Speculation has circulated in the IC industry that MediaTek has contracted Globalfoundries to manufacture its dual-core MT6572 solution designed for entry-level smartphones, with orders ramping up starting December.

　　Globalfoundries reportedly uses 28nm PolySiON process technology to fabricate MediaTek's MT6572 chip, which was originally manufactured at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

　　MediaTek is among TSMC's major 28nm chip customers, which include Qualcomm and AMD.

　　TSMC has faced increased competition in the 28nm market since 2013. Particularly in the 28nm PolySiON segment, the foundry is losing some shares as rival companies have ramped up production of the process chips and offer lower prices to lure customers, industry sources have observed.

　　In the high-end 28nm HKMG segment, TSMC is still dominant with a 90% share. Overall, the foundry's share in the 28nm contract chipmaking sector is estimated at more than 80%, according to the sources.