The 20nm mobile chip production at TSMC and Global Foundries is expected to ramp up in 2014 and should come just in time for next generation ARM mobile processors. Currently, the fastest 28nm mobile chips, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 and Tegra 4i Grey top out at 2.3GHz.

In order to get to higher frequencies, manufacturers have to go for the next node, 20nm one. Currently, TSMC is promising 30 percent higher speed, 1.9 times better density and up to 25 percent lower power consumption. If you put these predictions in line, you get to magical 3GHz with much more transistors on the same surface that will most likely go to graphics side of the chip.

Since low battery life is currently the main problem for smartphone and mobile device manufacturers, the 25 percent lower power consumption certainly sounds appealing.

The move to 20nm will put ARM in much better position against Intel's upcoming push into smartphone chip market. Of course, Intel is definitely working hard to get its 14nm Atoms ready by the end of 2014 and AMD might be looking at that same direction with Global Foundries and 14nm next year.

Source: Fudzilla.com.