Oppo Ends Production of Custom MariSilicon Chips: What’s Next for the Smartphone Giant?
Oppo’s Decision to Discontinue MariSilicon: A Surprising Turn of Events
In a rather unexpected turn of events, Oppo has made the decision to discontinue its in-house custom chip, MariSilicon, a mere two years after its initial introduction. This announcement comes at a time when several prominent brands, including Google and Xiaomi, are increasingly relying on custom chips for their devices.
The news of MariSilicon’s demise was confirmed by Oppo to Android Authority, with the abrupt closure of the ZEKU chip design plant responsible for manufacturing the custom chips. An Oppo spokesperson stated, “Due to the uncertainties in the global economy and the smartphone industry, OPPO has had to make difficult adjustments for long-term development. Consequently, the company has chosen to cease the operation of ZEKU.”
MariSilicon was first unveiled to the world during INNO Day 2021 by Oppo. The initial smartphone to feature the custom Oppo NPU was the Find X5 series, which debuted in 2022. Additionally, Oppo also announced the development of its custom audio chip, MariSilicon Y, in the same year. Both MariSilicon X and Y showcased promising capabilities that had the potential for further improvement.
The discontinuation of MariSilicon raises questions about Oppo’s future chip strategy and its plans to compete in an increasingly custom chip-focused landscape. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen how Oppo will navigate this shift and whether they will explore alternative avenues to meet the demands of their consumers.
In addition to the aforementioned reason, it is important to note that Oppo’s decision to discontinue MariSilicon does not appear to stem from the chipset’s lack of achievement or failure to fulfill its intended purpose. On the contrary, the recent Oppo Find X6, for instance, successfully combined Hasselblad’s color science with the dedicated MariSilicon NPU, resulting in remarkable picture quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Moreover, the chipset contributed to excellent 4K video quality.
Given these positive outcomes and advancements in imaging capabilities, it is indeed puzzling as to why Oppo has chosen to discontinue MariSilicon. The reasons behind this decision may be more complex and multifaceted than what has been officially communicated. Factors such as market dynamics, financial considerations, or a strategic shift in Oppo’s long-term vision could potentially play a role in the discontinuation of MariSilicon.
It remains to be seen how Oppo will adapt its chip strategy moving forward, especially considering the promising results achieved with MariSilicon. As consumer demands continue to evolve, it is crucial for smartphone manufacturers like Oppo to navigate the rapidly changing landscape and meet the expectations of their customers in terms of performance, innovation, and overall user experience.
