Google’s Pixel Phone leads Samsung to U.S. market
Search engine giant Google seeks Samsung Electronics’ support in supplying a 5G modem for its latest centerpiece Pixel smartphones, paving the way for the conglomerate’s first step that might influence chip-making dominion in the U.S. market.
Earlier this month, search engine giant revealed a plan of exclusively designing its private processor chip to fuel its new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro high-end phones. Google’s announcement is a clear confirmation that the search engine titan will be cutting short its dependency on the semiconductor software company, Qualcomm.
However, Google’s self-reliance maneuver does not mean a complete disconnect from the software company since Qualcomm will resume duties in manufacturing and supplying chips for the lower-priced Google’s Pixel 5A.
Earlier this month, Asian newsmagazine Nikkei Asia reported that Samsung will be the lead processor manufacturer for Google. Also, two sources informed Reuters that the South Korean electronic titan will equip Google’s 5G modem technology.
Since Samsung is one of three global corporations with the capabilities and capacity to create 5G modems that combine units to wi-fi-based networks, Google’s move of entrusting the semiconductor manufacturer with its Pixel 6 phone could lead to promising outcomes.
The other two globally relied-on semiconductor manufacturers are market leader Qualcomm and Taiwanese firm MediaTek Inc.
On Tuesday, Samsung revealed its $205 million expansion plan aiming to provide 40,000 jobs in strategically valuable sectors, including the semiconductors industry, since it is the Korean economy’s “safety net.”
It is publicly acknowledged that Qualcomm has always been Google’s lead chip provider for its U.S.-based products since “Qualcomm’s millimeter-wave” took the lead in a diversified 5 networking market, as it delivers the fastest speed available for new networks.
Even though both companies refrained from addressing the matter, Big Tech giant informed Reuters that its latest technology was qualified to provide millimeter-wave networking, while its new phones will endorse millimeter-wave networks as old versions did.
By acquiring Google’s Pixel business deal, Samsung will be able to set foot in the U.S. chip manufacturing market by demonstrating its skillset to a bigger smartphone market, since it was never the opportunity to sell its 5G modem chip technology to outsiders.
As for Qualcomm, the company expressed its judgement on the matter by implying that its technology has managed to take the lead in the chip manufacturing industry because its millimeter wave technology not only relies on the modem but also on other chips.
“A modem is not enough to support millimeter-wave in phones,” Qualcomm said in a statement.
As enticing as it is for Samsung to take the lead from Qualcomm, the South Korean company will have to channel all its powerhouse’s abilities to fulfill Google’s expectations, as the search engine titan pursuits greater roles to uphold its market’s needs.