Oppo’s custom chipset journey might have come to an end

While many handset makers are more than happy to use Qualcomm or MediaTek’s chipsets for their phone, there are some who have tried to wrestle for more control over their devices by designing their own custom chipsets. This includes companies like Apple, Google, Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo, just to name a few.

Unfortunately for Oppo, it seems that their custom chipset journey has come to an end. The company has confirmed to the folks at Android Authority that they will be shutting down their ZEKU chip design unit, the same unit that has been responsible for the company’s own custom chips. In a statement made to the publication:

“Due to the uncertainties in the global economy and the smartphone industry, OPPO has to make difficult adjustments for long-term development. Therefore, the company has decided to cease the operation of ZEKU.”

Oppo has also reassured its users that the shut down of their ZEKU unit will not affect devices that are already using the company’s MariSilicon chipsets, which means that they will still be supported for the foreseeable future. While this sounds like Oppo could be getting out of the custom chipset game, the company did not respond to queries regarding the future of in-house chips.

It is possible that Oppo could outsource the design to other companies. They could maybe get MediaTek or even Qualcomm to design and manufacture something exclusive to them. Either way, for now it’s starting to look like there will be one less player in the custom chipset market.

Source: Android Authority