MediaTek’s response is reported to be a move to TSMC’s 12nm process in Q4.

It is said that MediaTek’s lack of a Cat 10 modem has reduced both its market share and margins which have dropped to 35% from 50%.

China’s Spreadtrum remains a force in the entry-level market segment.

The three suppliers Qualcomm, Mediatek and Spreadtrum are expected to lead the 2017 handset IC market.