Tag: Qualcomm

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen3: Emphasizing Quality Rather Than Competing with Flagship Devices

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen3: Emphasizing Quality Rather Than Competing with Flagship Devices

    What to Expect from the New Mid-Range Snapdragon 7 Gen3

    Qualcomm is gearing up to launch its Snapdragon 7 Gen3 chip, which has been built on the TSMC 4nm process. However, leaked specifications suggest that this new chip might not outperform its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen2.

    Specifications Comparison

    The Snapdragon 7 Gen3 features a 1+3+4 architecture, similar to its predecessor. Its CPU consists of 1×2.63GHz big core, 3×2.4GHz, and 4×1.8GHz cores, all powered by an Arm Cortex-A715 with an integrated Adreno 720 GPU.

    On the other hand, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen2 boasts a CPU with 1×2.91GHz big core, 3×2.49GHz, and 4×1.8GHz cores, along with an integrated Adreno 725 GPU. It is evident that the Snapdragon 7 Gen3's specifications are slightly downgraded in terms of performance compared to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen2.

    Strategic Decision for Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

    The Snapdragon 7+ Gen2 has only been adopted in a few models, such as the Redmi Note 12 Turbo and the Realme GT Neo5 SE, primarily due to its higher cost. As a result, not many consumers have experienced its capabilities.

    Qualcomm seems to have made a strategic decision with the Snapdragon 7 Gen3 to focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This chip is positioned as a mid-range processor, rather than a sub-flagship model, making it a more accessible choice for smartphone manufacturers.

    The Advantage of the TSMC 4nm Process

    Despite its seemingly lower specifications, the Snapdragon 7 Gen3 has the advantage of being built on the advanced TSMC 4nm process. This is expected to result in improved energy efficiency and overall performance, even if it doesn't match the raw power of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen2.

    Widening Market Reach

    Manufacturers like Xiaomi, vivo, and others in Europe are expected to adopt the Snapdragon 7 Gen3 in their upcoming devices. With its cost-effective approach, this processor could find a broader market reach, making it a pivotal component in the next generation of smartphones.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, while the Snapdragon 7 Gen3 may not surpass its predecessor in terms of performance, it is set to deliver a well-balanced blend of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It will be interesting to see how it fares against the competition and whether it becomes the chip of choice for mid-range smartphones in the coming year.

    Tags: , ,
  • Partnership between Qualcomm and Iridium dissolved, ending satellite connectivity for smartphones

    Partnership between Qualcomm and Iridium dissolved, ending satellite connectivity for smartphones

    Qualcomm and Iridium Communications have recently announced the end of their partnership to bring satellite services to smartphones. This decision was made due to the lack of adoption of the technology by smartphone manufacturers.

    The partnership between Qualcomm and Iridium was announced earlier this year, and the two companies successfully developed and demonstrated the technology. However, smartphone manufacturers showed hesitancy in adopting the technology as it was proprietary to Qualcomm and Iridium.

    A spokesperson from Qualcomm stated, “Smartphone OEMs have indicated a preference towards standards-based solutions for satellite connectivity in mobile devices. We expect to continue to collaborate with Iridium on standards-based solutions while discontinuing efforts on the proprietary solution that was introduced earlier this year.”

    Iridium CEO Matt Desch expressed disappointment in the partnership not immediately yielding results, but he believes that the industry is moving towards increased satellite connectivity in consumer devices. He mentioned that major mobile network operators and device manufacturers, led by Apple, still plan to provide expanded coverage and new satellite-based features to their customers.

    Desch also stated, “Our global coverage and regulatory certainty make us well suited to be a key player in this emerging market.”

    With the termination of the agreements with Qualcomm, Iridium can now directly re-engage with smartphone OEMs, other chipmakers, and smartphone operating system developers that the company had been collaborating with previously.

    Iridium also plans to pursue new relationships with “smart device OEMs” for both existing and future service plans.

    Tags: ,