Qualcomm and MediaTek, two major fabless manufacturers, have been dominating the smartphone processor market for years, supplying processors to global smartphone manufacturers. However, their competition goes beyond just smartphone processors as they are also involved in the fields of automobiles, smart homes, and the Internet of Things. The latest reports reveal that the two companies are intensifying competition in the fields of Wi-Fi 7 and satellite communications.
Competition in Wi-Fi 7
At the 2023 Mobile World Congress, both Qualcomm and MediaTek displayed products and technologies related to Wi-Fi 7, which is the next generation of Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to be faster, more efficient, and capable of supporting more devices than the current Wi-Fi 6 technology. The competition between the two companies in this field is getting more intense, as they are trying to attract customers with their latest offerings.
MediaTek showcased its T700 5G modem chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and provides a theoretical maximum download speed of up to 10Gbps. The chip can also support multiple frequency bands and different technologies, including Wi-Fi 7, 5G, and Bluetooth 5.2.
On the other hand, Qualcomm unveiled its FastConnect 8000 system, which is a Wi-Fi 7 solution designed for mobile devices. It supports speeds of up to 7.8Gbps and is capable of providing a more reliable and stable connection, even in congested environments.
Competition in satellite communications
The two companies are also competing in the field of satellite communications, which is becoming more important for smartphones. The latest smartphones, including the Apple iPhone 14 series, support satellite communications in emergency situations. This means that in case of an emergency, users can still make calls and send messages, even in areas with no cellular coverage.
Qualcomm's X65 modem chip is responsible for enabling the satellite communication function in the iPhone 14 series. The chip supports the Band n53 frequency used by Globalstar satellites, allowing users to make calls and send messages via satellite when there is no cellular coverage. However, the satellite communication function requires both hardware and software support, and the software related to satellite communication in the iPhone 14 series is all designed by Apple.
MediaTek is also working on its own satellite communication solution, which is expected to be launched in the near future. The company has partnered with Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, to develop a satellite modem that can be integrated into mobile devices. MediaTek's satellite modem is expected to support multiple frequency bands and provide a reliable connection even in remote areas.
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