Tag: MateBook Pro

  • Huawei Kirin X90 Chip Built on New SMIC 5nm Technology

    Huawei Kirin X90 Chip Built on New SMIC 5nm Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. Huawei has launched the MateBook Pro variant, powered by HarmonyOS and featuring the new X90 chip from HiSilicon.
    2. The X90 chip is rumored to be a modified version of the Kirin 9010, with details pending from upcoming reviews.
    3. The Kirin X90 is manufactured using SMIC’s 5 nm N+3 process, achieving a transistor density of around 125 million per mm².
    4. Production challenges exist, with SMIC producing only 3,000 wafers monthly and achieving a low yield of 20%.
    5. Caution is advised regarding Huawei’s claims about the chip’s capabilities, as independent analysis is needed to confirm its performance.


    Huawei has launched its much-anticipated MateBook Pro variant, often referred to as the ‘Mac Killer.’ This new device operates on HarmonyOS and features an enigmatic X90 chip from HiSilicon. A leaker has suggested that this chip is a modified version of the Kirin 9010, with some alterations in the CPU core structure. In-depth reviews of the chip are expected to clarify its details in the upcoming days. Meanwhile, a Chinese news outlet has shared some intriguing new insights about Huawei’s latest tech release.

    Chip Specifications

    The Kirin X90 is reportedly made using SMIC’s 5 nm N+3 process. This aligns with last year’s reports indicating that SMIC’s 5 nm technology was up and running. An X user has speculated that the chip’s density could be around 125 million transistors per mm², which is a bit lower than TSMC’s N5 at approximately 138 million transistors per mm². This is an impressive achievement, especially since SMIC managed to reach this level using DUV lithography, unlike TSMC, Intel, and others that utilize state-of-the-art ASMC EUV machines, which are currently inaccessible due to US sanctions.

    Production Challenges

    On the downside, the production yields are not very promising. An analyst found out that SMIC is producing about 3,000 wafers each month, but only achieving 20% yields. This situation doesn’t lend itself to large-scale production, but it might be more about setting a benchmark than creating a commercially viable product. It’s worth noting that Huawei has a history of trying to pass off TSMC chips as their own, so it might be prudent to wait until independent sources analyze the Kirin X90 in detail.

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  • Huawei MateBook Pro Surpasses Intel with Kirin X90 and HarmonyOS

    Huawei MateBook Pro Surpasses Intel with Kirin X90 and HarmonyOS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Huawei launched HarmonyOS 5 as a new operating system to compete with Windows and macOS.
    2. The MateBook Pro features a design similar to the MateBook X Pro, with a HarmonyOS logo button replacing the Windows key and a dedicated AI assistant button.
    3. The laptop is rumored to be powered by the HiSilicon Kirin X90 ARM chipset, featuring a 4+4+2 core layout for enhanced performance.
    4. Huawei is preparing for potential trade conflicts while continuing to market Intel-powered laptops, positioning the MateBook Pro as a self-sufficient device.
    5. Specific hardware details, pricing, and launch date for the MateBook Pro have not yet been disclosed.


    Huawei has unveiled its answer to Windows and macOS on Thursday with the introduction of HarmonyOS 5. This new operating system was showcased at a launch event held in China, which also highlighted a new laptop named the MateBook Pro.

    Design Features

    The design of the MateBook Pro is similar to the MateBook X Pro from 2024, although there are some noticeable changes in the keyboard. Rather than having the usual Windows key, there is a button featuring the HarmonyOS logo located to the left of the Alt key. Additionally, to the right of the right Alt key, there is a special button meant to activate the AI assistant integrated into HarmonyOS, drawing comparisons to Microsoft Copilot+.

    Hardware Insights

    Huawei has not disclosed the specific hardware details for the new laptop yet, but reliable source Digital Chat Station suggests that the device is powered by the HiSilicon Kirin X90. This ARM chipset is said to be a robust option, similar in nature to the Kirin 9010. It is rumored to have a 4+4+2 core layout, which focuses solely on performance cores. Since all ten cores are compatible with multi-threading, the processor is capable of handling a total of 20 threads.

    Market Position and Future Plans

    Even though Huawei is still able to market laptops equipped with Intel processors and Windows due to existing US sanctions, the tech giant is strategically preparing for a possible intensification of the trade conflict between the US and China. Besides Apple’s MacBooks, the MateBook Pro stands out as one of the few laptops that does not depend on third-party processors or operating systems. However, it remains uncertain how effectively the Kirin X90 will perform in real-world scenarios. Currently, Huawei has not disclosed the price or the launch date for the MateBook Pro.

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