Factbox: Qualcomm’s Potential Bid for Intel Highlights Their Products By Reuters

Qualcomm has expressed interest in acquiring the once-prominent chipmaker Intel, highlighting the array of products these two companies have in their portfolios. A merger would combine Qualcomm’s mobile-centric Snapdragon series with Intel’s leading PC and server chip divisions, resulting in a formidable semiconductor entity.

Here’s a look at the convergence of Qualcomm and Intel’s product lines:

Processors

Intel is a major player in the PC processor landscape with its Core series, commonly used in desktops and laptops. Its Xeon series chips are tailored for high-performance tasks and are widely utilized in servers and workstations. Conversely, Qualcomm excels in mobile chip technology, particularly with its Snapdragon processors that power a majority of smartphones and tablets. Additionally, Intel manufactures Atom processors for low-power devices, while Qualcomm is moving into the laptop processor market with its own computing platforms.

Manufacturing

Intel produces its chips in-house at company-owned facilities, known as "fabs," located globally. In contrast, Qualcomm does not manufacture its own processors; instead, it collaborates with contract manufacturers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Foundry, for chip production.

Chip Architecture

Intel primarily employs the x86 computing architecture, the standard for desktops, laptops, and servers. Qualcomm, on the other hand, relies on ARM Holdings’ processor architecture, commonly used in smartphones and designed for energy efficiency. This distinction means that software designed for x86 chips does not inherently run on ARM-based systems. Intel has previously considered developing ARM-based chips, and there are software solutions that facilitate some degree of compatibility between the two architectures.

Automotive Business

Qualcomm is expanding its footprint in the automotive sector, focusing on technologies such as connected vehicles, infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Intel’s chips are also integrated into vehicles, powering infotainment systems and digital instrument clusters. Its advanced automotive chips support AI capabilities, including generative AI and systems that monitor drivers and passengers. Intel retains a majority stake in Mobileye Global and recently affirmed its commitment to maintaining that stake in the self-driving technology firm.