Tag: Qualcomm

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Ships with Slower Variant and Core Missing

    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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    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Ships with Slower Variant and Core MissingQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Ships with Slower Variant and Core MissingQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Ships with Slower Variant and Core Missing
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  • Arm Plans Price Hike, Raising Concerns in Chip Industry

    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.

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  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite: Competing Devices & Launch Timeframe

    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.

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  • Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs Leaked in iQOO Z10 Turbo Geekbench

    Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs Leaked in iQOO Z10 Turbo Geekbench

    Qualcomm is said to be developing the Snapdragon 8s Elite, a more simplified version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This new chip is anticipated to launch in the second quarter of 2025, taking the place of last year’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The SD8sG3 has powered devices like the Realme GT 6, Realme GT Neo 6 (in China), Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, Poco F6, Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, Civi 14 Pro, Redmi Turbo 3, Honor 200 Pro, and iQOO Z9 Turbo. It is thought that the Snapdragon 8s Elite will be used in the next generation of these smartphones. Recently, a Vivo/iQOO phone with this unannounced chip was found in Geekbench’s database, revealing its CPU and GPU information.

    Geekbench Listing for Snapdragon 8s Elite

    A new Vivo/iQOO device has been spotted on Geekbench. The Qualcomm chip inside has a 1+3+2+2 core arrangement, with a primary CPU core running at 3.21GHz. It also includes three CPU cores at 3.01GHz, two cores at 2.80GHz, and two more at 2.02GHz. For graphics processing, the chip features an Adreno 825 GPU.

    Speculation on Upcoming Chip

    These specifications do not align with any current Qualcomm chips, suggesting that it is indeed a future chip. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, this is the Snapdragon 8s Elite, identified by the SM8735 part number. The tipster had earlier indicated that the Snapdragon 8s Elite would maintain an X4 + A720 architecture, similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and also follows the 1+3+2+2 configuration.

    Device Details and Future Releases

    The Geekbench entry shows that the device runs on Android 15 and has 12 GB of RAM. While the specific phone model is unknown, it might be the iQOO Z0 Turbo or Turbo Pro, which are expected to be among the first devices to utilize the Snapdragon 8s Elite chip. Besides the Z10 Turbo, other devices like the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, Poco F7, Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro, and a flagship from Realme are also expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite.

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  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs and Performance Leaked

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs and Performance Leaked

    Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 last year as a budget-friendly option to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This year, the Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to take its place, with new leaks providing some details about this upcoming sub-premium chipset.

    Performance Expectations

    According to leaker Digital Chat Station, the Snapdragon 8s Elite is anticipated to deliver performance that is similar to but not quite on par with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s capabilities. It is rumored that the Snapdragon 8s Elite will achieve a score close to 2 million on AnTuTu. This performance leap should put it ahead of many Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices while still being roughly 20% less powerful than the Snapdragon 8 Elite phones.

    Specifications Insights

    If we look back at the Snapdragon 8s Gen, we can expect the Snapdragon 8s Elite to likely exceed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in CPU performance, but it may fall short in GPU capabilities compared to the previous flagship chipset. Reports suggest that the Snapdragon 8s Elite will not include the new Oryon cores found in the Snapdragon 8 Elite; instead, it will feature a Cortex-X4 prime core along with A720 cores, similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

    Anticipated Launch

    There’s a buzz about widespread adoption, with brands such as Xiaomi, Honor, iQOO, and OPPO reportedly preparing devices powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite. These smartphones are expected to be released around April, which suggests that Qualcomm might announce the Snapdragon 8s Elite in either March or April.

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  • Importance of the New Snapdragon X Chip for Windows Laptops

    Importance of the New Snapdragon X Chip for Windows Laptops

    Qualcomm is making significant strides in the Windows on ARM space with its Snapdragon X series chips. The company has previously introduced its high-end X Plus and X Elite system-on-chips (SoCs), but now they’ve rolled out a new option aimed at expanding access to Windows on ARM for more consumers.

    Fresh Innovations at CES 2025

    At CES 2025, Qualcomm presented its latest ARM PC chip, simply called the Snapdragon X. This product is positioned as an economical choice, designed to run Windows laptops that are priced around $600. These laptops, featuring innovations like Copilot+PC, are set to compete with Intel and AMD in the budget-friendly laptop market.

    Why This Matters for Budget Laptops

    We believe this development is crucial for the budget Windows laptop sector. The Snapdragon X is categorized as the entry-level option in Qualcomm’s expanding lineup of processors for PCs. It joins the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite, which are intended for more premium devices.

    In contrast to its more powerful counterparts, which can have up to 12 cores and clock speeds over 3GHz, the Snapdragon X has an eight-core structure, with a peak clock speed of 3GHz and 30MB of cache. Although these specifications may not rival the raw capabilities of its higher-tier siblings, they are well-suited for the needs of average users.

    Efficiency and Performance Highlights

    Manufactured using a 4-nanometer process, the Snapdragon X emphasizes Qualcomm’s commitment to efficiency. The company asserts that the Snapdragon X will surpass Intel’s Core 5 120U in terms of performance-per-watt and battery life. While this isn’t Qualcomm’s first attempt to highlight energy efficiency as a key selling point, they face the challenge of convincing consumers that Windows on ARM laptops have matured enough to serve as viable options against Intel or AMD devices.

    Moreover, the Snapdragon X is equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can achieve 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second).

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  • CES 2025: Affordable Laptops Boosted by New Snapdragon X CPUs

    CES 2025: Affordable Laptops Boosted by New Snapdragon X CPUs

    We have recently expressed our disappointment over the decline of affordable laptop options equipped with modern CPU technology. It appears that Intel and AMD are focusing on marketing their older processors in budget devices while directing their attention towards pricier new models like Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point. As a result, purchasing an inexpensive laptop often means settling for outdated and less efficient tech.

    A New Direction from Qualcomm

    Qualcomm appears to have a different perspective on the matter. Last year, the leader in smartphone CPU technology launched the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite aimed at high-end laptops, followed by the Snapdragon X Plus for mid-tier devices. Now, a fresh CPU line simply known as “Snapdragon X” is on the horizon, designed specifically for budget laptops to help lower the price of ARM-based Windows machines. The goal is to create PCs that retail for under $600.

    High Performance Within Reach

    Even with the focus on budget pricing, users won’t have to sacrifice much with the Snapdragon X series CPU. This new chip uses the same Oryon CPU cores found in its more expensive counterparts. The core count remains the same, as the Snapdragon X boasts eight CPU cores, mirroring the Snapdragon X Plus. The main distinction lies in the clock frequency, with the Snapdragon X maxing out at 3.0 GHz. In contrast, the Snapdragon X Plus chips can achieve clock speeds between 3.2 and 3.4 GHz, while the X Elite can hit between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz on all cores.

    AI Performance Not Overlooked

    In addition, the Snapdragon X series keeps AI capabilities strong, offering up to 45 TOPS of NPU performance. Qualcomm highlights that CPUs from AMD and Intel in this price category usually lack an NPU altogether.

    The Qualcomm Snapdragon X series CPU is set to debut in the first PCs starting January 2025. If the Snapdragon X can provide similar levels of performance and efficiency as its higher-end Snapdragon counterparts, it could be a significant relief for a market segment that is truly in need of better processors.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Launching October 2025 with Major Upgrades

    Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Launching October 2025 with Major Upgrades

    Qualcomm is currently working on its new chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, which will follow the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Recent information shared by Digital Chat Station sheds light on when we might expect its release and the manufacturing process behind it.

    Upcoming Release Timeline

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is anticipated to hit the market in early October 2025, which is earlier than Qualcomm’s usual schedule. This shift aims to allow smartphone makers ample time to incorporate the new chipset into their high-end devices just in time for the holiday shopping period.

    Advanced Manufacturing Process

    This new chipset is likely to utilize TSMC’s N3P technology, a cutting-edge 3nm production method. Such advancements are expected to enhance both performance and energy efficiency, rivaling Apple’s A19 chips that are also thought to be manufactured using this process.

    Performance Enhancements

    According to the leak, there will be significant upgrades to the GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, in addition to a possible 20% boost in CPU performance. These enhancements should provide a substantial performance increase, building on the gains seen with the current Snapdragon 8 Elite.

    Nonetheless, the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 might encounter challenges, as it’s believed to be even pricier than its already costly predecessor. Qualcomm is reportedly making efforts to optimize its manufacturing and supply chain to offer a more competitive price for the new chipset.

    OnePlus Launch Plans

    In other updates, OnePlus has announced that it will unveil the OnePlus 13 and 13R smartphones globally on January 7, 2024. The OnePlus 13R will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor along with a 6,000mAh battery, while the flagship OnePlus 13 will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, also backed by a 6,000mAh battery.

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  • Qualcomm Prevails in Arm Chip Licensing Legal Dispute

    Qualcomm Prevails in Arm Chip Licensing Legal Dispute

    Qualcomm has won an important court case against Arm Holdings, a British chip design company. The focus of the lawsuit was whether Qualcomm violated a licensing deal after purchasing the startup Nuvia in 2021. It was claimed that Nuvia’s chip designs were derived from Arm’s technology, and Arm contended that Qualcomm should pay a higher royalty after the acquisition.

    Jury Decision Favoring Qualcomm

    The jury ultimately decided in favor of Qualcomm on the key issue, determining that the company’s main processor chips were properly licensed under its agreement with Arm. This is a big win for Qualcomm, allowing it to keep selling its chips, including those that use Nuvia’s technology.

    Ongoing Uncertainties

    However, the decision wasn’t completely straightforward. The jury did not reach a unanimous conclusion on whether Nuvia violated its licensing terms with Arm prior to being acquired by Qualcomm. This leaves some unanswered questions about the case, and it’s possible that this part might be retried later on.

    Judge Maryellen Noreika, who oversaw the trial, suggested both sides attempt to mediate their disagreement to prevent another trial. “I don’t believe either party had a definitive win or would have had a clear win if this case is heard again,” Noreika commented.

    Stock Market Reactions

    Even with the mixed ruling, the result provides some relief for Qualcomm. The company’s stock went up by 1.8% in after-hours trading after the announcement. Conversely, Arm experienced a drop in its shares by 1.8% in extended trading.

    The legal conflict between Qualcomm and Arm has drawn significant attention from the tech sector, as it affects the wider chip market. Arm licenses its chip designs to many firms, including competitors of Qualcomm. The verdict from this case could influence future licensing agreements between Arm and its partners.

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  • Xiaomi’s New Smartphones to Feature In-House Chipset vs MediaTek, Qualcomm

    Xiaomi’s New Smartphones to Feature In-House Chipset vs MediaTek, Qualcomm

    Xiaomi has attempted to create its own mobile device processors to compete with rivals like Huawei and Apple in the past, but these efforts have not been very successful. A notable attempt was the Mi 5c, which used the Surge S1 processor; unfortunately, it didn’t perform well and was also not widely available compared to devices that used Qualcomm processors.

    Continued Development of Sub-Processors

    The company has kept making its own sub-processors for specific tasks, like power management and imaging. However, it has not gone as far as to produce full processors to rival Qualcomm’s Snapdragon or MediaTek’s Dimensity series. This indicates a cautious approach to entering the highly competitive processor market.

    Upcoming Processor Launch

    According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the long-awaited successor to the S1 is set to be unveiled in 2025. There’s no clear sign yet if it will be able to compete with the latest A18 Pro when its first smartphone launches. The goal seems to be to challenge the strong hold that MediaTek and Qualcomm have in the Chinese market.

    Furthermore, Xiaomi may have additional motivations to create its own chips. As the company has ventured into electric vehicles, it will likely need a variety of chips for its SU7-series successors, which will create a growing demand for silicon.

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