Technology, Process and Cost Comparison
RF Front-End Module Comparison 2024 – 5G NR/sub-6GHz
RF front-end modules found in Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max series, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro and Vivo X100 Ultra.
SPR24897
Key features
- Detailed photos
- Precise measurements
- Materials analysis
- Manufacturing process flow
- Supply chain evaluation
- Manufacturing cost analysis
- Analysis of more than 13 modules, 20+ IC dies, 6 GaAs PAs, and 6 types of filters
- Evolution of Qualcomm transceivers (from SDR735 to SDR875) with a comparison to Samsung Exynos 5520
- Comprehensive range of RF Front-End Module designs
- Detailed structures of GaAs PAs, FBAR BAW, SMR BAW, and TC-SAW filters presented and compared
What's new :
Analysis of
- Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro
- Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Vivo X100 Ultra
Product Objectives :
- Highlight the technology and cost data of RF front-end devices found in five of the smartphones: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max series, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro and Vivo X100 Ultra.
- Examine and compare major solutions from different manufacturers (Broadcom, Qualcomm, Qorvo, Samsung, Skyworks) at the chipset, technology, process, and cost levels to highlight the key differences and similarities in designs.
- Provide a detailed overview of the RF front-end structures available on the market, covering everything from intermediate frequency devices to front-end modules. Four multi-mode, multi-band RF transceivers (IF RxTx) and nine Front-End Modules (FEMs) are analyzed and compared.
Starting in 2019, Qualcomm initiated the 5G wave with its high-end smartphone devices, driving significant revenue growth. An RF Front-End Market Forecast predicts that the 5G market will remain stable in the coming years. In this context, Yole Group identifies this as an ideal opportunity to assess the diverse technologies offered by various players, focusing on their implementation strategies, technological approaches, and costs across different smartphone tiers.
5G NR (New Radio) is the global standard for 5G, delivering faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity. Sub-6 GHz bands are a vital component of 5G NR, playing a critical role in widespread 5G deployment due to their optimal balance of range, speed, and latency.
This Radio Frequency (RF) front-end comparative report provides in-depth insights into the technology and cost data of RF front-end devices found in five smartphones: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max series, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Vivo X100 Ultra.
The report examines and compares major solutions from leading manufacturers—Broadcom, Qualcomm, Qorvo, Samsung, and Skyworks—analyzing them at the chipset, technology, process, and cost levels to highlight key differences and similarities in their designs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the RF front-end structures currently available on the market, covering components from intermediate frequency devices to front-end modules. Specifically, the analysis includes four multi-mode, multi-band RF transceivers (IF RxTx) and nine front-end modules (FEMs).
A noteworthy observation is that the complexity of front-end module designs varies significantly depending on the target equipment segment. For instance, some designs are highly intricate, incorporating several IC dies, GaAs power amplifiers, and filters (e.g., SMR BAW, FBAR BAW, TC-SAW), while others feature simpler configurations, with only a single GaAs PA and a few filters.
The report delivers a complete analysis of the chipsets, including detailed evaluations of transceivers, IC dies, filters, and GaAs power amplifiers. Additionally, it includes cost analysis and price estimations for the chipsets and entire systems.
• Overview / Introduction
- o Executive Summary
- o Chipset Analyzed
- o Reverse Costing Methodology
- o Glossary
• Company Profile, Supply Chain & Market
- o Company Profiles
- o Mobile Data & Spectrum
- o RF Front-End Market
• Physical Comparison
- o IF RxTx
- o FEM
- o Filters
- o GaAs Power Amplifiers
• Manufacturing Process Flow
- o IF RxTx
- o FEM
• Cost Analysis
- o Yields Explanation & Hypotheses
- o Front-End Cost
- o Dies Cost
- o Filters, IPDs Cost, GaAs Power Amplifiers Cost
• Cost Comparison
- o IF RxTx
- o FEM
• Selling Price Analysis
- o IF RxTx
- o FEM
- o Total Price
• Physical Analysis IF RxTx
- o Qualcomm SDR735
- o Qualcomm SDR753
- o Qualcomm SDR875
- o Exynos 5520
• Physical Analysis FEMs
- o Broadcom AFEM8234
- o Qorvo QM76307
- o Qualcomm QPM6577
- o Qualcomm QPM6579
- o Qualcomm QPM6679
- o Skyworks SKY50313
- o Skyworks SKY58277
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