There are apparently a number of 7nm MediaTek SoCs on the cards

MediaTek look to be starting the new year on a strong note. Details of the company's Helio P4O and P70 SoCs were leaked a few days ago, throwing light on two chipsets that could very well offer competition to Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 640 and 670 mid-range processors. MediaTek won't be stopping there, though, as word claims that the company has as many as three 7nm-based SoCs on the way in 2018.

MediaTek's SoCs are based on TSMC's manufacturing process. The company released the 10nm SoC, the Helio X30, last year, but it turned out to be an undisputed failure. Low yield rates ensured the Helio X30 was only used on Meizu's Pro 7 Plus flagship and the luxury Meitu V6. Considering that failure, it's a tad surprising to learn that the company will go even deeper down the rabbit hole with a 7nm SoC. Moreso considering the fact that rivals like Qualcomm and Samsung decided to focus on 10nm chipsets this year. Perhaps MediaTek believes this move would give them an advantage in the market.

The company announced its decision to take a break from producing X-series flagship SoCs, so any 7nm chipset we get will be a Helio P one. The P40 and P70 are both based on a 12nm process, so the jump upwards to 7nm would be even more bizarre. 

MediaTek's issues are much larger than SoC prowess, in any case. The company has to improve its attitude towards driver support and kernel source releases if it's to compete with Qualcomm.