Google’s Tensor Chip Might Be The Reason MediaTek Overtook Qualcomm

In a surprising turn of events, MediaTek chips powered more Android phones in America than Qualcomm chips in Q4 2021. IDC attributed this to the budget phone market, but there could be another reason for this shift. According to 9T05Google, Google’s Tensor chip might have contributed to MediaTek selling more chips than Qualcomm.

The Tensor chip might be the reason MediaTek overtook Qualcomm

Right now, the two main companies making chips for Android phones are MediaTek and Qualcomm. Over the years, Qualcomm sold more chips in the US than MediaTek. However, MediaTek has been slowly catching up on Qualcomm, and that was especially true last year. In the fourth quarter of 2021, MediaTek provided chips for 51% of Android phones to Qualcomm’s 47%.

The data analytics company that presented these figures, IDC, stated that this overtaking was caused by the midrange devices that were sold last year. The midrange market is a huge market, and that’s been MediaTek’s turf over the years.

According to IDC research director Anthony Scarsella, there may be another reason for this shift. Last year was the first year that Google placed its own chips into phones. The Tensor chip might be a reason MediaTek overtook Qualcomm.

Google sells a fair amount of Pixel devices, but it’s nothing to really write home about. They make up between 1% and 2% of the smartphone market, typically. This puts it behind companies like OnePlus and Motorola. However, Google leaving Qualcomm in lieu of its own chips could have been an ace in MediTek’s hand. While Google’s departure didn’t steal away too many chips, it could have been just enough to turn the tides. Again, MediaTek took the lead, but not by a large margin.

Google’s chip is not going anywhere anytime soon

Since Google’s Tensor chip helped MediaTek surpass Qualcomm, it could mean that Qualcomm will need to change up its strategy. It doesn’t look like Google will be abandoning its in-house chip anytime soon. It powers the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, and it’s been handling it really well.

No one expects Google to switch back to a Qualcomm chip anytime soon as per the rumors. The Pixel 6a is slated to launch this year, and it’s expected to use a Tensor chip. Not only that, but it’s possible that we’ll see a 2nd-generation Tensor chip powering the Pixel 7 and Pixel Notepad. So far, Google’s foray into the chip-making business seems like it’s going well. This could mean more trouble for Qualcomm.