Qualcomm may use Samsung LPDDR6X memory in 2027 chips
By Samsung has sent Qualcomm samples of its LPDDR6X memory, which could find its way into data center processors and automotive chips in the second half of 2027 – even before LPDDR6 officially hits the market.
- LPDDR6X could power AI250 accelerators with over 1000 GB of memory
- LPDDR6 boasts data rates up to 14.4 Gbps and bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s
- Samsung sped up development after losing ground in the HBM3E market in 2025
Samsung’s unusual early move
The Bell reports that Samsung Electronics has provided Qualcomm with early LPDDR6X memory samples. These chips could be integrated into Qualcomm processors expected to launch in late 2027. This is a bold and unusual move since Samsung hasn’t yet started commercial production of LPDDR6 DRAM but is already offering LPDDR6X chips still under development.
Industry insiders believe Samsung’s LPDDR6X will be used in Qualcomm’s AI250 data center accelerators as well as upcoming automotive chips. The AI250 system is expected to feature more than 1000 GB of LPDDR6X memory, with Qualcomm likely prioritizing Samsung as its memory supplier.
Low-power DRAM like LPDDR is typically found in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and wearables. However, Nvidia recently began using LPDDR memory in its AI accelerator systems, signaling a new direction for this memory type.
Specs and standards
LPDDR6 delivers a peak data rate of 14.4 Gbps and maximum bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s – improvements of 44% and 20% respectively over LPDDR5X chips. LPDDR6X is expected to offer even better performance and efficiency, though the JEDEC committee has not yet finalized the LPDDR6X standard.
Samsung has long dominated the global semiconductor memory market. However, due to a lack of foresight in the AI market, the company missed out on gains in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) over the past two to three years. This cost them the lead in HBM3E last year, allowing smaller rivals like Micron and SK hynix to overtake them.
After losing billions in potential revenue last year, Samsung appears determined not to repeat the same mistake with upcoming memory tech. The company seems to have accelerated development of HBM4 chips for AI servers, as well as LPDDR6 and LPDDR6X memory aimed at consumer electronics and data centers.
By handing Qualcomm LPDDR6X samples still in development before LPDDR6’s official launch, Samsung is clearly eager to showcase its design capabilities early in the product cycle. They likely also want early feedback from key clients to help refine and optimize these products while they’re still in the lab.
Samsung confirmed it is working on next-gen memory, including HBM4E, HBM5, and custom HBM solutions.
