Qualcomm has followed in the footsteps of Intel, teaming up with China-based IC design houses to promote its entry-level and cost-effective platforms in the China market.

Qualcomm has announced that the company will partner with China-based Allwinner Technology to offer 4G LTE-enabled tablet system solutions based on its Snapdragon processors. Allwinner will be offering system solution services for those OEMs and ODMs creating 4G LTE-enabled tablets powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 410 and 210 processors, Qualcomm said.

By working with Allwinner, Qualcomm expects to expand its ability to serve the Chinese tablet design and manufacturing ecosystem.

Through the use of its established channel of support and services for the Chinese ecosystem of independent design houses, Allwinner will help expedite commercial deployment of 4G LTE-enabled tablets featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Allwinner provides total system solutions for the Android tablet ecosystem.

"We expect to see a wave of high-volume, diversely designed, compellingly priced and high-quality 4G LTE-enabled tablets powered by Snapdragon processors in 2015," said Oliver Tang, executive VP of Allwinner, in a statement.

The alliance between Intel, Spreadtrum Communications and Rockchip Electronics also targets China's fast-growing entry-level and cost-effective market segment, which involves a vast number of white-box manufacturers.

Intel's collaboration with Spreadtrum and Rockchip includes not only chip solutions for tablets, but also those for smartphones.

For its part, MediaTek has expanded its 4G chip lineup to include the Helio series targeted at mid-range and high-end models. Company president Hsieh Ching-chiang noted recently that MediaTek is looking to grab a 40% share of China's 4G chip solution market in 2015. The Taiwan-based IC design house is currently the 3G chipset market leader in China.