What do you think are the factors responsible for the rapid growth in the field of smartphones, speed of processors and the smartphone performance? Can you talk about MediaTek’s involvement?
The rapid growth and advancement in smartphones, particularly in processor speed and performance, can be attributed to several factors including technological innovation and continuous advancements in semiconductor technology. Miniaturization, improved processor design, and fabrication techniques have allowed for the production of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips. We have seen the processor nodes evolving from >20nm in 2012 to 3nm in 2022.
The increased processing power and GPU advancements have become an integral part of smartphones, providing enhanced graphics rendering, video playback, and gaming performance. Further, the integration of AI technologies has allowed for improved performance and efficiency. The continuous R&D by smartphone manufacturers, semiconductor companies, and technology giants have fuelled advancements in processor technology.
As the world’s 4th largest global fabless semiconductor company enabling nearly two billion connected devices a year, MediaTek has been at the forefront of developing innovative chips with a focus on efficiency and performance improvements demanded by emerging use cases. With 5G at the forefront of digital innovations of the modern era, MediaTek chipsets are designed to draw the best from 5G networks thanks to the integrated 5G modem and advanced processor technologies, now at 3nm from TSMC. MediaTek also has extensive focus on research around the latest technology advancements like 5G, AI, IoT, Edge, among others.
MediaTek recently announced the Dimensity 9200+ chipset. Which smartphone partners are expected to ship phones with this chipset, and what is the time frame?
Over the past few years, MediaTek has experienced significant growth in its share of smartphone chips, particularly the MediaTek Helio G series and the MediaTek Dimensity 5G series. With the rapid scaling of 5G in MEA expected to reach approximately 270 million connections by the end of 2028, we anticipate a substantial momentum surrounding our MediaTek Dimensity 5G chipsets from the flagship, premium to mainstream level. The latest MediaTek Dimensity 5G chipset includes MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ offering flagship level performance, maintaining power efficiency for longer battery life and better gaming experiences.
Recently, MediaTek made significant strides in satellite connectivity by launching its latest chipsets based on 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, enabling two-way satellite communications on smartphones.
Likewise, our latest portfolio of MediaTek Automotive SoCs has enabled a new ecosystem of automotive devices. Dimensity Auto, our innovative offering, brings forth a comprehensive range of intelligent connectivity solutions for the Automotive sector. In Home Connectivity segment, we see diverse opportunities such as that for DSL in countries like Egypt and WiFi 7 in advanced GCC markets like the UAE. MediaTek is poised to address these requirements with its latest chipsets like MediaTek Filogic.
What key industry trends have you witnessed in the MENA region so far?
Over the past couple of years, the industry has witnessed unparalleled demand for data, mainly driven by the rising digital consumption during and post pandemic era. As per GSMA, the number of mobile internet users in MENA exceeded 300 million in 2021, with penetration expected to cover 50% of the population by the end of 2022. While 4G still dominates the region, GSMA foresees 116 million 5G connections in MENA by 2025. MediaTek is prepared to enable seamless and immersive 5G experiences across the device ecosystem be it smartphones, PCs, routers, mobile hotspots and more. The MediaTek Dimensity 5G series caters to a wide range across flagship to mainstream 5G smartphones and is designed to bring incredible technology for imaging, video, gaming, power efficiency and connectivity enhancements among the wide user base.
Simultaneously greater traction is expected around wearables, especially the sports and healthcare accessories. MEA wearable devices in sports market is growing with a CAGR of 9.9% during 2021 to 2028 and is expected to reach USD 701.70 million by 2028.
Most recently IDC stated that MEA spending on telecom and pay TV services will increase by 2.7% this year and reach a total of $461 billion. MEA is also evolving to become a fully digital economy by leveraging advanced digital communications like 5G backed by complementing technologies such as AI, IoT, Edge, AR/VR and more.
What are MediaTek’s plans and ambitions outside the smartphone industry? What other projects and ideas does MediaTek want to achieve if not these?
MediaTek is focused on enabling a connected and smart ecosystem and is at the forefront of developing innovative chips facilitating digital transformation and addressing the pain points of IT and businesses. We offer a host of products and solutions which are aimed at accelerating digital transformation, including automotive solutions, highly power-efficient mobile technologies and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Wi-Fi routers, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD), Blu-Ray and DVDs, fitness systems, set-top boxes, smart plugs, G optical drives, smart lights and wearables.
The company has been enabling digitization through Mobile Point of Sales Android machines in South Africa, 5G routers at home and in cars in the GCC region, and a part of a substantial Internet connectivity project of Telecom Egypt offering wired connections to millions of households using MediaTek DSL and GPON chipsets. In Pan Africa, the telecom company RAIN is offering 5G wireless Internet to millions of people living in areas that have poor infrastructure through the MediaTek T750 chipset. Fintech company YOCO is transforming the way SMEs do business by providing merchants with affordable handheld Android POS machines using MediaTek’s AIOT chipsets.
MediaTek TV, WiFi and Bluetooth chipsets are supporting TV and home appliances manufacturers in Turkey and Egypt to cover their local markets and export competitive products to Europe and Africa. Further, Android tablets, smart assistants, and a wide range of smart home devices are also contributing to the ongoing digital transformation in the region.
