Intel Corporation’s (NASDAQ:INTC) chips may be what’s in Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, and Intel modems appear to be the preference for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL).
While neither company has confirmed this, there are speculations that Google’s new smartphones may be using a custom Pixel Visual Core chip developed by Intel. The chip would help boost AI functions and image processing while also improving battery life.
The most solid evidence for these speculations came when device repair website iFixit took apart a Pixel 2 XL and saw that the chip inside had the serial number “SR3”. This is the format most Intel chips use for their serial numbers.
Google did confirm with CNBC that it had been working with Intel to develop a custom Pixel Visual Core, due to the fact that there were no pre-existing AI chips that met all of Google’s requirements. Beyond this, no claim has been made of the actual chip by either company.
What is confirmed, however, is the fact that Apple’s new iPhone 8 and iPhone X feature both Intel’s and Qualcomm’s (NASDAQ:QCOM) modems.
So far performance-wise, Intel’s modem is far outperforming Qualcomm’s, as seen in a test by SpeedSmart. However, this may be due to the fact that SpeedSmart only measures speed and does not consider variables like location, cell signal, or long-term evolution bands. Further testing will be necessary to better determine which modem has truly come out on top.
Regardless, however, there are rumors circulating that Apple may end up only using Intel’s modems in future iPhones and iPads. As such, Intel is developing its own CDMA (code-division multiple access) chips, which may also end up in future Apple products.
Featured Image: depositphotos/norgallery
