How many tasks can a single chip perform? It can process data, store information, connect to Wi-Fi, run AI… If all these functions are packed into a “small brain,” then it is called an SoC chip. In simple terms, it is the brain of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Without it, an iPhone would be like a soul-less entity.
What is SoC?
SoC, short for System on Chip, is known in Chinese as “系统级芯片.” Its power lies in the fact that it can package functions that originally required multiple chips in a computer into a single chip!
For example:
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CPU (responsible for computation)
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GPU (responsible for graphics processing)
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Memory controller (responsible for coordination)
AI modules, ISP, baseband, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth… these modules are all “packed” into the SoC chip, making it a small piece with extensive functionality.
In which devices is it found?
Your smartphone is the main battlefield for SoC chips. Apple’s A series, Huawei’s Kirin, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, MediaTek’s Dimensity… all are SoC chips. They enable our smartphones to become more powerful while becoming thinner.
What are the advantages of SoC?
Space-saving: One chip handles multiple tasks, allowing devices to be lighter and thinner.
Lower power consumption: There is no need for multiple chips to communicate with each other, resulting in higher energy efficiency.
Improved performance: Modules work together more closely, leading to faster operation speeds.
Cost-effective: It is also more economical for manufacturers.
But why aren’t all chips made as SoC?
Although SoC is powerful, it also has drawbacks:
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High design difficulty; if there is an error, the entire system must be redone.
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Modules are not easy to upgrade or replace, leading to poor flexibility.
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Costs may actually be higher for small and medium enterprises.
Therefore, SoC is more suitable for “mobile devices” that have particularly high requirements for space and energy consumption. In high-performance scenarios, such as high-end PCs and servers, splitting chips is usually more reliable.
Which companies are making SoC?
Major global SoC chip manufacturers include:
How valuable is a SoC?
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High-end SoCs (like Apple’s A17, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): tens to hundreds of dollars each
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Low-end IoT SoCs: a few dollars each
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But don’t underestimate those low-cost chips—they are produced in large quantities, and the profits are still considerable.