While Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix concentrate production capacity on HBM (high-bandwidth memory) and server DRAM, China's ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has begun expanding its mobile DRAM output. By increasing productivity through the fifth-generation DRAM process Yangsan and expanding to mobile device customers, CXMT is emerging as a new variable in the DRAM market, which has long been led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
According to the semiconductor industry on the 21st, CXMT revealed news of its fifth-generation DRAM technology platform Yangsan at the '2026 World Manufacturing Conference' held in Hefei, China, the previous day. The company reduced the core structure pitch to 11.95 nanometers (nm) and has entered mass production for two new 24Gb (gigabit) LPDDR (low-power DRAM) 5X products applying the new platform.
CXMT's supply expansion comes at a time when domestic companies are focusing on HBM and server DRAM. Market research firm TrendForce analyzed that major memory semiconductor (hereinafter referred to as memory) companies are concentrating on AI (artificial intelligence) DRAM, leading to a continued shortage of mobile DRAM supply and high prices. The mobile DRAM market left vacant by existing companies has become an opportunity for CXMT to expand its market share.
CXMT's rising market share is becoming visible. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, CXMT's global DRAM sales market share in the second quarter of this year was recorded at 10%. This marks the first time its quarterly market share has reached double digits, placing it fourth behind Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron. Recently, CXMT has been expanding its mobile DRAM customer base by supplying LPDDR6 to Xiaomi flagship smartphones.
This fifth-generation process Yangsan is expected to serve as a foundation for accelerating volume offensives. According to CXMT, applying the new process increases the total number of dies (chip count) producible per wafer (thin disk used to make semiconductor chips) by more than 50% compared to the previous generation, thereby improving cost competitiveness.
However, the impact on the market will likely depend on 'Yangsan yield.' Even if the number of chips per wafer increases, actual supply volume growth and cost reductions are difficult to achieve without initial yield support.
If CXMT stabilizes its yield, it could pose a threat to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. While these two companies prioritize production capacity for high-margin HBM and server DRAM, CXMT can increase volume and customer base in mobile and general-purpose DRAM segments. In particular, if CXMT secures Yangsan experience and cost competitiveness by leveraging China's smartphone supply chain, it could directly affect the market share and pricing structure of the DRAM market, which has been dominated by the existing three memory companies.
CXMT's expansion is not limited to DRAM. Despite U.S. regulations on advanced semiconductor equipment, CXMT is securing its production base by jointly developing core manufacturing processes with Chinese equipment manufacturers. Following DRAM, it is also pushing forward with entry into NAND flash. During a semiconductor price surge driven by high memory prices, CXMT is simultaneously expanding production volume and product lines to broaden its foothold in the global memory market.
A semiconductor industry official stated, "An increase in chips per wafer does not immediately guarantee cost competitiveness; ultimately, Yangsan yield is the key factor." The official added, "While domestic companies focus on HBM and server DRAM, it is important to monitor long-term whether Chinese firms can accumulate customers and Yangsan experience in the mobile and general-purpose markets."
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