从哲库到玄戒，从造芯之“死”到造芯之生

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and strategic decisions faced by Chinese smartphone manufacturers, particularly Xiaomi and OPPO, in their attempts to develop self-researched smartphone chips, highlighting the importance of timing, financial strength, and organizational structure in such endeavors [2][3][8]. Group 1: Historical Context - Huawei began self-researching smartphone chips in 2012, launching the Kirin series in 2014, but faced significant challenges due to U.S. export controls that disrupted its supply chain [2]. - Xiaomi launched its first self-researched chip, the Surge S1, in 2017, but faced difficulties with the subsequent Surge S2, leading to a halt in its chip project [2][3]. - OPPO initiated its chip development plan in 2019 but abruptly shut down its chip business in 2022 due to financial pressures and market uncertainties, marking a significant setback for the domestic chip development initiative [3][7]. Group 2: Financial Considerations - The financial health of a company is crucial for chip development, as the costs involved are substantial, with initial R&D investments potentially exceeding billions [6][7]. - OPPO reportedly spent hundreds of billions on its chip project, which became unsustainable amid declining sales and cash flow issues [7][8]. - In contrast, Xiaomi has maintained a stronger financial position, allowing it to restart its chip development with a more robust cash reserve and diversified business lines [8]. Group 3: Organizational Structure - The integration of chip development within the smartphone business is essential for success, as seen in Apple's model, where chip design is closely aligned with product needs [9][10]. - OPPO's independent chip division faced challenges due to a lack of synergy with the smartphone division, leading to inefficiencies and misalignment [9][10]. - Xiaomi's new chip initiative, "玄戒," is structured to ensure close collaboration with its smartphone division, enhancing decision-making efficiency and product alignment [10]. Group 4: Lessons Learned - Xiaomi's previous experiences with its chip projects have provided valuable lessons, leading to a more cautious and strategic approach in its current endeavors [11][12]. - The failure of OPPO's chip project serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding market dynamics and the need for a sustainable business model in chip development [11][12]. - Xiaomi's strategy includes leveraging partnerships, such as collaborating with MediaTek for 5G technology, to mitigate risks associated with self-researching complex technologies [12][16]. Group 5: Market Environment - The geopolitical landscape, particularly U.S.-China relations, has influenced the chip development strategies of Chinese companies, with recent shifts in focus away from high-end SoC chips [14][15]. - The rise of AI technology in smartphones has created a pressing need for customized chips, prompting manufacturers to invest in self-researched solutions to enhance AI capabilities [16][17]. - Xiaomi's expansion into electric vehicles and AIoT ecosystems provides additional opportunities for its chip development efforts, potentially allowing for cross-application of technology [17][18]. Group 6: Future Outlook - If Xiaomi successfully launches its "玄戒" chip, it could position itself as a major player in the high-end smartphone chip market, joining the ranks of Apple, Samsung, and Huawei [18][19]. - The article concludes that the success of Xiaomi's chip initiative will depend on its ability to navigate the complexities of the market and leverage its past experiences effectively [18][19].