Huawei’s upcoming application processor (AP) for the Mate 80 series is generating excitement, with reports suggesting a performance increase of 20% compared to its predecessor, the Kirin 9020. This information comes from a reliable leaker on Weibo, who states that the new Kirin 9030 AP, set to debut with the Mate 80 flagship line later this year, could potentially outperform the Kirin 9000S by a significant margin of 50% to 60%. Historically, Huawei’s HiSilicon division was a leader in chip design and was second only to Apple in terms of TSMC’s customers. However, U.S. sanctions have severely restricted Huawei’s ability to enhance their chip technology.
These limitations prevent the company from acquiring advanced lithography machines, which are crucial for developing cutting-edge semiconductor technology. Although the Kirin 9000S, released in 2023, managed to reintroduce 5G capabilities to Huawei devices, the company has faced challenges in keeping pace with competitors like Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek. The Kirin 9020, introduced alongside the Pura 70 series last year, reportedly offered a remarkable 40% improvement over the Kirin 9000S. Despite the sanctions impacting their technological progress, Huawei is reportedly exploring methods like multiple impressions to bridge the gap left by the inability to obtain extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines.
However, employing this technique comes with its own set of challenges, including misalignments that can cause reliability issues and increased costs. Despite these hurdles, Huawei remains optimistic about unveiling a 5nm chipset by the end of the year. The developments surrounding the Kirin 9030 could signal a promising return for Huawei in the competitive smartphone market.