SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics will add a key mid- to high-range option to its smartphone chip portfolio in the first half of 2018 with an 11-nanometer offering.
Chips made with 11nm technology will be up to 10% smaller and offer 15% better performance than those made via the current 14nm process. Memory chips used in smartphones and personal computers form the backbone of the South Korean company's chipmaking business, but it sees market expansion for system chips as well.
In the latter half of 2018, Samsung will kick off production of next-generation 7nm chips drawing on the latest in photolithographic fabrication technology. The company said Monday that it has gone through roughly 200,000 silicon wafers as part of development efforts underway since 2014, noting that the technology is advancing steadily.
These new chips aim to keep Samsung competitive with Taiwanese chipmakers for orders from Apple and other high-end smartphone makers. The South Korean company held an information session on its chipmaking operations for clients here in July, and will hold another in Tokyo this week.
