Xiaomi Unveils XRING O1 in Flagship 15S Pro
What This Means for the Future of Android Silicon
5 Min Read May 27, 2025
Xiaomi’s custom XRING O1 SoC signals bold ambitions in mobile chip design, while MediaTek secures the 5G modem slot with its T800 platform.
In a surprise strategic pivot, Xiaomi has launched its new 15S Pro smartphone powered not by Qualcomm or MediaTek silicon, but by its very own XRING O1 mobile application processor. This marks a significant milestone in Xiaomi’s evolution from device maker to integrated silicon designer—one that mirrors the vertical integration path pioneered by Apple.
Rumors of a Xiaomi-designed chip had been circulating ever since CEO Lei Jun teased upcoming developments in the company’s silicon strategy. However, few expected the debut to come in a flagship-tier device rather than in a mid-range or entry-level product. With the 15S Pro now officially shipping with the XRING O1, it’s clear Xiaomi is placing major bets on its internal chip development capabilities.
Breaking the Octa-Core Mold: XRING O1’s Technical Edge
At the heart of the XRING O1 lies a 10-core CPU architecture, breaking away from the standard octa-core setups favored by rivals like Qualcomm and MediaTek. While the exact configuration is still under investigation, early analysis suggests a custom combination of performance and efficiency cores, optimized for sustained workloads and AI-heavy tasks.
This architecture not only positions Xiaomi’s silicon to compete at the top end of the market, but also allows tighter hardware-software integration—much like Apple’s approach with its A-series chips. According to a recent MSN article, Xiaomi has pushed back against speculation that the XRING O1 is a rebranded ARM reference design, emphasizing instead the substantial R&D effort that went into crafting this custom SoC.
MediaTek Wins 5G Modem Slot Amid Tensions with Qualcomm
Xiaomi’s move to introduce an in-house SoC also changes the dynamics of its long-standing relationship with Qualcomm. While Qualcomm silicon continues to appear in other Xiaomi 15-series models, the 15S Pro notably drops Qualcomm in favor of MediaTek’s MT6980W (T800) 5G modem. This is a significant design win for MediaTek, indicating a broader diversification trend among Chinese OEMs seeking alternatives to U.S.-based suppliers.
The pairing of Xiaomi’s custom processor with MediaTek’s flagship modem creates a uniquely hybrid platform that underscores Xiaomi’s independence and ability to orchestrate best-of-breed components from different ecosystems.
Implications for the Smartphone Supply Chain
This debut is more than just a spec sheet change—it’s a statement of intent. By bringing chip design in-house for a flagship product, Xiaomi is signaling its readiness to become a silicon player in its own right. This shift could have ripple effects across the entire smartphone ecosystem, especially in the Chinese market where brands like Oppo and Vivo are also rumored to be developing custom chipsets.
Be the First to Know When the Analyis Begins
TechInsights will soon deliver an in-depth teardown and floorplan analysis of the Xiaomi 15S Pro and the XRING O1 chip. Our upcoming report will explore architectural insights, process node technology, custom IP blocks, and integration decisions behind Xiaomi’s most ambitious phone yet.
