MediaTek allegedly working on a 7 nm, 12-core processor

MediaTek Helio X30 deca-core processor to get 12-core successor built on 7 nm — MediaTek Helio X30 deca-core processor

Insiders familiar with the matter claim that TSMC will soon begin trials of a 12-core MediaTek chipset built using 7 nm technology and mass production is expected to start in the first half of 2018.

Codrut Nistor, 03/10/2017

MediaTek might not be the leader of the chip market yet, but they were the first to launch a deca-core processor for smartphones, while its latest deca-core chips are also among the first to use the 10 nm process. Now, insiders familiar with the inner workings of the Taiwanese company claim that a 12-core chipset is already in the works.

According to DigiTimes, "MediaTek will continue to partner with the foundry to make its next-generation flagship mobile chips, according to industry sources. TSMC will enter risk production for a MediaTek chip on the newer 7nm process in the second quarter, said the sources, adding that the SoC incorporates 12 CPU cores." What DigiTimes calls "risk production" is apparently an early test batch.

The first rumors concerning a 12-core processor by MediaTek surfaced back in 2015, so now this might be a rumor to get its confirmation in the coming months. MediaTek recently denied the rumors claiming that low yield rates for TSMC's 10 nm process could have an impact on the Helio X30 shipments.