Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA has announced it is teaming up with Intel to develop a 5G smartphone platform designed for the China market.

The platform will feature an Intel 5G modem and will be targeted to coincide with 5G network deployments in 2019, according to the subsidiary of Tsinghua Unigroup specializing in the design and development of mobile SoC solutions for handsets and IoT devices.

Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA said its first Android-based high-end 5G smartphone solution will be based on Spreadtrum's application processor technology.

"We are very excited to collaborate with Intel to build a leading 5G mobile platform. Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA and Intel share the vision on transforming the mobile communication industry in the 5G era through technological innovation and innovation-driven revolution," said Jingming Wang, VP of Tsinghua Unigroup and COO of Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA. "Drawing on the strong potential for global industry development and Intel's profound technology experience, Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA will persist on cultivating the 5G market and setting ourselves as a leading Chinese 5G high-end chipset brand."

"Undoubtedly, China will be an important market at the forefront of 5G. Together with Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA, Intel looks forward to making a 5G smartphone experience a compelling reality for consumers in China," said Chenwei Yan, VP, Client Computing Group and general manager, Connected Products and Programs at Intel. "Intel is working with industry partners and network operators to accelerate 5G technology innovation across network, client and cloud. Through this effort, we will bring our modem expertise from years of research and development in driving standards, conducting trials, and building platforms to create a seamlessly connected, powerfully smart 5G future."

This new collaboration on 5G between both parties is a long-term engagement including a series of product collaborations utilizing Intel's XMM 8000 series modems in multiple product lines targeting diversified markets.

Collaborating with Intel also marked the kick-off of "5G Global Leading Strategy" of Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA, the China-based fabless firm said. Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA noted it will continue increasing all-round investment in 5G technology aiming to be one of the world's leading 5G chipset brands.

Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA expects to launch its first 5G commercial mobile platform in the second half of 2019.