Xiaomi 15 Ultra: First Smartphone With In-House ‘Small Surge’ SoC Amidst Hidden Specifications

Xiaomi is poised for a significant development this year with the impending launch of its first in-house 3nm chipset, designed to compete with leading solutions from Qualcomm and MediaTek. The company made its initial foray into custom silicon production with the Surge S1 in 2017, which was built on a 28nm process and used in the Mi 5c. Following that introduction, many assumed Xiaomi’s pursuit of proprietary chip technology had diminished due to the high costs and complexities involved. However, it seems the company is ready to introduce a new ‘Small Surge’ chipset alongside the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

Potential for a Custom Imaging Processor

In addition to the new chipset, Xiaomi may integrate a custom imaging processor in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, as many Chinese smartphone manufacturers are shifting towards in-house solutions. Despite this, the specific details surrounding the Small Surge chip remain sparse. Tech insider @That_Kartikey has provided updates regarding the chip, yet remains uncertain about its specifications. Importantly, in-house silicon can extend beyond just the traditional ‘system on a chip’ framework; it can also include solutions tailored for the imaging processor, display driver, or a neural processing unit (NPU). This capability would allow Xiaomi to exert greater control over specific functionalities and optimize software performance.

The Implications of a ‘Small’ Chip

While the details regarding the Small Surge chip are still largely unknown, the nomenclature raises questions. Major tech companies typically avoid naming their next-generation silicon with qualifiers like ‘Small’, as this could detract from perceived performance and innovation. It’s plausible that Xiaomi might choose to rebrand this chipset at its official launch, and we eagerly await clarity on its true performance intentions. For context, OPPO previously ventured into custom silicon with its MariSilicon imaging chip in 2021 but ceased operations in 2023, revealing the inherent challenges in this ambitious endeavor.

Exclusive: Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a new Self Developed mystery Small Surge chip. Specification is unknown ~

— Kartikey Singh (@That_Kartikey) January 17, 2025

Looking Ahead to Future Innovations

Xiaomi’s prolonged hiatus from developing in-house chip technology over the last seven years suggests a focused effort on creating a product that enhances the performance of its flagship devices. Furthermore, rumors indicate that the company is also working on a separate 4nm chipset set to launch in the first half of 2025, expected to match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. As we anticipate the release of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, excitement builds for what these advancements may hold for the future of smartphone technology.

News Source: @That_Kartikey

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