Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 4s Gen 2: Affordable 5G for the Masses
Qualcomm has announced its latest budget-friendly chipset, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, aimed at bringing 5G connectivity to sub-$100 smartphones. This new processor represents a significant step towards making high-speed mobile internet accessible to a broader range of consumers.
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| Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4s Gen 2: A breakthrough in affordable 5G technology |
Key Features:
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon X61 modem offers download speeds up to 1Gbps
- Efficient Design: Built on Samsung's 4nm process
- CPU Configuration: Octa-core setup (2x Cortex-A78 + 6x Cortex-A55)
- Display Support: FHD+ resolution at 90Hz refresh rate
- Camera Capabilities: Up to 84MP snapshot support
Performance and Efficiency
Qualcomm claims substantial efficiency gains compared to unnamed competitors in the entry-level segment:
- 37% better modem power efficiency
- 90 minutes more music playback
- 33 minutes more voice calling
- 26 minutes more video calls
While these improvements are noteworthy, it's important to note that Qualcomm has not disclosed the specific rival chip used for comparison.
Compromises for Affordability
To achieve its price point, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 makes some concessions compared to its slightly higher-end sibling, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2:
- Lower CPU clock speeds (2.0GHz vs. 2.3GHz)
- Reduced camera capabilities (84MP vs. 108MP)
- Slower refresh rate support (90Hz vs. 120Hz)
Connectivity and Audio
The chipset supports:
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Wi-Fi 5
- Quick Charge 4+
- AptX Adaptive audio (a notable inclusion at this price point)
Market Impact
Xiaomi and its associated brands are set to be among the first manufacturers to adopt the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, with devices expected to hit the market before the end of 2023. This chip has the potential to significantly expand the availability of 5G-capable devices in emerging markets, particularly in countries like India where affordable smartphones are in high demand.
While the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 doesn't support cutting-edge features like satellite connectivity, it represents an important step in democratizing 5G technology. As the mobile industry continues to evolve, chips like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that advanced connectivity options are not limited to premium devices.
Update: Tuesday July 30 06:59
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 features a CPU configuration with two 2GHz performance cores and six 1.8GHz efficiency cores. Qualcomm's senior vice president, Chris Patrick, emphasized the platform's significance in making 5G technology more accessible to a broader audience. Xiaomi has been announced as the first manufacturer to adopt the new chipset, with Muralikrishnan B, president of Xiaomi India, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration. While specific device announcements are yet to be made, the first commercial devices featuring the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 are expected to be unveiled before the end of the year, with other OEMs likely to adopt the platform in the future.