Intel Corp (INTC)

[Unkwn]

For performance simulation (getting benchmark scores), RTL is enough.

True, unless you run into timing issues, which will only be reported by the synthesis tool (or after layout).

Anyway, I think the 2.5 GHz should be possible on a 16nm process, I have no doubts there. There were 2.5 GHz ARM designs already at 28nm.

By the way - Confession of an Intel investor: I am using a Qualcomm powered smartphone now. My Razr I was turning old a bit after two years, especially battery lifetime wasn't good following the latest update (it even got a 4.4 update recently, which was nice actually). I bought an Xperia Z3 compact, since I don't like those big smartphones. The Z3 compact is about the smartphone size I can stand for one handed operation and carrying it around in my trouser pockets. The z3 compact is about the only mid-sized device that has high end specs, and that's a Qualcomm 801. The Zenfone 2 would have been a very nice device but I don't like its size, so there not really an alternative.

I must admit that the system runs very smooth on the Qualcomm chip, even better with the latest Android 5 installed. Power consumption is ok too, but that's also related to the smartphone's battery with pretty high capacity. Compared to my aging Razr M, the Z3 is faster, but not as significant as (multicore) benchmarks may suggest. The doubled RAM certainly also does its part here (Android is horrible when it comes to memory).

What can clearly be experienced is the amount of heat the SoC generates when stressed (gaming, web browsing etc.). The back of the device really turns warm quickly, exposing the high power consumption at bursts. This is very different to my previous phone, so Qualcomm really seems to stretch the limits. Nevertheless, power consumption is ok in moderate use.