Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, is preparing a new generation of Kirin processors manufactured on a 5-nanometer (nm) process for its future smartphones and computers with HarmonyOS. While recent releases, such as the Pure 80 series and the MateBook Fold, still use 7nm chips and “N+2” architectures, a recent leak suggests that the company is already testing a qualitative leap that could mark a turning point in the mobile and PC industries in China.
Rumors About the 5nm Kirin 5G Chip: Advances and Challenges
According to the Weibo account @SmartChipConsultant, Huawei is developing an improved Kirin 5G processor based on 5nm technology, identified as “N+2,” which represents an advanced generation in transistor miniaturization. This technology promises greater energy efficiency, better performance, and lower latency compared to current chips.
The move to a 5nm node would represent a significant evolution compared to the Kirin 9010 and Kirin 9020, which employ the 7nm N+2 process from SMIC (China’s leading semiconductor manufacturer). The new chip is expected to reduce power consumption, improve battery life, and enhance processing capabilities, aligning with the needs of future flagship devices and the growing demands for AI and 5G connectivity.
When Will 5nm Kirin Chips Arrive in Smartphones?
While development is underway, the commercial release of 5nm Kirin chips is not expected this year. Rumors indicate that the first devices could arrive by late 2026, depending on advancements in manufacturing and technology maturation in China. For now, Huawei will continue to use enhanced versions of 7nm in its high-end range, such as the Kirin 9020 present in the Pure 80 and Mate 70 series.
Technical Barriers and the Context of International Sanctions
The biggest obstacle to mass production of 5nm processors in China is the lack of access to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, crucial for fabricating next-generation chips. U.S. sanctions prevent the export of equipment and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software to Chinese companies like Huawei and SMIC.
In the absence of EUV, SMIC must resort to advanced multi-patterning techniques using deep ultraviolet (DUV) equipment, complicating manufacturing, increasing costs, and reducing the yield of each wafer due to the higher number of steps and potential defects. Nevertheless, industry sources indicate that the first EUV-equipped systems entirely developed in China could enter testing phases by the third quarter of 2025, paving the way for future technological independence.
Innovation and Resilience: Huawei Bets on Local Development
In the face of restrictions, Huawei has invested in developing its own EDA tools, capable of designing chips at 14nm, and is now aiming to scale that capability to 5nm. This move is crucial to maintaining the competitiveness of Kirin processors against global rivals and keeping control over the entire value chain.
The potential launch of a 5nm Kirin would not only impact the high-end smartphone market but also computers like the MateBook Fold and HarmonyOS devices, where both efficiency and power, as well as native integration with AI, are valued.
What Does the 5nm Leap Mean for Users?
5nm processors will allow Huawei and other Chinese brands to offer devices with superior battery life, increased speed and responsiveness, advanced support for 5G networks, and integrated artificial intelligence capabilities. Competitively, this advancement would reduce technological dependence on the West and could accelerate innovation in the Chinese digital ecosystem.
Below is a comparative table of the recent evolution of Kirin chips:
| Generation | Node | Architecture | Estimated Date | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirin 9000 | 5nm (EUV, TSMC) | Cortex-A77/78 | 2020 | Mate 40, flagships |
| Kirin 9010/9020 | 7nm (N+2, SMIC) | Cortex-A78 | 2023-2024 | Pure 70, Mate 70, PCs |
| Kirin X90 (PC) | 5nm (rumored) | Unknown | 2025 (HarmonyOS PCs) | MateBook Fold |
| Kirin 5nm (future) | 5nm (N+2, SMIC/EUV China) | Next gen. | Late 2026? | Flagships and PCs |
Outlook: Is Huawei Close to Chip Self-Sufficiency?
While there are still significant challenges ahead, Huawei continues to demonstrate resilience and innovative capability under international pressure. If they succeed in manufacturing and commercializing 5nm Kirin chips at scale, it will mark a turning point in China’s technological independence.
For now, the race continues, and the global tech sector is closely monitoring every advance from Huawei and SMIC in their pursuit of the 5nm node. The arrival of these new chips would provide a strategic boost for the entire Chinese industry and solidify Huawei’s position as a key player in the future of mobile and smart hardware.
Source: Huawei Central