Analyst Reveals Qualcomm’s Partnership with China’s CXMT Aims to Develop 3D DRAM NPUs for Smartphone Revolution by 2027

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Advancements in Smartphone AI: Standalone NPUs on the Horizon

Modern smartphones typically incorporate a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) embedded within the system-on-chip (SoC), using a shared power budget between the CPU and GPU. This structuring inherently limits the computational strength of the NPU. Analysts suggest that Qualcomm, in collaboration with Chinese firms CXMT and GigaDevice, is on a mission to create a standalone NPU that can handle more intensive AI drives effectively by utilizing 3D DRAM technology.

Enhanced Performance with Advanced Memory Technologies

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst from TF International Securities, the collaboration between Qualcomm and CXMT aims to produce a dedicated NPU that not only meets the demand for custom DRAM but also provides ample memory and superior AI capabilities. This dedicated NPU will feature 4GB of 3D DRAM, offering a memory bandwidth greater than the LPDDR5X standard, thanks to advanced technologies like Through-Silicon Via (TSV) and Hybrid Bonding.

This new configuration is expected to achieve a performance of 40 TOPS (trillion operations per second).Although Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 claims up to 100 TOPS, achieving this peak performance generally requires optimal conditions. Therefore, a dedicated NPU producing a steady 40 TOPS could feasibly double the AI processing potential found in flagship smartphones. The introduction of this AI accelerator is anticipated in devices available by late 2026 or early 2027, targeting Chinese smartphone models priced between RMB 4, 000 and 4, 500 (approximately $585 to $660 USD).

近期市場在傳 Qualcomm 跟長鑫存儲（CXMT）合作客製化記憶體消息，以下是沒提到的重點：1.這是指 Qualcomm 與兆易創新合作，應用於手機獨立 NPU，目標客戶為中國手機品牌。2.預計 2026 年底或 2027 年初大量出貨，定位人民幣 4, 000–4, 500 元以上機種。3.該 NPU 擁有約 40 TOPS 算力，配備 4GB…

— 郭明錤｜Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) April 14, 2026

Challenges Ahead for Chinese Smartphone Brands

Although the potential implementation of a dedicated NPU heralds a significant leap in technology, the escalating costs of memory could deter various Chinese manufacturers from embracing these innovations. Giants like Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Huawei, and others are already strategizing on how to reduce expenses associated with DRAM and flash memory to maintain their profit margins. The integration of an advanced 4GB 3D DRAM NPU will undoubtedly add financial pressure.

Inoltre, Kuo sottolinea che, nonostante la disponibilità di questo hardware, le applicazioni esistenti devono evolversi per sfruttare appieno le capacità di intelligenza artificiale integrate negli smartphone. I consumatori esprimono anche perplessità riguardo al valore di un investimento in una NPU dedicata, chiedendosi se fornirà miglioramenti sufficientemente innovativi da giustificare il costo aggiuntivo.

Fonte della notizia: Ming-Chi Kuo

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