Qualcomm has just rolled out its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising impressive boosts in performance for Android phones. However, not every device equipped with this chipset will come with ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. The FastConnect 7900 platform that’s part of the Snapdragon 8 Elite does support UWB alongside Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but Qualcomm states that it’s up to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to decide if they want to include this feature.
What is UWB and Why is it Useful?
UWB technology is a wireless communication method that works over short distances, offering extremely accurate location tracking. This allows functions like turning your phone into a digital car key and easily connecting to nearby devices for seamless casting. For instance, Apple’s AirTags utilize UWB for precise location tracking, and Google’s Find My Device network is anticipated to adopt UWB, potentially making Android item trackers more competitive with Apple’s offerings.
UWB Support is Not Guaranteed
Although the FastConnect 7900 was launched as a single-chip solution for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and UWB, Qualcomm had hoped it would simplify UWB support for all Snapdragon 8 Elite devices. Nonetheless, Qualcomm has confirmed that the choice to activate UWB lies with the manufacturers, and many OEMs are opting out of this feature. Qualcomm mentioned that the FastConnect 7900 doesn’t need extra hardware for UWB, but implementing UWB capabilities involves adhering to regional regulations and testing, which adds both complexity and expense. For example, Realme noted that the limited practical applications of UWB impacted its choice not to include it in the GT7 Pro.
Enhancements Beyond Connectivity
In addition to connectivity improvements, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip boasts significant upgrades in processing power. It utilizes an all-big-core design, featuring Qualcomm’s new Oryon cores, which include two high-performance cores running at 4.32 GHz. This is complemented by an upgraded Adreno GPU, which enhances gaming performance by as much as 40%. The chip’s AI Engine also drives the Image Signal Processor (ISP), capable of handling up to 4.3 gigapixels each second, ensuring high-quality photos and videos even in challenging situations. These upgrades position devices using the Snapdragon 8 Elite to compete strongly against MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chip in the premium Android market.
