For an OEM/ODM building a new line of security cameras, the choice of System-on-Chip (SoC) is the most critical technical decision you will make. It dictates image quality, AI capabilities, power consumption, and cost. With the market shifting away from Chinese suppliers, three companies have emerged as the leading non-Chinese SoC providers: Qualcomm, Ambarella, and Novatek.
At Adiance, we build cameras using all three platforms, selecting the right SoC for the right application. Here’s a technical comparison based on our hands-on manufacturing experience.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
- Qualcomm (USA): Best known for their Snapdragon mobile processors, Qualcomm brings powerful Edge AI capabilities, advanced image signal processors (ISPs), and robust connectivity to the CCTV market.
- Ambarella (USA): A long-time leader in high-end video processing, Ambarella's CVflow architecture is purpose-built for computer vision and delivers exceptional 4K and low-light performance.
- Novatek (Taiwan): A dominant player in the display driver and consumer electronics space, Novatek offers highly integrated, cost-effective SoCs that provide excellent image quality for mainstream applications.
Technical Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm (Snapdragon) | Ambarella (CVflow) | Novatek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Edge AI & On-Device Analytics | High-End 4K & Computer Vision | Cost-Effective Mainstream |
| AI Performance | Excellent (Dedicated NPU) | Excellent (CVflow Engine) | Good (DSP-based) |
| Image Quality | Very Good (Spectra ISP) | Excellent (Best-in-class ISP) | Good |
| Power Consumption | Low | Medium | Very Low |
| Cost | High | Medium-High | Low |
| Adiance Series | S-Series (Edge AI) | P-Series (Performance 4K) | E-Series (Eco) |
Choosing the Right SoC for Your Product
Choose Qualcomm when your primary requirement is on-camera intelligence. If you need to run complex AI models for object detection, facial recognition, or ANPR directly on the camera to minimize latency and bandwidth, the dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in Qualcomm's Snapdragon SoCs is the best-in-class solution.
Choose Ambarella when your primary requirement is pristine image quality. For high-end surveillance in challenging lighting conditions, or for applications where 4K or 8MP resolution is critical, Ambarella's image signal processor (ISP) and video pipeline are unmatched. Their CVflow architecture also provides a powerful and flexible platform for computer vision development.
Choose Novatek when you need a balance of performance and cost. For mainstream 2MP to 5MP cameras, Novatek provides a highly reliable and cost-effective solution. They deliver excellent image quality for the price point and are a workhorse for high-volume deployments where budget is a key consideration.
As an OEM/ODM partner, Adiance can help you navigate these tradeoffs and build a product line that leverages the strengths of each non-Chinese SoC platform. Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific product requirements.