Tag: Qualcomm

February 24, 2025
Apple C3 Expected as Next-Gen Modem Chip Launching in 2027
Key Takeaways
1. Apple has started using its own C1 chip in the iPhone 16e, replacing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon modem for the first time.
2. The C1 chip features a dual-architecture design with a 7nm transceiver and a 4nm baseband component, enhancing performance and efficiency.
3. Apple claims the C1 chip improves battery life, allowing for up to 26 hours of video playback on a single charge.
4. The C1 chip has been rigorously tested for temperature resistance and signal reception from over 180 carriers in 55 countries.
5. The C1 chip lacks mmWave 5G support, but future iterations, like the rumored C3 chip, may address this and expand to other Apple products.
Qualcomm has traditionally been recognized for its role in enabling features like Emergency SOS via Satellite and 5G connectivity on Apple’s iPhones, thanks to the Snapdragon Xnn-series modem chipsets.
A Shift in Apple’s Strategy
With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple has managed to eliminate Qualcomm from the equation for the first time by using its own C1 chip, marking a significant change in its hardware approach.
Recent information has disclosed that this chip employs a 7 nanometer (nm) architecture, but this is only true for its transceiver, which is responsible for managing data signals. The baseband component, which processes these signals, utilizes a more advanced 4nm process.
Optimized Performance
Apple claims that this unique dual-architecture setup is expertly designed to integrate with the A18 processor in the 16e, resulting in seamless gaming, browsing, and uploads on the device due to their custom synergy.
Moreover, the C1 chip is said to enhance battery life and overall performance, boasting an impressive capability to support up to 26 hours of video playback on a single charge.
Rigorous Testing
Apple emphasizes that the C1 has undergone extensive testing for temperature resistance and durability, as showcased during a modem lab tour for tech blogger Andru Edwards, making it a pioneering demonstration in the field.
The modem has also been thoroughly evaluated for its ability to catch signals from over 180 carriers across 55 countries worldwide.
Limitations and Future Prospects
Nevertheless, the C1 does come with certain drawbacks, notably its lack of mmWave 5G support.
However, Apple hints that future iterations may address this shortcoming and could potentially be integrated into other products like Macs and iPads as they evolve.
The anticipated next-generation chip, the “C3,” is rumored to debut in Apple’s 2027 lineup, following leaks that suggest a new in-house modem may be released every couple of years.
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Tags: 5G, Apple C1, Qualcomm
February 24, 2025
Qualcomm Unveils First Snapdragon Experience Zone in India
Key Takeaways
1. Qualcomm has launched its first Snapdragon Experience Zone in India, located at a Croma store in Juhu, Mumbai, to engage local consumers with its technology.
2. The Experience Zone showcases a variety of products, including smartphones, PCs, wearables, and audio gadgets powered by Snapdragon processors, allowing for hands-on experiences.
3. Qualcomm plans to expand the Snapdragon Experience Zones across India to enhance consumer interaction with its technology.
4. Affordable Windows laptops powered by Snapdragon X series SoCs are expected to be available in India for under $600 (around Rs. 50,000), highlighting energy efficiency and AI capabilities.
5. The initiative, dubbed “AI PCs for Everyone,” aims to make AI-enabled devices more accessible and educate consumers about the transformative capabilities of Snapdragon technology.
Qualcomm has unveiled its very first Snapdragon Experience Zone in India, aimed at bringing its innovative technology closer to local consumers. The company is known for pushing the limits of what can be achieved with compact, battery-operated devices. They have addressed the battery life challenges of Windows laptops with their Snapdragon X series chips. Now, alongside their research and development efforts, they are giving people the opportunity to engage with the technology available to them.
Collaboration with Croma
In partnership with Croma, a prominent consumer electronics retailer, the Experience Zone has opened its doors at the Croma Store located in Juhu, Mumbai. Qualcomm reportedly intends to create additional zones throughout India, allowing customers to discover and interact with devices that utilize Snapdragon processors.
A Variety of Showcased Products
The Snapdragon Experience Zone features a diverse array of ecosystem products, including smartphones, PCs, wearables, and audio gadgets, all powered by Qualcomm’s state-of-the-art processors. Guests can participate in a hands-on experience with these devices, seeing the capabilities of Snapdragon chips up close, especially their on-device AI functionalities. Knowledgeable staff are also present to demonstrate products and address user questions, ensuring that visitors leave with a more thorough understanding of the technology.
Savi Soin, President of Qualcomm India, stressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “This allows customers to experience the transformative power of on-device AI, showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities of the Snapdragon ecosystem.”
Pricing and Future Developments
Windows laptops that run on the Arm-based Snapdragon X series SoCs are available for under $600 (around Rs. 50,000) globally, and a similar pricing approach is expected for the Indian market as well. Besides the enhanced energy efficiency, the NPU capabilities of Snapdragon-powered laptops also make them suitable for AI processing, which is increasingly relevant as the industry moves toward deeper technology integration. Recently, it was reported that Microsoft is developing a streamlined version of DeepSeek-R1, with Snapdragon-powered laptops being the first to gain from this advancement.
The event, named “AI PCs for Everyone,” showcases Qualcomm’s commitment to making AI-enabled devices more accessible to a larger audience. With plans to further expand Snapdragon Experience Zones across India, Qualcomm seeks to bolster its presence in the country and educate consumers about the transformative possibilities of its technology.
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Tags: AI PCs, Qualcomm, Snapdragon Experience Zone
February 12, 2025
Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Launches with Major Performance Boost
Key Takeaways
1. New Chip Introduction: Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (SM6650) as an upgrade to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 for mid-range smartphones.
2. Improved Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 features a tri-core CPU configuration and an Adreno GPU, offering a 29% performance boost and an 11% increase in Geekbench scores compared to the previous generation.
3. Enhanced Connectivity: This chip supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, along with advanced audio technologies like aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless.
4. Display and Camera Support: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 can drive FHD+ displays at up to 144 Hz and supports a 200 MP camera with 4K video recording at 30 FPS.
5. Manufacturing Process: The chip is manufactured using a 4 nm TSMC process, contributing to its efficiency and performance improvements in mid-range smartphones.
Qualcomm has introduced a new system-on-chip (SoC) designed for mid-range smartphones. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, also known as SM6650, takes the place of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and offers significant upgrades, including a redesigned CPU architecture and Arm v9 cores. Manufactured on a 4 nm TSMC process, this chip boasts a notable performance boost compared to its predecessor, making it a strong contender in the 6 series lineup.
Performance Details
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 features a tri-core configuration, consisting of one Cortex-A720 core running at 2.3 GHz, two additional Cortex-A720 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores operating at 1.8 GHz. It includes an undisclosed Adreno GPU that Qualcomm claims offers a 29% performance improvement over the previous generation, the Adreno 710. In terms of CPU performance, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 shows an 11% increase in Geekbench scores.
Connectivity and Memory
For wireless connectivity, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, along with compatibility for both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks. It also features Qualcomm’s proprietary aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless audio technologies, which are uncommon in budget devices. However, there are some limitations regarding memory support; the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 can only accommodate LPDDR5-3200, which is on the slower side, although it can work with UFS 3.1 storage solutions.
Display and Camera Capabilities
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is capable of driving a single FHD+ display at refresh rates up to 144 Hz. Its image signal processor (ISP) can support a 200 MP camera module with Zero Shutter Lag functionality. When it comes to video, this SoC can record at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (FPS), and it also allows for slow-motion video capture at 1080p and 120 FPS.
Qualcomm’s latest chip aims to enhance mid-range smartphones, making them more powerful and efficient than before.
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Tags: Mid-range smartphones, Qualcomm, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4
February 7, 2025
Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024
When Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X ARM APUs, there was a lot of buzz since it seemed like Windows devices would finally match MacBooks in energy efficiency. However, it’s clear now that the Snapdragon X SoCs didn’t live up to the expectations many had.
Performance Comparison
To start with, Qualcomm’s APUs aren’t giving any significant performance boost compared to the latest Intel and AMD processors. While the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are indeed efficient, many laptops featuring Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Strix Point APUs offer similar or even better battery lives.
App Compatibility Issues
Another concern is the app compatibility with the Snapdragon X SoCs, along with the absence of affordable Snapdragon X Windows laptops. All these factors led us to conclude that “there are no real arguments for a Windows laptop with an ARM processor” in our review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.
Despite these clear drawbacks, Qualcomm has managed to secure a solid market presence as of December 2024.
Market Share Insights
In late November 2024, we reported that Snapdragon X-based Windows laptops held a meager 0.8% market share in Q3 2024. This finding was quite harsh, indicating that Qualcomm had a significant challenge ahead to meet its target of 30-50% market share by 2029.
However, times seem to be improving for Qualcomm. CEO Cristiano Amon stated that “Snapdragon X Series had more than 10% share of the greater than $800 Windows laptops in U.S. retail.” If these numbers are correct, December 2024 shipments show a notable improvement from previous reports.
Limited Claims on Global Market
Nevertheless, observant readers may have realized that Cristiano Amon is referring to a >10% share only for laptops above a certain price point. Therefore, Qualcomm hasn’t made any statements about global shipments or laptops priced under $800. This is logical as there’s a shortage of budget-friendly Snapdragon X Windows devices available. Yet, this news is encouraging for Qualcomm and fans of Snapdragon who want to see better performance from Windows ARM laptops.
That being said, Qualcomm still has considerable work ahead to ensure that Snapdragon laptops can compete evenly with Intel and AMD machines throughout the Windows ecosystem.
Challenges Ahead
A major challenge for laptops using the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs is the inconsistent app compatibility. This has been a concern since Microsoft first promoted ARM-based Windows laptops as a genuine alternative. Although the situation has improved, both Microsoft and Qualcomm still have quite a bit of work left to address these issues.
Moreover, the absence of budget Snapdragon laptops will certainly limit the company’s ability to reach a broader customer base. This is especially true internationally and in regions where consumer spending habits are much lower than in the U.S. Qualcomm aims to tackle this issue with the introduction of the 8-core Snapdragon X SoC.
Finally, to truly excel beyond the current x86 competition, Qualcomm must deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s encouraging to see Qualcomm making strides in the market. Increased competition is always beneficial for consumers.
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Tags: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, Qualcomm, Snapdragon X
February 6, 2025
New Snapdragon X Chip Laptops Launching in India This Month
Qualcomm has recently revealed its new Snapdragon X platform that will be the driving force behind forthcoming Windows PCs. Now, we have confirmation on when this innovative processor will debut in India. This marks the third addition to the series, so let’s dive into the details.
Launch Date of Snapdragon X
To refresh your memory, the chip manufacturer expanded its Snapdragon X series with the introduction of the Snapdragon X. This model serves as the basic option in the collection, functioning as an entry-level SoC alongside the already successful Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite processors. Qualcomm’s goal with this chipset is to make a deeper impact in the laptop market. The Snapdragon X is intended to cater to both budget-conscious and mid-range consumers.
PCs Powered by Snapdragon X Chip
In a recent promotional poster, the company announced that the new Snapdragon X platform designed for AI-powered PCs will arrive in India on February 24, 2025. Initially revealed for Windows PCs, this processor will be available in laptops from brands like Acer, ASUS, HP, Dell, and Lenovo, all priced below $600. However, it remains uncertain which specific laptop models in India will incorporate this new budget-friendly AI chip.
Specifications and Features
According to previous announcements, the Snapdragon X is equipped with eight CPU cores that can reach speeds of up to 3.0GHz. It boasts a total memory cache of 30MB and is built on the ARM architecture, akin to its more advanced counterparts. The Snapdragon X comes with an Adreno GPU capable of delivering up to 1.7 TFLOPS, which is adequate for casual gaming, older video games, and various everyday tasks. One of its standout features is the dedicated NPU that provides 45 TOPS of AI performance, making it suitable for Copilot+ functionalities. Thus, this new chip could bring significant improvements to the budget laptop market in India.
Tags: Qualcomm, Snapdragon X, Windows PCs
January 31, 2025
Next-Gen Snapdragon X2 Chips Expected to Launch Soon
With their Snapdragon X series of ARM chipsets aimed at laptops, Qualcomm has made a significant entry into the PC market. The company has provided impressive energy efficiency and performance, along with capabilities for AI tasks. There are indications that Qualcomm may be developing successors to these chipsets, which could be revealed in the near future.
Snapdragon X2 Elite & X2 Plus Development
To refresh your memory, last year Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. However, it appears that the Snapdragon X2 series might be on its way, potentially introducing a new flagship chip as well. The new Snapdragon X2 series could feature an additional “Ultra Premium” category. The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus have certainly made waves in the market, challenging competitors like Intel and AMD.
AI Focus and Competitive Landscape
A primary emphasis of these new chipsets was AI, which was an area that other manufacturers largely overlooked. Following the Snapdragon X announcement, both Intel and AMD quickly released their own chips equipped with dedicated NPUs, allowing them to catch up with Qualcomm. While Qualcomm has faced some challenges regarding performance, leaked shipping manifests (shared by Olrak_29 on X) indicate that the Snapdragon X2 is indeed under development.
Upcoming Features and Expectations
The Snapdragon X2 name appeared alongside the “Ultra Premium” label, suggesting a more robust processor is on the horizon. For those who might not know, these upcoming chipsets will be the next generation of ARM processors, similar to their predecessors. Right now, we only have Plus and Elite options available, but a Snapdragon X Ultra variant could be introduced soon. We can look forward to enhanced performance, upgraded NPUs, and improved graphics capabilities. These chips are expected to launch later this year, as previously reported. This is all the information currently available, so stay tuned for updates.
Tags: ARM Chipsets, Qualcomm, Snapdragon X2
January 22, 2025
Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Production by TSMC Confirmed in Report
Qualcomm has unveiled its newest top-tier processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is made using TSMC’s advanced third-generation 3nm (N3E) technology. It looks like Qualcomm is sticking with a trusted ally for its upcoming chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, as whispers indicate it will be crafted with TSMC’s even more cutting-edge 3nm N3P process.
Confirmation of Production
A recent report from Gamma’s Hardware info (via Jukanlosreve) has confirmed that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will indeed be produced with TSMC’s 3nm (N3P) tech. This implies that Qualcomm is still not ready to switch over to Samsung Foundry for its chip manufacturing needs.
GOOD NEWS: THE PRODUCTION OF SNAPDRAGON 8 ELITE 2 BY TSMC HAS BEEN CONFIRMED. PIC.TWITTER.COM/EN0SDOR60G
— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) January 21, 2025
Specifications of the Chip
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is said to carry the model number SM8850 and bears the codename Kaanapali. The report also suggests that Samsung made attempts to create the 8 Elite 2 using its own process, which was supposedly referred to as “KaanapliS.”
Nonetheless, the report indicates that “KaanapliS” is no longer appearing in logistics data. This hints that the anticipated Samsung-made SM8850 is unlikely to come to fruition. Consequently, the production has been redirected to TSMC, with the new codename
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Tags: Qualcomm, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, TSMC
January 17, 2025
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Ships with Slower Variant and Core Missing
Qualcomm made a big splash when it introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite at the end of October. But soon after, the excitement was dampened by ARM’s choice to terminate Qualcomm’s design license, leading to a legal fight that has now been mostly resolved.
New Version Emerges
Recently, Qualcomm has been seen quietly launching a new, less powerful version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Initially, this chipset was available with two Oryon Gen 2 Prime CPU cores and six Oryon Gen 2 Performance CPU cores, clocking in at 4.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz, respectively. To clarify, Qualcomm refers to this original version as ‘SM8750-AB’, which is used in premium devices worldwide, such as the Magic7 Pro, OnePlus 13, and RedMagic 10 Pro (currently $749 on Amazon).
Changes to the Chipset
Now, Qualcomm has updated its product page for the Snapdragon 8 Elite to show the new ‘SM8750-3-AB’, which removes one Performance CPU core but keeps all other specs of the SM8750-AB intact. To make matters a bit confusing, Qualcomm claims that the SM8750-3-AB offers the same CPU performance improvements over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as the original SM8750-AB, even with one less CPU core. Unfortunately, Qualcomm hasn’t provided any additional information beyond the brief product description and the image we included below.
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Tags: Oryon Gen 2, Qualcomm, Snapdragon 8 Elite
January 15, 2025
Arm Plans Price Hike, Raising Concerns in Chip Industry
Arm Holdings is making bold moves in the semiconductor sector to enhance its revenue and market power. The company plans to raise royalty rates for certain chip designs by as much as 300%, aiming to generate an extra $1 billion every year over the next ten years. This effort, called the “Picasso” project, centers on the new Armv9 architecture and targets clients that utilize off-the-shelf chip designs.
Revenue Comparisons
In the fiscal year 2024, Arm reported revenue of $3.23 billion, which is quite small compared to that of major clients such as Apple. In fact, Apple’s earnings from devices powered by Arm technology are more than 90 times greater. To close this gap, Arm is pondering a major transition by starting to design and produce its own chips. Should this happen, Arm would be competing directly with its biggest clients like Qualcomm and Apple.
Potential Risks
The idea of entering the chip manufacturing arena has sparked concerns among both customers and industry analysts. Arm’s potential chip offerings include chiplets, which are tiny components that can be combined into larger processors. However, this approach risks alienating essential customers, who might retaliate by creating their own chips and leaning less on Arm’s existing solutions. Qualcomm has already begun to lessen its dependency on Arm’s technology.
Arm has been looking into these strategies since 2019, as revealed by internal discussions and court records. CEO Rene Haas has been quite vocal about the need for change, showing frustration with the company’s heavy reliance on major clients and advocating for more control over its technology.
Support and Challenges
SoftBank Group, which holds 90% of Arm, has backed these ambitious expansion plans. Nevertheless, the strategy is not without challenges. Increasing royalty rates and going head-to-head with clients could disrupt long-term relationships. Additionally, Arm is up against rival chip designers who might take advantage of any dissatisfaction among current customers.
In a recent legal battle, Arm accused Qualcomm of violating licensing agreements, but a jury in the U.S. sided with Qualcomm. This outcome might encourage other customers to consider options outside of Arm’s technology.
While Arm’s new plan seeks to transform the semiconductor landscape and increase revenue, its success hinges on balancing growth with the need to keep customer trust intact. The company’s daring ambitions could reshape its position within the industry, but they also involve considerable risks.
Tags: Apple, Arm Holdings, Qualcomm
January 15, 2025
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite: Competing Devices & Launch Timeframe
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite, also known as SM8735, has recently caught some eyes after being listed on Geekbench, showcasing impressive performance stats. An early listing showed its advanced CPU design includes one Cortex-X4 core running at 3.21GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores at 3.01GHz, two more Cortex-A720 cores clocked at 2.8GHz, and two energy-saving Cortex-A520 cores operating at 2.02GHz. Additionally, it comes with an Adreno 825 GPU that runs at 1100MHz. According to Geekbench, the single-core performance is around 1900 points, while the multi-core performance is close to 6000 points, suggesting that this chipset is still being fine-tuned and could see further improvements.
Snapdragon 8s Elite Overview
When comparing the Snapdragon 8s Elite with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the Elite offers a notable upgrade in its CPU setup. With its powerful Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.21GHz, it is expected to deliver superior single-thread performance. The multi-core performance also benefits from the additional high-performance cores, likely exceeding the capabilities of the 8s Gen 3. However, while the Adreno 825 GPU is newer, it may not provide a huge advancement in graphics, as the emphasis remains on CPU efficiency and overall performance.
Comparing Snapdragon 8s Elite and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
The differences between the Snapdragon 8s Elite and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 are more significant. The 8 Gen 3 is equipped with a stronger Cortex-X4 core, extra high-performance Cortex-A720 cores, and an Adreno 750 GPU, making it better suited for gaming and demanding visual tasks. While the 8s Elite is efficient, it falls short of the raw power and GPU capabilities of the 8 Gen 3, making it a solid mid-range choice instead of a direct rival to Qualcomm’s leading chipset.
Snapdragon 8s Elite Compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite
The Snapdragon 8 Elite represents a major step forward for Qualcomm, featuring custom Oryon cores that are anticipated to outperform the 8s Elite’s ARM-based cores in both single and multi-core tasks. With higher clock speeds and a more sophisticated GPU, the 8 Elite would likely surpass the 8s Elite in benchmarks and real-world applications, particularly in gaming and artificial intelligence tasks.
Tags: Geekbench, Qualcomm, Snapdragon 8s Elite