Huawei Unveils Kirin 9010 Processor in Latest Pura 70 Smartphones

Huawei's latest Pura 70 smartphones are equipped with a new version of Huawei's Kirin 9000s processor, the Kirin 9010, according to tech consultancy TechInsights. This revelation highlights Huawei's continued production of advanced chips, following concerns from Washington that China lacked the capability to produce a 7-nanometer chip. The Mate 60 Pro also uses a version of this chip, which was manufactured by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.

Key Takeaways

• Huawei's latest smartphones use a newer version of the Kirin 9000s processor, Kirin 9010.
• This revelation comes after a teardown of Huawei's Pura 70 series by consultancy TechInsights.
• The Kirin 9010 was manufactured by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. for the Mate 60 Pro.
• The Kirin 9010's existence contradicts previous concerns that China was incapable of producing a 7-nanometer chip.
• The Kirin 9010 is a sign of Huawei's continued production of the controversial chip.

Analysis

The revelation of Huawei's Kirin 9010 processor in its latest Pura 70 smartphones indicates China's advanced chip production capabilities, contradicting previous concerns. This development may strain US-China tech tensions, impacting semiconductor companies and investors globally. Short-term, Huawei strengthens its position in the high-end smartphone market, while long-term consequences might include increased scrutiny and regulation of Chinese tech firms. Competitors like Qualcomm and Samsung may face pressure to innovate further, with potential implications for their market share and financial performance.

Did You Know?

• Kirin 9010: This is the latest processor developed by Huawei for its smartphones. It is an upgrade from the previous Kirin 9000s processor and is used in Huawei's latest Pura 70 series.

• Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.: This is a Chinese semiconductor company that manufactured the Kirin 9010 processor for Huawei's Mate 60 Pro. It is one of the largest semiconductor foundries in the world and a significant player in the global semiconductor industry.

• 7-nanometer chip: This refers to the size of the transistors on a chip. A 7-nanometer chip has transistors that are 7 nanometers (billionths of a meter) apart. Smaller transistors can lead to faster and more efficient chips, making them highly sought after in the semiconductor industry. The Kirin 9010's existence contradicts previous concerns that China was unable to produce a 7-nanometer chip, highlighting the country's progress in semiconductor technology.