Xiaomi is preparing to launch its self-developed mobile chip, XringO1, at the end of May 2025, marking a significant step in its strategy to enhance high-end devices with proprietary technology.

The Xring O1 is reported to outperform Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the Geekbench benchmarking platform, aiming to compete against major rivals such as Samsung and Apple.

Rumors suggest that the Xring O1 will be built on TSMC's 4nm process, incorporating older ARM CPU designs, which may limit its performance compared to the latest chips.

Historically, Xiaomi has relied on Qualcomm and MediaTek for chips, and while Qualcomm is expected to maintain this partnership, Xiaomi's in-house development could alter the competitive landscape.

Unlike Huawei, Xiaomi is not on the U.S. export control blacklist, allowing it to collaborate with global partners like TSMC for chip development.

This move signifies Xiaomi's transformation from a budget smartphone manufacturer to a serious contender in the semiconductor market, joining other Chinese firms like Huawei and Baidu in accelerating chip development.

Despite its advanced specifications, the specific contract chipmaker for the Xring O1 remains undisclosed, as U.S. export controls currently restrict local foundries in China from mass-producing 3-nm chips.

Xiaomi aims to reduce its reliance on foreign chipmakers by leveraging advanced 3-nanometer technology for its new chip, although it faces challenges due to U.S. sanctions.

Concerns have been raised regarding the energy efficiency of the Xring O1, which could impact overall device performance despite its promising capabilities.

Xiaomi currently holds a 13.7% share of the global smartphone market, ranking third behind Samsung and Apple, with approximately 42 million smartphones shipped in the first quarter of 2025.

As the launch date approaches, tech enthusiasts and consumers are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on the Xring O1 and its capabilities.

While Xiaomi may face challenges in scaling up chip production and competing with established companies like Nvidia and Qualcomm, successful in-house chip development could significantly enhance device performance and security.