Samsung starts producing 12 Gb LPDDR5 memory for premium handhelds

Previously scheduled for a 2020 release, the LPDDR5 mobile DRAM developed by Samsung has recently been pushed to mass production, just five months after the announcement of LPDDR4X availability. With this move Samsung is looking to reinforce the premium handheld lineup and further promote the rapid adoption of 5G and AI features in future smartphones. The first batch of LPDDR5 chips will focus on 12 Gb packages, and Samsung is already planning to mass produce 12 GB packages that include eight 12 Gb chips later this month.

The 12 Gb LPDDR5 chips are capable of delivering 5.5 Mb/s data transfer speeds, making them 1.3 times faster than current LPDDR4X modules. An 8-chip 12 GB package of LPDDR5 DRAM memory is estimated to provide 44 GB/s data transfers and up to 30% less power usage thanks to new 10 nm circuitry specifically designed to operate at higher clocks.

Depending on demand from global customers, Samsung may transfer the LPDDR5 production line to the new Pyeongtaek campus found in the North-West of South Korea by next year. Additionally, to solidify its leading position on the mobile DRAM market, Samsung is already planning to deliver 16 Gb LPDDR5 chips for 2020.

The first commercial LPDDR5 implementations are expected to arrive with the Galaxy Note 10, possibly even with the reworked Galaxy Fold.