, this would elevate Xiaomi’s status in the industry and position the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as a serious contender in the premium smartphone space.
People believe Xiaomi is making a 4nm chip that should hit the market by 2025. While this chip is expected to deliver performance comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it’s unclear whether it will appear in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra or other future devices. Despite this milestone Xiaomi shows its dedication towards expanding its custom silicon technology plans.
Imaging Innovations for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is also rumored to feature a custom imaging processor, which aligns with the growing trend of smartphone makers prioritizing camera performance. According to speculation the device will benefit from a 200MP sensor that adds 4x optical zoom to boost computational photography performance.
Fortified processors let smartphone producers bring new picture and video advancements to market with better image control. For the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, this could mean sharper images, improved low-light performance, and faster processing speeds, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts.
Challenges of Building Custom Chips
Making custom silicon products takes a lot of work and Xiaomi faces these difficulties like any other company. When OPPO rolled out the MariSilicon chip in 2021 it worked but had to give up on it two years later because it was too expensive to produce and return minimal profits.
Xiaomi’s decision to return to in-house chip development with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra shows its determination, but the company will need to overcome similar hurdles. If Xiaomi succeeds, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could set the stage for the company to differentiate itself from competitors. By making chips in-house Xiaomi can add distinctive functions and customize product performance better.
Final Thought
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra could mark a turning point for Xiaomi as it re-enters the world of custom silicon. Through ‘Small Surge’ Xiaomi builds its flagship phone to outshine competitors by tailoring the processor for unique functionalities.
While challenges remain, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a bold step forward for the company. As we wait for more details, one thing is certain: Xiaomi is determined to make its mark in the smartphone industry, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could be the device to do it.
