Lenovo LOQ Review: Fantastic gaming performance at the cost of high surface temps

After looking at the gaming performance on the Lenovo LOQ, it is without a doubt one of the best gaming laptops you can pick up under the 1.2 lac mark, at least so far this year. The gaming numbers are the best we’ve seen, and it’s also got one of the best displays we’ve seen in this price segment. The battery performance is definitely a bit lacking and the SSD speeds are on the lower end, but those are compromises we’re totally fine with considering the performance we’re getting. Surface temps get pretty high, which is a bit concerning, but that’s really the only drawback the Lenovo LOQ has going against it.

It seems to be a trend of sorts that gaming laptop manufacturers are coming up with new budget laptop series. We've already seen Acer's new Predator Helios Neo 16, and MSI's Cyborg, which both sit snugly in between budget and premium. Now, we have the new Lenovo LOQ lineup from Lenovo which promises to spice things up in the gaming laptop segment. Considering everything the Lenovo LOQ has to offer paired with its pricing starting at 73,990 and going up to 14,990 for the top-end variant (which we're reviewing here), the Lenovo LOQ just might just be the new best budget gaming laptop you can get your hands on. Let's dive into the complete review to find out!

Lenovo LOQ Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H (6P + 4E)

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB VRAM), TGP: 115W

RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200

Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD storage (2 M.2 SSD slots)

Display: 15.6-inch WQHD (2560x1440) IPS display, 165Hz, G-Sync

Lenovo LOQ - Build and Design

At first glance, the new Lenovo LOQ looks a lot like the refreshed lineup of Lenovo's IdeaPad Gaming 3 from last year. You can clearly see the design inspiration drawn from Lenovo's premium gaming lineup, Legion, as well. In many ways, it makes sense for Lenovo to split IdeaPad and IdeaPad gaming, and it does look like that is what is happening with LOQ, but we don't know for sure yet.

Coming back to the design, the Lenovo LOQ features a fairly subtle design that won't look out of place in a professional setting. It is fairly bulky, which is common with gaming laptops. You've got LOQ emblazoned on the corner of the lid. There's no RGB on anything other than the backlit keyboard, so the laptop as a whole doesn't draw too much attention. You have turquoise accents on both the side and back vents which are trademark IdeaPad Gaming 3; and the only dash of colour on this otherwise muted device. This increasingly seems to be the preference with more buyers looking for laptops to both work and game on.

Coming to the keyboard, you've got a full-sized keyboard on the Lenovo LOQ, something we're accustomed to seeing in Lenovo gaming laptops in general. The key travel distance on laptops is something I've never been of a fan of, but the overall typing experience is pleasant, with good spacing and feedback. We would personally prefer using a separate keyboard and mouse and there are more reasons for this which we will get to shortly. 

Lenovo LOQ - I/O

Coming to I/O options, the LOQ certainly isn't lacking. You have 3x USB-A 3.2 ports (two Gen 2, one Gen 1), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with support for PD and DisplayPort 1.4, you have an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ-45 ethernet port, an audio combo jack, a hardware e-shutter switch for the webcam, and the power connector. The only thing missing we'd say is a Thunderbolt port, but we're not really complaining.

Lenovo LOQ Performance

With that out of the way, we jump straight into the performance. We received the top-end variant of the Lenovo LOQ, which features a 13th gen Intel Core i7-13620H, paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with a TGP of 115 W. On paper, this thing already beats everything else in this price range, but let's see how it actually performs.

Gaming performance

We'll start things off with the gaming performance, that is after all what you're buying a gaming laptop for, isn't it? It doesn't really come as a surprise, but the RTX 4060 on the Lenovo LOQ gives us the best synthetic and real-world gaming performance numbers we've seen in any gaming laptop that we've tested this year under Rs 1.2 lac. 

In our synthetic GPU benchmarks, for which we use 3DMark, the Lenovo LOQ handily beats its competition, which in this price range mostly consists of RTX 4050s and RTX 3060s. We're comparing the benchmark scores of the LOQ with a recent RTX 4050 Laptop GPU and an RTX 3060 Laptop GPU from last year. 

The numbers speak for themselves. This continues when we move to real-world gaming performance as well. The Lenovo LOQ is far ahead in all of our real-world gaming tests. You could comfortably play these and newer titles at WQHD and get reasonable FPS numbers. However, do keep the 8GB of VRAM in mind, which is a little on the lower side, if you're planning on playing at higher resolutions.

Processor performance

Next, we come to the processor. The Lenovo LOQ features a 13th gen Intel Core i7-13620H. This processor comes with 10 cores and 16 threads, of which 6 are performance cores and 4 are efficiency cores. We compared the processor with a 12th gen Intel Core i7-12650H, which also features 10 cores and 16 threads and a similar TDP. However, despite a higher base clock on the 13th gen processor, the 12th gen processor managed to outperform the 13th gen processor in almost all benchmarks, albeit by a small margin.

For general productivity, for which we use the PCMark 10 benchmark, both processors are very close in overall scores.

Coming to R23, we can see the 13th gen processor falls short of the 12th gen processor by roughly 200 on single-thread and 2000 points on multi-thread performance.

This continues in encryption and decryption as well, with the 12th gen processor winning out a small margin every time.

This ultimately doesn't hamper the gaming performance as we've already seen, and at the end of the day, this is still a pretty fast processor.

The 16GB of DDR5-5200 RAM in the Lenovo LOQ is the fastest we've tested in this price segment. However, the 512GB of NVMe SSD storage could be better. We saw read and write speeds of 2700 MB/s and 2000 MB/s respectively, which is on the lower end, even in this price segment. It's still more than enough for your gaming needs. However, you have two M.2 slots so you can replace or expand storage as per your needs.

Lenovo LOQ Display

Next, we come to the display. The Lenovo LOQ features a 15.6-inch, WQHD (2560x1440) IPS display with a refresh rate of 165 Hz. If that wasn't enough, the display is pretty bright with an advertised peak brightness of 350 nits. We actually tested 367 nits of peak brightness. We also got 96% sRGB coverage and 72% DCI-P3 coverage during our display testing which makes this a pretty solid laptop for your content creation needs, packing both a great display and powerful hardware. 

Lenovo LOQ Heat and Noise

Probably the only drawback of the Lenovo LOQ is the heat. This laptop can get uncomfortably hot. While internal temps seem to be fine during stress tests; the CPU hit a peak temp of 86 degrees Celsius. Surface temps can go over 45 degrees in some places which is HOT. One hotspot in particular lies just between the trackpad and spacebar, which radiates heat during intense workloads. This is the other reason we were talking about when we suggested using a separate mouse and keyboard during the build and design section.

The laptop can get loud during intense sessions, but it’s not too bad and does a decent job of keeping the internals cool. 

Lenovo LOQ Verdict

After looking at the gaming performance on the Lenovo LOQ, it is without a doubt one of the best gaming laptops you can pick up under the 1.2 lac mark, at least so far this year. The gaming numbers are the best we’ve seen, and it’s also got one of the best displays we’ve seen in this price segment. The battery performance is definitely lacking and the SSD speeds are on the lower end, but those are compromises we’re fine with considering the performance we’re getting. Surface temps get pretty high, which is a bit concerning, but that’s really the only drawback the Lenovo LOQ has going against it.

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Realme 11 5G and Realme 11 4G models go official: Price and features

Realme 11 series gets new members in the form of Realme 11 4G and Realme 11 5G. They have launched in Vietnam and Taiwan respectively. The 4G model runs on Helio G99 and the 5G variant has Dimensity 6100+ SoC. Both phones have the same camera setup, battery capacity, and charging support. 

But, they do have key differences besides the 5G support. Here are the complete details:

Realme 11 4G vs Realme 11 5G specs comparison

Let’s start with the surface-level differences. The 4G model has a left-cornered punch hole camera while the 5G one comes with a more symmetrical hole punch in the middle. 

Also Read: realme 11 Pro+ 5G Review: Camera redemption at the cost of experience

Realme 11 4G has a 6.4-inch sAMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, 1000+ nits of brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Realme 11 5G has a bigger 6.72-inch 120Hz panel but cheapens out on brightness and other aspects. It has only 680 nits of luminance and no screen protection.

On the back, the circular camera island looks different on both phones. However, the incumbent sensors are the same: a 108MP primary and a 2MP depth module. The front camera is a 16MP shooter. On both sides, both phones offer 1080p @ 30FPS video recording.

Also Read: Realme 11 Pro Review: A substantial upgrade

Both phones have a side-mounted fingerprint reader that unlocks the phone and takes you to a Realme UI. The underlying OS is Android 12 (Realme UI 3.0) on the Realme 11 4G and Android 13 (Realme UI 4.0) on the Realme 11 5G.

This is laid on top of MediaTek Helio G99 on the 4G variant and Dimensity 6100 Plus on the 5G model. The internals also consist of a 5000mAh battery with 67W charging support.

Realme 11 4G and 5G pricing

Realme 11 4G starts at VND 7,390,000 (~₹23,655) for the 8+128GB SKU and VND 7,990,000 (~₹27,738) for the 8/256GB model.

Realme 11 5G pricing starts at TWD 8,990 (~₹23,458) for the 8+256GB model.

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Samsung Galaxy S24+ appears more powerful than its precursor as per alleged Geekbench scores

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Geekbench scores have seemingly leaked and this suggests the phone could be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Galaxy S24+ Geekbench scores are also ahead of its precursor. This suggests the upcoming phone could be more powerful. Here is what we know about it for now.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Geekbench scores

It is the US variant of the Galaxy S24 Plus that has reportedly surfaced on the Geekbench website. The listing shows the device model number to be SM-S926U which is said to be the Galaxy S24+.

This appears to be powered by a Qualcomm processor codenamed Pineapple. This is believed to be Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The chip in question is shown to be running with a prime core at 3.30GHz, three performance cores at 3.15GHz, two performance cores at 2.96GHz, and two efficiency cores at 2.27GHz.

Also Read: Samsung foldables will get more affordable, and this is good news for everyone

From the Geekbench appearance, we also see that the phone is having Android 14 software and 8GB of RAM. It could also come in up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage SKU.

The Geekbench scores are 2233 in single-core performance and 6661 in multi-core performance. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23+ scores are about 1866 in single-core and 4945 in multi-core performance.

That’s about all we learn from this Geekbench listing.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series: What we know so far

22 pic.twitter.com/L8GIdSBeR6

— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) July 30, 2023

Like clockwork, Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 series in Q1 2024 and we already have some hints about the device that we shall share here. 

Just the other day, a chronic Samsung tipster Ice Universe implied the S24 series to get Titanium chassis. 

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M34 5G Review: Good bang for your buck

He claims the S24+ would bring a 6.65-inch screen and Android 14 software with One UI 6.0 skin.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile could come with a 144Hz display, a new EV charging technology and a 200MP camera with better zooming capabilities.

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Sony WF-C700N Review: Delivering on the promises made

The Sony WF C700N is a well-rounded pair of earbuds with a sound signature that would appeal to the masses in India and ANC that draws from its pricier cousins and makes them hold their ground well. There are a few kinks, like the button-based control interface, which I would like Sony to work on. One last thing before I wrap up this review. Like it is with all audio products, please try these earbuds once before you take the plunge, as the fit is something that would make or break the experience for you. And if these do not fit well, then I would say, explore options like the Nothing Ear (2) which features a stem-based design or the Jabra Elite 4 which have a similar approach to their design, but manage to work wonders with their fit and overall product quality.

The latest in Sony’s lineup of TWS earbuds are their WF-C700N TWS earbuds. These aim to fill the gap between the cheaper WF-C500 and the WF-LS900N (aka LinkBuds S). Sony has borrowed the design of these earbuds from the budget C500 and some of the hardware from the pricier products in its lineup. I was told that these earbuds are targeted to deliver quality ANC and be one of the lightest offerings in the budget. Sony has been quite keen on penetrating the Indian audio market, so when these earbuds showed at the Digit Test Centre, I was curious to see if they stand out to the Indian consumer in a market filled with options like the Nothing Ear (2) and the Jabra Elite 4, both of which have a cult-like following. So, here’s my review of the Sony WF-C700N –

Sony WF-C700N: Build and Design

When you look at the case of the Sony WF-C700N, you are instantly reminded of the WF-C500. The brand has made it to be the better specced and pricier cousin of their mid-tier TWS earbuds. The C700N carries over a LOT of the design from the C500 and leaves little to be desired when it comes to day-to-day use.

The buds, with their rounded design, fit well in the ears. I have an affinity for earbuds with short stems. However, when I was testing the WF-C700N, I was pleasantly surprised. They are lightweight, and you get three options of ear tips in the box to pair with them to ensure that you are getting a great fit when you are putting them on. It is especially important because the ANC performance of the earbuds is dependent on the fit that you are getting with the buds. While on the topic of ANC, its addition to the earbuds means that we get one of the most standout changes to the design of the buds. To accommodate the microphones for ANC, Sony has added its signature circular grills to the earbuds, which makes them differentiable from the C500, which would not have been the case if it wasn’t there. 

The case of the earbuds comes with a solid textured top, with the rest of the body carrying a similar design from the C500. While at first, it looks solid and robust, as far as my experience with such materials and texture goes, the textured top is an open invitation for dust and gunk to accumulate over time. With that said, if you are regularly cleaning it with a damp cloth and taking care of the case, there shouldn’t be much to worry about.

The case is very pocketable, with the rounded edges ensuring that sliding it in and out of your pocket is easy and it does not get stuck in the lining of your pockets. The magnets used to hold the earbuds in place are strong. The same is the case with the ones holding the lid in place. However, in my day-to-day use, I found them to be a bit too strong, and I found opening the case with one hand a task. 

With the C500, our lead audio reviewer, Dhriti, noted that the physical control buttons, in place of touch/capacitive controls, are something that should have been changed. She had very rightly noted that the very act of pressing the buttons to trigger basic actions repeatedly could lead to stress in the inner ear, as the earbuds are being pushed further into the ear canal with each push. With these earbuds, Sony seems to have addressed that, with the button press feeling much softer. However, that introduces the problem of accidental triggers, which were a common thing for me.

The buds have IPX4 water resistance. Now this is also something I would also want the brand to rework in the next release.

Now, let’s look at the features that the Sony WF-C700N comes packing with and how they fare against those of the competitors.

Sony WF-C700N: Features

The are two main areas where Sony has made changes to the C700N over the C500 TWS earbuds in terms of features – multi-point connection and Active Noise Cancellation. As I mentioned before, the C700N bring to the table Active Noise Cancellation to a pair that, despite the lack of it, was impressive and popular in the Indian market. The addition of ANC has not only made it better but also opened it up to a whole new consumer and competitor segment. And ANC also means a hike in price, which is justifiable, given the quality of ANC, is better than many other competing earbuds. More on that in the next section.

With the growing number of people getting into hybrid working/study environments, multi-point connectivity is in this transitionary phase, where it is going from being a novelty to now becoming a necessity. Sony has caught up to that trend and has added it to the C700N. Now, given that it is Sony, I expected the feature to work well, and it did!

The Headphones Connect app is not my favourite, mainly because of its interface, which in my opinion, is a bit overwhelming at times. However, it does provide almost everything that you would need from a TWS companion app. There are customizability options lathered throughout so that you can make the earbuds truly your own.

DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), Sony’s homegrown AI-based music upscaling technology, works like a charm on these earbuds. Having been someone who daily drives the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) paired with Apple Music, I was surprised to see how well the earbuds handled upscaling. When listening to some of the tracks which I jam to on a daily basis, there were one-off instances where the processing did not go as I had expected it to. However, I cannot complain much, given how well it worked the rest of the time. Sony has only added support for SBC and AAC codecs, which I believe could have been better if they included LDAC or aptX as well.

Sony WF-C700N: Performance

In terms of performance, Sony has made significant improvements to the sound signature of the earbuds. As you can see in the graph, the boost in the low frequencies, which drive the bass and the highs, balance each other out, and the mids, staying close to our baseline reading of Pink Noise, ensures that the sound signature is well-rounded, especially for the price.

Sony has now started focussing on products that are tuned for Indian audiences. With these earbuds, the sound signature is well suited for the genres like Bollywood, Pop, and Hip Hop, which have been all the rage amongst Indian audiences. When comparing the sound of these earbuds to the likes of Nothing Ear (2) and the Jabra Elite 4, in my opinion, these earbuds are much better suited for an audience that enjoys that thump in the bass.

In case you do not like the bass or the boost in the highs is causing you discomfort over longer periods of listening, then you can always go to the Sony Headphones Connect app and tune the audio to your liking. The EQ baked into the app has a fair number of presets as well, which ensures that the earbuds can be tuned to your liking. 

As for the microphone, the Sonys did not disappoint me. I tested them in a variety of scenarios, and these earbuds were up to the mark in all of them. In situations where there was a LOT of noise, like a railway platform, there was some level of noise that seeped through to the receiver. However, apart from that, there was not much to complain about here.

Staying on the topic of noisy environment, let’s talk about the noise cancellation of these earbuds. Given that these earbuds have a great fit in the ears, half the battle is won right there. At least in my case, where I got a snug fit with the small-sized ear tips. With ANC on, I could not hear the low-end rumbling sounds of the AC, which sits right above my head in the office. During my commutes to and fro from work on the train and in auto, the WF C700N earbuds did well to ensure that I could not hear most of the heavy sounds around me.

These earbuds pack the same hardware as Sony’s high-end TWS earbuds. The only place where they have been held back from running away with best-in-class ANC is the software-level processing. So, it wasn’t surprising to see that the earbuds did well in some of the most challenging situations as well. I would still say there is some room for improvement, especially with the handling of high-end sounds like shrill horns and the like. But, for the most part, these earbuds hold their ground well.

In terms of battery life, these earbuds lasted about four and a half hours in our Pink Noise loop test with ANC on and volume set to 50 per cent, which is pretty close to Sony’s claims of the 5-hour of battery life that these earbuds carry. And, when you are out of juice, you can harness the quick charge capability of the earbuds to ensure that you get a claimed 60-minute run time in just 10 minutes of charging!

Sony WF-C700N: Verdict

The Sony WF-C700N is a well-rounded pair of earbuds with a sound signature that would appeal to the masses in India and ANC that draws from its pricier cousins and makes them hold their ground well. There are a few kinks, like the button-based control interface, which I would like Sony to work on. One last thing before I wrap up this review. Like it is with all audio products, please try these earbuds once before you take the plunge, as the fit is something that would make or break the experience for you. And if these do not fit well, then I would say, explore options like the Nothing Ear (2) which features a stem-based design or the Jabra Elite 4 which have a similar approach to their design, but manage to work wonders with their fit and overall product quality.

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Apple iPhone 15 new leaks: A 48-MP camera sensor and up to 200 price hike

This year’s most hyped smartphone series, Apple iPhone 15 is expected to launch next month. However, the tipsters can’t just hold it back. Another leak of iPhone 15 has surfaced on the internet. It is about the camera configuration of the upcoming smartphones. The launch of iPhone 15 was previously rumoured to be delayed this year. Amid that, we got to know about a new upgrade in iPhone 15 standard models; iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. 

Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, has come up with a leak that suggests a 48-megapixel primary camera in the upcoming smartphones. Not that he only suggests that but also mentioned the new sensor in ‘Standard’ models which are iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. This will make a good upgrade because last year, only the high-end models of iPhone 14 series had a 48-megapixel sensor. 

Also read: Apple iPhone 15 Pro renders suggest 5 new features of the phone

Another leak by PhoneArena in a collaboration with Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station suggests a smaller lens in iPhone 15 base models. It says the iPhone 15 and Plus will feature a 48-megapixel wide-angle 1/1.5 inch sensor. Comparatively, this size is smaller than the size of the lens of iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 featured a 12-megapixel 1/1.7-inch sensor. 

Interestingly, featuring a 48-megapixel primary lens in iPhone 15 standard models confirms another rumour which was leaked a few days ago. It has stated a 48-megapixel in all four models of Apple iPhone 15 series. 

Also read: iPhone 15: Top rumours and leaks show us what to expect from Apple's next iPhone

Apart from that, it is speculated that the iPhone 15 series’ high-end models could see a price hike this year. The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to launch with a price increment of up to $100. Additionally, the top tier smartphone in the lineup, iPhone 15 Pro Max could see a price hike between $100 to $200.

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Pocos first TWS earbuds has entry grade price and some interesting features

Poco has launched its first pair of TWS earbuds in India named Poco Pods. It carries a ₹1,199 price tag and has features like ENC for clearer calls, Bluetooth Low Energy based connection, and long battery life assurance. Here are the full details:

Poco Pods specs and features

Poco Pods packs a 12mm driver setup that would be tuned to deliver deeper bass. While most folks prefer bassy audio and so we get the tuning choice. 

Also Read: OnePlus Nord 3 blast: Alleged instance injures a kid, suggest report | Digit

Poco has equipped the Pods with Bluetooth 5.3 with Low Energy support, which should help in the battery endurance. Speaking of which, the Poco Pods boasts up to 30 hours of runtime between charges. For charging you get fast charging here. In mere 10 minutes of charging, the Pods claim to give up to 90 minutes' worth of juice.  

Although there is no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), you get Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) here which is aimed at blocking the outside or ambient noises while calls are taking place. In other words, it would aid in clearer calls and not so in the case of music playback.

The Pods also sport up to 60 ms of low latency during gaming sessions and video playback.

The experience of connecting the Pods with Poco or other Android phones should be smooth thanks to Google Fast Pair support.

Once it connects, you can use touch-sensitive areas on the Pods to control music playback and take or decline calls. 

Most of the buds are black in colour (including the stem and the aforementioned touch control areas). The ear tips are yellow in colour. The innard of the case is also in the signature Poco Yellow colour. 

Also Read: OPPO Enco Air3 Pro Review: The best-sounding TWS under ₹5,000

Last but not least, you also get IPX4 water resistance against splashes. So, it should be good for wearing in the gym and it should be able to handle a light rain or drizzle.  

Poco Pods price and availability

You can buy the Poco Pods at ₹1,199 from Flipkart starting July 29. 

 

 

 

 

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AMD pledges India with 3000 engineering jobs, with 400 million investment in Banglore Campus

Pop the popcorn and pull up a chair, folks. It's a full-on battle in the tech world as AMD and Intel, two American tech giants, go head-to-head in a new arena: India and Germany. Yes, you heard it right! These two chip wizards are duking it out by setting up ultra-cool, cutting-edge centers in these countries.

First up, we've got AMD flexing its muscles with a whopping $400 million investment to build a swanky new campus in Bengaluru, India. This investment will involve the construction of a new campus in Bengaluru, which will be the company's largest design center. This new facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2023 and will include big lab space and advanced tools.

The announcement was made by AMD's Executive Vice-President and CTO, Mark Papermaster, at the Semicon India 2023 event, inaugurated by India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The new campus, occupying an area of 500,000 square feet, will expand AMD's presence in India to a total of 10 locations, including New Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

But hold up! Intel isn't sitting back and sipping a mocha latte. Intel India, not to be outdone, opened a sparkling new facility in Bengaluru last year, which can host up to 2,000 employees. That's a lot of coffee breaks and water cooler chats!

Then there's Germany. Intel decided to go big or go home and announced a colossal €30bn investment to build not one, but two new semiconductor factories. These factories aren't just fancy buildings, folks. They're going to use what's called Angstrom-era technology. That's techie talk for components less than one nanometer in size.

Both India and Germany provide a robust support structure for chip makers like AMD and Intel, offering tax breaks, grants, loans, and even R&D support. In Germany, companies can receive a reduced corporate tax rate of 9% down from 15%, potentially substantial grants based on investment size and location, and subsidised loans with interest rates below market rate. 

India offers similar incentives with a slashed corporate tax rate from 30% to 15% for semiconductor firms, investment-dependent grants, subsidized loans, and an extra benefit in the form of R&D support. The R&D support, given through grants, loans, or tax breaks, aids in the development of new semiconductor technologies. These benefits underscore the strategic decisions of AMD and Intel to expand their operations in these regions, while also contributing to the advancement of global semiconductor technology.

Layoffs and new factories at the same time?

The layoffs and simultaneous factory openings by chip giants can be attributed to several factors. Both Intel and AMD are shifting their manufacturing strategies. Intel, for instance, is transitioning to a new business model where they will be manufacturing chips for other companies in addition to their own, a strategy known as IDM 2.0. This requires new facilities and potentially different skill sets, leading to both layoffs and new hires. source

The semiconductor industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and manufacturing processes being developed. This can lead to job losses in areas that become obsolete, while new jobs are created in areas that are expanding. For example, Intel is investing heavily in EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography, a new technology for manufacturing smaller, more efficient chips. This requires new factories and equipment, and workers with different skills. 

There is a push to diversify the global chip supply chain, which is currently heavily concentrated in Asia. This has led companies like Intel and AMD to build new factories in different regions, including the United States and Europe. This geographical diversification can lead to job losses in some areas and job creation in others. 

Some of the layoffs may be part of cost-saving measures. As companies strive to remain competitive, they often look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This can sometimes lead to job losses, even as the company is investing in new areas. 

The ongoing global chip shortage has put pressure on semiconductor companies to increase production. This has led to significant investments in new factories. However, the increased demand for chips has also led to operational challenges and workforce adjustments. source

It's important to note that while layoffs are certainly impactful for those affected, they represent a small fraction of these companies' overall workforce. The new factories being built will create many new jobs and are part of these companies' strategies to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.

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