In a bold move that signals a new chapter in its technological evolution, Xiaomi has confirmed the launch of its first self-developed smartphone chip, dubbed Xiaomi XRING 01. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history, solidifying Xiaomi’s commitment to advancing in-house hardware innovation and reducing dependency on third-party chipmakers.
The XRING 01 chip, expected to arrive in late May 2025, represents over a decade of research and development. This milestone could have significant implications not only for Xiaomi’s smartphone lineup but also for the larger mobile chip industry.
Xiaomi XRING 01: Official Confirmation and Launch Timeline
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun made the news public via a Weibo post, confirming that the XRING 01 will launch before the end of May 2025. What sets this apart from previous Xiaomi chip efforts—like the Surge S1 and Surge C1—is that the XRING 01 is being promoted as a high-performance application processor (AP) designed to power flagship-level smartphones.
Jun emphasized that the XRING 01 chip is completely designed and developed in-house, showcasing the company’s maturity in hardware R&D. He also revealed that Xiaomi’s journey into chip development started back in September 2014, a testament to the long-term vision behind this endeavor.
What to Expect from Xiaomi XRING 01: Leaks and Rumors
Although Xiaomi has not released detailed specifications yet, multiple leaks and insider reports provide an exciting preview of what the XRING 01 chipset might bring to the table.
Manufacturing Process and Architecture
The XRING 01 is reportedly being built using TSMC’s N4P process, a refined 4nm manufacturing node known for better power efficiency and thermal performance. This positions the chip to compete with high-performance SoCs currently on the market.
CPU Configuration: Balanced Performance and Efficiency
According to leaks, the XRING 01 will adopt an octa-core CPU with a 1+3+4 configuration:
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1x Cortex-X925 Prime Core @ 3.2GHz
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3x Cortex-A725 Performance Cores @ 2.6GHz
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4x Cortex-A520 Efficiency Cores @ 2.0GHz
This combination is designed to offer a balanced computing experience—optimized for both high-end performance and energy efficiency in daily use.
GPU Power: Imagination Technologies IMG DXT72
For graphics processing, the chip is rumored to feature the IMG DXT72 GPU from Imagination Technologies, clocked at 1.3GHz. This graphics unit is expected to offer performance that could potentially outpace Qualcomm’s Adreno 740, the GPU found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Will XRING 01 Compete with Snapdragon or MediaTek?
While Xiaomi XRING 01 may not be a direct rival to ultra-premium chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite Edition or the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, it’s likely being positioned just below the flagship tier. Its goal may be more about enabling Xiaomi to gain independence in SoC design, improve device integration, and reduce reliance on suppliers during global shortages.
The Strategic Importance of XRING 01 for Xiaomi
1. Supply Chain Control
By building its own chips, Xiaomi gains greater control over supply chains, reducing its vulnerability to global semiconductor disruptions and third-party supplier limitations.
2. Optimized Software-Hardware Synergy
Like Apple’s success with custom silicon, Xiaomi can now optimize its MIUI or HyperOS experiences with XRING 01, achieving tighter hardware-software integration.
3. Innovation Platform
The XRING 01 may serve as a launchpad for future AI-driven features, real-time camera processing, or even specialized NPU integration. This opens doors to innovations not limited by third-party chip constraints.
Potential Devices to Feature the XRING 01 Chip
Xiaomi has yet to confirm which devices will debut with XRING 01, but it’s speculated that:
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A new Xiaomi 15 series variant
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Next-gen Redmi K-series flagship
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Or even a dedicated XRING Developer Edition smartphone
…could be among the first.
Xiaomi’s Chip Journey: From Surge to XRING
| Chip | Year Launched | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Surge S1 | 2017 | Entry-level SoC |
| Surge C1 | 2021 | ISP for enhanced camera |
| XRING 01 | 2025 | High-performance application processor |
With XRING 01, Xiaomi appears ready to go beyond niche chip roles and compete on the big stage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is the Xiaomi XRING 01?
A: The XRING 01 is Xiaomi’s first self-developed smartphone application processor (SoC), expected to debut in late May 2025.
Q2: What makes XRING 01 unique?
A: It’s fully designed in-house by Xiaomi, built on TSMC’s advanced 4nm process, and aims to deliver flagship-like performance.
Q3: Will XRING 01 be used in Xiaomi’s flagship phones?
A: While not confirmed, it is expected to power select Xiaomi and Redmi flagship devices launching in the second half of 2025.
Q4: How powerful is XRING 01 compared to Snapdragon chips?
A: Leaks suggest it may match or outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in some areas, though it may not surpass the latest Gen 3 or MediaTek’s top-tier offerings.
Q5: Does XRING 01 support AI features?
A: While not confirmed, given Xiaomi’s focus on AI and integration with HyperOS, AI features are likely to be part of the chip’s capabilities.
