Xiaomi’s upcoming XRING 03 chip could make the Xiaomi 18 Fold one of the first smartphones to use the new LPDDR6 RAM.
Chinese memory company CXMT is reportedly planning to start mass-producing LPDDR6 chips next month. This could give CXMT an early advantage over Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron.
Reports say Xiaomi is working with CXMT to add LPDDR6 support to its XRING 03 platform.
Xiaomi 18 Fold May Get LPDDR6 First
The latest reports suggest that Xiaomi could use CXMT’s first LPDDR6 memory in the Xiaomi 18 Fold.
The foldable phone is expected to compete with devices such as Apple’s iPhone Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8.
However, the number of phones using the XRING 03 chip could be fairly small. One report estimates that total shipments may be around 300,000 units.
This smaller production target could make it easier for CXMT to supply enough LPDDR6 memory while it works on improving production.
CXMT Has Some Production Problems
Although CXMT could start LPDDR6 production before bigger memory companies, producing large quantities may be difficult.
The company faces U.S. trade restrictions, which limit its access to some advanced chip-making equipment.
Because of this, CXMT reportedly uses older DUV lithography machines along with more complicated manufacturing methods.
These methods can increase production costs and lower the number of usable chips produced.
As a result, CXMT may struggle to match the production levels of Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron.
XRING 03 Could Give Xiaomi an Advantage
The XRING 03 is expected to be made using TSMC’s 3nm N3P process. This could help Xiaomi secure enough processor production capacity.
The bigger problem could instead be LPDDR6 memory supply.
Xiaomi could use the older LPDDR5X RAM, but choosing LPDDR6 could help the Xiaomi 18 Fold stand out, especially if it launches as a premium foldable phone.
CXMT’s early move into LPDDR6 could also help the company attract more Chinese customers, including Huawei.
However, the biggest challenge will be whether CXMT can increase production while keeping good quality and production yields.
Meanwhile, Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron could catch up quickly once they begin large-scale LPDDR6 production.