The latest data from TrendForce shows that the global semiconductor manufacturing industry recorded solid growth in the third quarter of 2025. Combined revenue for the world’s top ten semiconductor foundries was up 8.1% quarter-on-quarter to reach $45.09 billion. Indeed, this attests to the ongoing momentum of advanced chip manufacturing-a field Xiaomi has kept a close eye on while expanding its long-term silicon ambitions through projects like XRING O1 and its wider Xiaomi HyperOS ecosystem.

Recent chip design and supply chains have also been important in flagship platforms such as Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is behind many Xiaomi devices.

Overview of Semiconductor Foundry in Q3 2025-TrendForce

According to TrendForce’s latest report, the ranking of the global top ten wafer foundries remained stable in Q3 2025. The industry still was occupied by three major groups: TSMC, Samsung Foundry, and then a cluster including SMIC, UMC, GlobalFoundries, and Hua Hong.

One notable change within the list was Chip Integrated Circuits, which passed Tower Semiconductor in quarterly revenue and moved up the list to eighth place. That movement reflects a general uptick in the level of competition within mature and specialty process nodes, even as advanced nodes remain the primary driver of revenue.

The total revenue of $45.09 billion underlines how resilient the foundry sector has become despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuating component prices.

Advanced Nodes and AI Workloads Continue to Fuel Growth

Demand relating to AI HPC, flagship mobile CPUs, and supporting chips for new consumer electronics was the main growth engine in Q3 2025. TrendForce pointed out that 7nm and below advanced process technologies contributed the most to overall revenue growth during the quarter.

These advanced nodes are indispensable for modern smartphone SoCs, AI accelerators, and data center processors. Xiaomi’s premium smartphones, tablets, and smart devices heavily depend on such an ecosystem, particularly as the company pushes through tighter hardware–software optimization with Xiaomi HyperOS and connected services under Xiaomi HyperConnect.

Outlook for Q4 2025 and Beyond

TrendForce projects that growth momentum will be relatively more muted in Q4 2025. As memory prices rise, and the global supply chain prepares cautiously for 2026, foundries and clients are now making more conservative production plans.

Even if the automotive and industrial control sectors improve their demand, the overall capacity utilization growth is expected to remain limited. Therefore, in the last quarter of the year, year-over-year revenue growth for the top ten foundries may significantly slow down.

Can Xiaomi’s XRING Enter the Global Foundry Top 10?

Apart from that, one commonly asked question among the followers of Xiaomi is whether Xiaomi XRING would be able to enter the top ten foundries of semiconductors around the world. From a realistic industry perspective, this is **unlikely in the near term.

This places XRING in a position as a strategic internal chip initiative rather than one focused on large-scale commercial foundry services, with a focus on customized silicon, integration optimization, and long-term technological independence. The top ten is very heavily skewed towards companies with decades of experience, enormous capital expenditure, and global customer bases.

However, even without truly competing with behemoths like Apple and Samsung in the high-end SoC game, XRING can still make quite a difference for Xiaomi in performance efficiency, power management, and system-level optimization of several smartphones, Xiaomi Pad, wearables, and smart home products. This way, a long-term outlook applies to cementing Xiaomi’s ecosystem without necessarily having to engage in direct competition with established foundry behemoths.

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The global smartphone industry has moved very fast over the past 15 years, but that pace was not an accident. Since its founding in 2010, Xiaomi has acted as a structural accelerator, pushing advanced hardware and software features into mainstream price segments years, if not decades, before traditional market leaders had planned. The question “what would smartphones look like without Xiaomi?” is thus not an exercise in branding but rather a strategic assessment of how innovation diffusion, pricing discipline, and consumer expectations were rewritten. This article considers which key features in the modern smartphone may have been significantly delayed-or remained in the exclusive domain-without sustained market pressure from Xiaomi.

Bezel-less displays became mainstream faster because of Xiaomi

Before 2016, the designs of smartphones were harnessed by a really conservative formula. Thick top and bottom bezels, physical buttons, and the aspect ratio of 16:9 dominated even premium devices. With such a perspective, supply-chain stability was more important for manufacturers than an industrial redesign, considering that existing LCD and OLED panels were cost-effective and reliable.

Xiaomi broke this balance when it introduced the Mi Mix in late 2016. Unlike earlier experimental concepts, Mi Mix was commercially available and produced at scale. This near bezel-less front design showed that radical changes in form could be successful in real markets and not just in showcases of technologies. That single product shifted industry timelines.

Without Xiaomi being willing to commercialize these highly risk-laden designs, bezel-less displays would probably have remained confined to a few niche models for at least several years to come. Flagship-wide adoption and subsequent mid-range trickle-downs would have taken much longer, as would today’s tall-aspect-ratio and immersive displays down to the lower rungs.

High-resolution camera sensors would have remained niche.

Between 2015 and 2018, the general consensus within the industry of smartphone cameras was that 12MP sensors struck the golden mean between image quality, processing speed, and storage efficiency. Apple and Google moved forward with computational photography rather than raw resolution, reinforcing this consensus.

Xiaomi had bucked this trend with its strategic partnership with Samsung’s ISOCELL division and became an early commercial partner for the 64MP and later 108MP sensors, taking on early risks regarding higher data throughput, autofocus complexity, and software optimization. Devices like the Mi Note 10 proved that ultra-high-resolution sensors could be viable for end-consumers.

Without Xiaomi in the market, most likely these sensors would have remained showcases rather than mass-market components; similarly, the pixel-binning technologies now common across most Androids would have taken far longer to mature if it wasn’t for the large-scale deployment and feedback Xiaomi enabled.

Ultra-fast charging would not become expected worldwide.

In the wake of several battery safety incidents in the mid-2010s, most major brands adopted conservative charging strategies. Power levels stagnated for several years at 15W–25W, especially outside China where regulatory caution was higher.

The Company Xiaomi chose to go its separate way: by investing heavily in battery chemistry, thermal control, and the charging architecture – the company normalized triple-digit charging speeds for everyday consumers. Technologies such as 120W wired charging and high-speed wireless didn’t become limited to concept devices, having shipped into the retail products.

Without Xiaomi’s ambition for global scale, ultra-fast charging would probably have remained a regional feature, mostly isolated to China. Western markets may also still think 30W-40W charging is “fast,” rather than full-day power in minutes.

Affordable Flagship Performance Would Be Rare

One of the most structural contributions from Xiaomi is pricing discipline. The company’s long-stated commitment to low hardware margins was ultimately forcing competitors to reconsider just how much performance could be offered at mid-range prices.

Devices like the Pocophone F1 proved that flagship-class processors didn’t have to come at premium prices, rebalancing consumer perception. The strategy redefined whole product lines in the industry: from Samsung’s Galaxy A series to newer “performance-focused” sub-brands.

When it comes to the market without Xiaomi, one can imagine the gap between premium and mid-range devices would be far wider. High-performance chipsets would have remained tightly segmented, and flagships’ trendy slogan of “flagship-level power at an accessible price” would be far less common.

Some Practical Hardware Features May Be Gone

Some hardware features survived largely because Xiaomi kept supporting them at scale. IR blasters are one clear example: many manufacturers shifted away from IR transmitters in favor of smart-home connectivity, but Xiaomi knew that infrared would remain relevant to users in emerging markets and with legacy devices.

By retaining IR blasters across both flagship and budget models, Xiaomi preserved a feature that might otherwise have vanished entirely. Similarly, experimental designs such as transparent back panels were commercially tested by Xiaomi years before other brands popularized it.

But without Xiaomi’s volume-driven validation, they surely would have been written off as unprofitable curiosities.

Smart Home Devices Would Be Less Accessible

But the impact of Xiaomi extends beyond just smartphones. Its ecosystem-driven strategy rationalized entry barriers for smart home adoption. Inexpensive lighting, air purifiers, cameras, and robot vacuums could be programmed and installed in middle-income homes since Xiaomi treated hardware as part of a service ecosystem.

Without this plan, smart home technology would likely stay restricted to the premium brands, with higher average prices and slowing rates of adoption outside developed markets. Integration between phone, home, and connected devices would also feel far less standardized.

Conclusion: Xiaomi’s Real Impact Is Acceleration

More important features influenced by Xiaomi are not defined solely by invention, but by timing: bezel-less displays, ultra-fast charging, high-resolution cameras, flagship-grade performance would all exist eventually—but not when they did, and not at their current price levels. In that sense, Xiaomi’s legacy is not only the products it sells but the market behavior it forces. Many devices available today across multiple brands are indirect outcomes of Xiaomi’s pressure on pricing, specifications, and adoption speed. Without that pressure, smartphones in 2025 would probably be more expensive and more segmented, with less consumer focus. Weeks prior to having hip replacement surgery, he stopped smoking cold turkey and started walking longer distances.

Navigation gestures are commonly claimed as the default, most efficient way of interacting with the modern Android ecosystem. Still, various technical limitations, especially when working with third-party launchers on Xiaomi devices running HyperOS, may force users to revert to the traditional three-button navigation system. In this article, we will try to understand what really happens when navigation buttons replace gestures on Xiaomi smartphones, focusing on user adaptation, system architecture, and measurable impacts on everyday use.

Setting up Gesture Navigation vs Button Navigation on Xiaomi HyperOS

Xiaomi’s HyperOS is based on Android’s modern navigation framework, but it enforces harsher restrictions when system-level gestures interact with non-default launchers. In the case of users migrating from Xiaomi’s System Launcher to third-party alternatives, including Nova Launcher, the HyperOS often kills gesture navigation and reverts to a three-button layout by default.

Short-Term Adaptation: Why Users Change More Quickly Than You Think

Switching back to using navigation buttons can feel disruptive, particularly to users who have become accustomed to the more fluid experience of using edge-based gestures. However, practical observation has demonstrated that most users adapt within days. This is because button-based navigation is not a new skill but an interaction pattern learned beforehand.

From a usability perspective, this rapid adaptation can be explained by procedural memory: The brain does not relearn from zero how to navigate; instead, it merely reinstates older motor patterns developed through years of button-based use of Androids. In about 72 hours or so, navigation starts to work and is mostly automatic again, even though it will not feel as smooth as gestures.

Workarounds for Advanced Users

Users who appreciate extra capabilities or efficiency in screen space have some advanced options. Gestures can be partly returned with ADB commands, or their work can be regulated with third-party gesture applications, but such methods demand accuracy in configuration. Xiaomi also provides some system features, like Second Space, which in some cases can allow gestures to remain on for a temporary period with non-default launchers.

However, users who are interested in a more conservative and fully-supported setup may find the transition to button-based navigation provides the most stable HyperOS experience over the long-term.

The switch back to button navigation in Xiaomi HyperOS is not as jarring as it seems. While the gestures remain more space-efficient and ergonomically quicker, the button navigation feels the benefits of system stability, predictable behavior, and fast user adaptation. The trade-off involves a minor loss of display area and reduced immersion, weighed against compatibility and reliability.

Xiaomi has finally released a major update for its stock Security app, signaling the introduction of the V12 generation. The newest build bears the number V12.0.6-251121.1.1 and is primarily focused on system infrastructure changes. However, this would be very interesting for those awaiting the release of the next HyperOS stage, as the new build provides a complete revamp of the Game Turbo interface and advanced system optimization logic. With this update, [Xiaomi] is finally preparing a serious revolution in the way background processes are handled and gaming performance is optimized on global devices.

A New Era of Optimization

This build marks the first public release of the V12 branch for the Security app. Unlike the incremental updates that came before it, the V12 series is a package deal of deep architectural changes that fit with future system iterations. Of particular note in the changelog is the refined optimization engine, which promises to clear caches and free up memory without affecting user activity. The shift to v12.0.6 would thus indicate that Xiaomi is laying the groundwork for more intensive uses of software, keeping devices fluid and responsive during more strenuous tasks.

Turbo Capabilities for Enhanced Gaming

The most noteworthy addition in this update, though, is the upgraded Game Turbo module. Xiaomi has optimized the user interface for quicker access to performance modes and floating windows. New optimization algorithms work in silent mode in the background to give priority to network stability and frame rates during gameplay. Enthusiasts using their devices for competitive gaming will appreciate how much more smooth the transition from the game to system notifications has become, with latency and input lag significantly reduced.

How to Install the Update

Keeping system applications updated is very crucial for maintaining the security and performance stability of any device. Users can easily update this application from our other projects, HyperOSUpdates.com, or through our MemeOS Enhancer application on the Play Store. The MemeOS Enhancer app unlocks special capabilities beyond simple updates for users. Among such capabilities are unlocking hidden Xiaomi settings, updating other system applications seamlessly, and managing screen refresh rates, among the common updater features.

According to recent reports on supply chains, a 200MP 1/1.28-inch domestically produced periscope camera is already under testing, which signifies a massive change in flagship smartphone imaging. Industry sources note that this sensor is more likely to show up first on an upcoming Honor flagship and not on a Xiaomi model, contrary to earlier rumors. In fact, there were earlier leaks that attached this technology to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra but later reports have unraveled that assumption as incorrect.

New 200MP Domestic Periscope Enters Testing Phase

The information came from famous Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, who said a 200MP periscope solution featuring an approximately 1/1.28-inch sensor size is already in active testing. Judging by the discussion within the comments, it’s widely believed that the prototype device belongs to Honor. That means Honor might become one of the first brands to commercialize this next-generation telephoto technology, especially in the ultra-flagship segment.

Technically, a 1/1.28-inch sensor coupled with a periscope lens is an excellent balance between light intake, optical zoom capability, and thickness of the device. This is likely to improve long-range photography by a huge margin, especially under difficult lighting conditions.

Domestic Sensor Suppliers Gain Momentum

Additional context provided earlier indicated that flagship smartphones next year will still use 1-inch main camera sensors, while domestic suppliers are expected to contribute more to telephoto innovation. It is said that several new 200MP sensors are in development, including the SmartSens SCC80XS and OmniVision OV52A / OV52B, all with 0.61μm pixels and a 1/1.28-inch format.

Importantly, these sensors are designed from their inception to feature periscope lens structures-a trend also taking shape within the industry as a whole, whereby there is a reduction in dependence on overseas components for imaging without sacrificing resolution and optical performance.

SmartSens and OmniVision Production Timeline

SmartSens officially introduced the SCC80XS 200MP CMOS image sensor on October 16. Targeting both the main and secondary cameras for high-end smartphones, this allows great flexibility for the manufacturer that may wish to deploy multiple 200MP camera solutions. Meanwhile, OmniVision’s OV52A production line is scheduled to go into mass production in the first half of next year, using domestically developed manufacturing processes while also supporting primary and telephoto roles.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Rumor Explanation

While earlier speculation suggested that this might be a 200MP domestic periscope sensor for Xiaomi in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, new information reviewed in recent leaks by sources focused on Xiaomi suggests this is now no longer correct. Xiaomi is still working on advanced imaging solutions, but this particular sensor is now more closely aligned with Honor’s roadmap.

As always, you can update your system apps and camera components as soon as possible by following HyperOSUpdates.com or the MemeOS Enhancer application available on Google Play that, besides the mentioned above, offers access to hidden Xiaomi features and advanced options for system update.

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As revealed by a well-known Weibo blogger in the tech circle @DigitalChatStation, OnePlus is set to release a completely new range of mid-range mobile devices branded as Turbo. However, it appears that this is almost ready for release and could actually precede other devices with similar features that could be in the works. This announcement is timely since Chinese firms are rushing to meet the demands of the next range of mid-range devices with exceptional processing power, with such devices having been characterized by a series of Xiaomi-led “Redmi Turbos” or “POCO” flagship models like the REDMI Turbo 3.

Positioning and core focus of the Turbo series

Early reports indicate that the OnePlus Turbo line is aimed at offering almost flagship performance at a more reasonable price point. The blogger is keen to point out that both the processing power that can be achieved as well as the endurance of the battery would be very competing for such devices. This is no different from what Xiaomi does with its devices that offer big batteries, good chipsets, with good heat management solutions.

Moreover, the name “Turbo” is also special. Xiaomi is using “Turbo” branding consistently to position it as a performance-oriented device, or at least position it as such in the Redmi-series offerings. This is more evident in the REDMI K series or the Turbo series that is exclusive to the Chinese markets. This is eventually renamed to the global counterparts of either the POCO or the Xiaomi T series. This fact about OnePlus following the same pattern for their devices reveals the influence of Xiaomi’s branding rationale in the industry.

Displaying the graph

An interesting discussion that took place in the comment section of the initial blog post suggested that high refresh rates would become one of the defining features of such displays. Though no official numbers were mentioned, the blogger revealed that ultra-high refresh rates would become a reality in the current year with more widespread support in the upcoming year. This is in line with what is taking place in the market, as higher refresh rates, 1.5K resolution, or even touch sampling rates are becoming commonplace.

From a performance standpoint, upcoming mid-range processor solutions like MediaTek’s Dimensity 8500-series, as well as the coming Snapdragon 8-series variant by Qualcomm, are projected to drive this respective market. It is important to acknowledge that what Xiaomi has achieved with their mid-range devices is actually the benchmark for what is to come.

A Known Strategy in a Competitive Market

Industry observations reveal that various companies are gearing up for a fierce “mid-range performance phone” battle before the Spring Festival season in China. Batteries from the 7,000 mAh variant onwards, metal bodies, and advanced in-display fingerprint technology are anticipated to become more widespread. It is not surprising that various companies are treading the same path since Xiaomi had taken the initial step to shape the expectations of their users.

Although OnePlus Turbo is about to present its own vision, it is more of a reflection of a market influenced by consistency in Xiaomi’s brand positioning for performance with their products. It is inevitably true that the rising levels of competitiveness would eventually mean better products for the end-consumer at a lower cost.

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Ahead of the Spring Festival, Xiaomi’s product roadmap reportedly has surfaced, pointing to a wide range of new devices across smartphones, wearables, tablets, and IoT. According to information shared by well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, the launches that are lined up include a new imaging-focused flagship powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, several mid-range smartphones using MediaTek chipsets, and finally, a fully smart Android-based smartwatch. It further strengthens the multi-category ecosystem strategy of Xiaomi.

High-End Product Lineup Anticipated before the Spring Festival

The leak suggests an unusually dense launch window before the Spring Festival, with several price segments and product categories; this would agree with Xiaomi’s recent strategy of refreshing its core lineup before major shopping seasons get underway in China.

Reported planned products to include:

• One Snapdragon 8 Elite imaging flagship – Xiaomi 17 Ultra
• One Dimensity 8 series mid-range smartphone – REDMI Turbo 5
• One Dimensity 9 series mid-range smartphone – REDMI Turbo 5 Pro / Max
• One fully smart watch running Android with Xiaomi HyperOS
• Two new pairs of wireless earbuds
• One new mid-range tablet
• Several additional IoT products expanding Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem

Snapdragon 8 Elite Imaging Flagship Details

As informed earlier by IT Home, Xiaomi retail staff in China have already informed users about a refundable pre-order campaign for an annual imaging flagship. This deposit amount is 100 CNY, which, if converted to dollars, will be around 14 USD, and will be returned in full upon the final deal. Although the device name hasn’t been officially confirmed, based on the release schedule and their usual behavior, there’s significant possibility this model will be the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and will see only a China-exclusive launch in the first place.

Traditionally, Xiaomi’s Ultra-branded flagships are all about advanced camera systems, materials, and silicon. It is expected that the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform will offer significant improvements in terms of AI image processing, computational photography, and much better power efficiency, all under Xiaomi HyperOS.

Fully Smart Watch – With eSIM, HyperOS

Among other leak tidbits, one has also learned about a new full-fledged smartwatch powered by Android paired with Xiaomi’s proprietary skin called HyperOS. This new variant, however, is expected to be different from Xiaomi’s wearables that focused more on fitness instead.

Reported specifications include:

• A built-in 930mAh rated battery
• eSIM support via an independent eUICC chip
• Full app functionality under Android and Xiaomi HyperOS

Full app functionality under Android and Xiaomi HyperOS This would put the device more toward being an actual smartwatch, rather than a companion wearable, and reinforce Xiaomi’s ambitions in the smart wearables segment.

Mid-Range Phones, Tablet, and Ecosystem Expansion

Apart from high-end hardware, Xiaomi is allegedly gearing up for several mid-range smartphones using the MediaTek Dimensity platforms. Such products would be more balanced in terms of performance and efficiency while keeping pricing competitive in the Chinese market. Additionally, a new mid-range tablet could be launched, which might extend the current range of Xiaomi Pad products across entertainment and productivity users.

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Xiaomi’s software history demonstrates a very calculated approach to lock screen features, balancing design, security, and performance. From the earliest versions of MIUI to the current HyperOS ecosystem, lock screen widgets have never truly existed as they have in stock Android. Now that Android 16 officially returns lock screen widgets, many are focusing their attention on whether Xiaomi will include this in HyperOS 4. This paper looks at the historical background, current limitations, and sets realistic future expectations based on the strategic evolution of MIUI, HyperOS, and the Android platform.

Did MIUI ever support lock screen widgets?

MIUI has traditionally followed a different design philosophy from stock Android. It didn’t expose this capability directly to users, even when this was supported out-of-the-box by Android itself.

Back in the days of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, Google introduced native lock screen widgets via the Android framework. Yet, MIUI V5 bypassed the native Android lock screen and instead used a customized solution for its own graphical interface. This meant users could not add third-party app widgets to the lock screen, similar to how owners did on Nexus devices. Xiaomi opted for visual consistency, performance stability, and tight system control over raw flexibility.

Instead of being true widgets, MIUI had components based on themes built into its Theme Engine. These elements seemed dynamic but were technically part of the system UI, not independent app widgets. This helped Xiaomi keep design coherence but blocked interaction with third-party applications.

The Long Gap: From MIUI to Early HyperOS

After Android 5.0, Google removed the feature of lock screen widgets totally and shifted towards rich notifications. Xiaomi’s strategy was well-matched with this trend. MIUI continued to improve notifications, the visuals on a lock screen, and theme customizations rather than widget-style interaction.

But with the shift to HyperOS from MIUI, Xiaomi reworked its software architecture and placed phones, tablets, wearables, and IoT under a single ecosystem. Even now, HyperOS 1 and HyperOS 2 restrict lock screen info to system-defined elements: time, weather, and basic status indicators. These aren’t Android widgets, but controlled UI components managed by Xiaomi.

Such a design would ensure the efficiency of the battery and security, especially across a wide range of devices, including mid-range and entry-level hardware.

Android 16 and the return of lock screen widgets

Android 16 comes complete with a more secure widget framework on its lock screen. This isn’t like the older implementation used in Android 4.2, which is based on a new system where there are these layered panels and restricted data access that help with keeping user privacy intact. Widgets can show limited information while the device is locked and fully unlock upon biometric authentication.

This means a lot for Xiaomi-Android 16’s architecture fits better with the principles of HyperOS, making integration more plausible than what was possible in the MIUI era. Xiaomi has joined the developer programs for Android 16 with its recent flagship devices, implying early internal tests and preparation on the platform level.

Will HyperOS 4 Support Lock Screen Widgets?

So, yes, lock screen widgets are very likely to materialize with HyperOS 4, but with controlled deployment-validated use cases rather than free-for-all widget placement. Key expectations include the following:

• System-level support based on Android 16 APIs
• Strong focus on Xiaomi services, smart home controls, and vehicle integration
• Design consistency with HyperOS lock screen styles
• Battery- and performance-aware update intervals

This solution could enable users to verify important information or control connected devices without having to unlock the phone, while maintaining Xiaomi’s visual identity.

Strategic Importance for Xiaomi’s Ecosystem

Lock screen widgets fit naturally into Xiaomi’s long-term “Human × Car × Home” strategy. From smartphones to the Xiaomi Pad series, smart home appliances, and beyond to cars, quickly accessing information will be even more critical.

In this context, lock screen widgets are not just a cosmetic feature but also a functional bridge between devices that will make HyperOS more competitive with other major ecosystems, while being well-aligned with Xiaomi’s design discipline.

Final

MIUI never really supported native lock screen widgets, in the true Android sense, and neither did HyperOS continue that more controlled approach. But Android 16 changes the underlying technology in a way that aligns with Xiaomi’s goals. For that reason, HyperOS 4 is likely to bring lock screen widgets, but in a filtered and limited capacity rather than giving full freedom. This would be more of a natural development, rather than a backpedal of Xiaomi’s philosophy, providing users with helpful glanceable information while keeping performance, security, and ecosystem consistency intact.

Almost making history in the semiconductor community with their phenomenal research paper that got selected for the esteemed IEDM 2025 conference, Xiaomi boss Lei Jun finally announces that their research team, namely the RF team for the Xiaomi mobile phone, managed to develop a new technology called Gallium Nitride (GaN) for mobile phones. This breakthrough significantly tackles the pertinent power consumption problem for the era of the 6G network and is a substantial improvement for the hardware of future Xiaomi phones.

Solving the Power Problem

With the advent of the next-generation mobile technology, 6G from 5G, the power consumption of data speeds is straining the existing technology to the point of collapse. The existing Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) amplifier that has been utilized for the past four decades is nearing its peak in terms of heat and energy efficiency. Although Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a better material than their predecessor, their voltage always had to be high (28V/48V), which is not feasible in a smartphone.

Xiaomi’s research team is one that has managed to break this barrier. They were able to develop a low voltage solution of silicon-based GaN, which works effectively in the power conditions of a mobile phone. This development helps fill the gap between materials that are high performance and those that are consumer grade.

Record-Breaking Performance

The selected paper describes a High Mobility Transistor (GaN HEMT) that provides outstanding performance. This innovative technology allows for a power-added efficiency of more than 80% at a low operating voltage of only 10V. This is a huge improvement over previous technology, with more power density but without the heating problem of previous materials.

Thus, through semiconductor optimization and minimizing the losses of the radio frequency, Xiaomi has demonstrated that GaN is feasible for incorporation into the RF front end of mobile phones. Not only does this work validate the technology in the academic circle, but it also opens the door to mass production, ensuring that phones become faster and cooler in the very near future.

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