Fabless chipmaker MediaTek is expected to enter volume production of its 10-core SoC series for smartphones in the third quarter of 2015, according to industry sources. The chip solutions would be built using TSMC's 20nm process technology.

Codenamed Helios X20, the solution will be aimed at brand smartphone vendors particularly China-based ones, which are looking to upgrade their flagship device processor features to 10 cores, the sources said.

MediaTek is likely to start its marketing activities for the upcoming Helios X20 around the middle of the second quarter, the sources indicated. The solution is expected to be the world's first 10-core chip solution available, the sources said.

The MediaTek Helios X20 will come with a 2+4+4 design, delivering 40% more performance than 8-core chips, the sources noted. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has been contracted to manufacture the 10-core chips using a 20nm fabrication process, the sources said.