Tag: Qualcomm

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite: Is It More Than Just a Name?

    Snapdragon 8 Elite: Is It More Than Just a Name?

    Qualcomm appears to be contemplating a new title for its leading processor. The company was set to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset next month, but fresh teasers present the chipset as the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This raises the question: is it just a rebranding, or does Qualcomm have more significant plans in mind?

    Snapdragon 8 Elite: What We Know So Far

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite is the direct upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It promises to be a substantial enhancement, transitioning from a 4nm process to a 3nm process, marking the first such shift for the manufacturer. Reports suggest that this new chip could deliver an impressive 56 percent performance boost compared to its predecessor. The increase in graphical performance is attributed to the new Adreno 830 GPU, which may feature a clock speed of 1.25GHz and support for Ray Tracing.

    A GeekBench listing indicated a boost clock speed of 4.09GHz, but later rumors have suggested that the Snapdragon 8 Elite may achieve frequencies of up to 4.37GHz for its two prime cores. Additionally, it is expected that six efficiency cores will run at a clock speed of around 2.78GHz. The GeekBench tests also revealed its synthetic benchmark scores, with 3011 points in the single-core test and 9706 points in the multi-core test.

    Performance Enhancements

    From the CPU perspective, these benchmarks imply a 35 percent improvement in single-core performance and a 30 percent enhancement in multi-core performance when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The first smartphones to feature Snapdragon 8 Elite processors, namely the Xiaomi 15 and OnePlus 13, are set to be launched next month, so stay tuned for further updates.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Series Launching October 13 with Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC

    Xiaomi 15 Series Launching October 13 with Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC

    Qualcomm appears to be altering its naming convention for its top-tier processors. A teaser for the Xiaomi 15 launch indicates that the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be referred to as the “Snapdragon 8 Elite,” marking a departure from the traditional sequential naming. This change mirrors Qualcomm’s naming of the Snapdragon X Elite present in Windows laptops.

    A Shift in Expectations

    Previously, it was anticipated that Qualcomm would maintain its numbering system for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. However, the introduction of the “Elite” designation hints at a new strategy, which might cause some confusion due to its resemblance to the Snapdragon X Elite name. The Xiaomi 15 is scheduled for launch on October 23, implying that Qualcomm is likely to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Elite before this date.

    Specifications of the Snapdragon 8 Elite

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite represents Qualcomm’s first 3nm System on Chip (SoC). This innovative chip boasts an impressive 56% increase in GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, anticipated to also include the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, was recently seen on Geekbench. It features a base clock speed of 3.53 GHz and a peak clock speed of 4.47 GHz. The device achieved a score of 3011 in the single-core test and an astonishing 9706 points in the multi-core test.

    Features of the Xiaomi 15 Pro

    Additional leaks and certifications have indicated that the Xiaomi 15 Pro will launch with 90W fast charging, along with HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15 and an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The device is also reported to come with a significant 6,000mAh battery and an IP69 rating for water and dust resistance. Besides the Pro model, the standard Xiaomi 15 is also expected to be introduced on October 23, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may be revealed at a later time.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Leak Reveals 5GHz Speed for Performance Cores

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Leak Reveals 5GHz Speed for Performance Cores

    Just as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is about to be unveiled, a notable leak from a well-known Weibo source has begun to reveal information about its successor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.

    Core Configuration and Clock Speeds

    According to the leak, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will maintain a similar core setup as the 8 Gen 4, featuring 2 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores. However, it is expected that there will be a substantial increase in clock speeds. The performance cores, rumored to be codenamed Pegasus, are said to reach an impressive 5.0 GHz. Meanwhile, the efficiency cores might run at 4.0 GHz, which is significantly higher than the anticipated 4.32 GHz for performance cores and 3.53 GHz for efficiency cores in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

    Potential Production Variants

    There may be a caveat, as the leak implies that these high clock speeds could be exclusive to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 variant produced on TSMC’s N3P fabrication node. Qualcomm has previously indicated a dual-sourcing approach for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, meaning that both TSMC and Samsung Foundry will be involved in its production. This suggests that another version of the chip, likely aimed at Samsung’s Galaxy devices, could be produced using Samsung’s SF2 node.

    The specific clock speeds for the Samsung-manufactured version are still uncertain, but there are speculations that the SF2 node might also deliver strong performance. Consequently, the Samsung version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 could potentially equal or even exceed the performance of the variant produced by TSMC.

    Current Focus on Snapdragon 8 Gen 4

    At this stage, it’s premature to delve deeply into the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, as Qualcomm is currently concentrating on finalizing its flagship SoC for 2025, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This provides plenty of time for the details regarding its successor to evolve. Nevertheless, if the leak is accurate, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is set to offer a noteworthy performance enhancement over its predecessor.

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  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 May Have Huge Clock Speed Boost

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 May Have Huge Clock Speed Boost

    With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 set to debut later this month, we have gathered substantial information about its specifications through various Geekbench listings and leaks. A well-known leaker on Weibo has now shed some light on its successor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.

    Improved Performance Specs

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will maintain the same 2+6 core layout as its predecessor. However, the performance cores (codenamed Pegasus) are expected to reach clock speeds of 5.0 GHz, while the efficiency cores will run at 4.0 GHz. These speeds are notably higher compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which features performance and efficiency cores clocked at 4.32 GHz and 3.53 GHz, respectively.

    Manufacturing Details

    It’s important to note that only the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 produced on TSMC’s N3P node will achieve the aforementioned clock speeds. Previous rumors indicated that Qualcomm intended to source its flagship SoCs from both TSMC and Samsung Foundry.

    The standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will be fabricated on a TSMC process, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 designed for Galaxy devices will utilize Samsung’s SF2 process. Currently, the clock speeds for the latter remain unknown, but if SF2 lives up to its reputation, it may either match or even surpass the performance of its TSMC counterpart.

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  • Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Launches, Matches Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

    Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Launches, Matches Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

    Qualcomm has rolled out a new processor, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. This chipset, which goes by the code name SM6475-AB, was introduced quietly by the company. It’s designed to be the powerhouse for budget-friendly smartphones. Interestingly, this chipset is essentially an underclocked variant of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.

    Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Specifications

    The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is a notable addition to Qualcomm’s lineup. By incorporating this chipset, smartphone manufacturers can provide users with high-performing devices at a lower cost.

    This processor boasts 4 performance-focused 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4 efficiency-focused 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. On the graphics end, it is equipped with the Adreno 710 GPU. Furthermore, it supports both LPDDR4x and LPDDR5 RAM and is compatible with UFS 3.1 storage.

    Comparison with Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 also features 4 performance-oriented 2.4GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4 efficiency-focused 1.95GHz Cortex-A55 cores, along with the Adreno 710 GPU. The similarities between the 6 Gen 3 and the 7s Gen 2 are striking. However, the 7s Gen 2 offers support for a 144Hz refresh rate at FHD+ resolution, a capability absent in the 6 Gen 3. Aside from this, there are no other differences, and the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 doesn’t bring any new features to the table. Essentially, Qualcomm has reintroduced the same processor with a different label.

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  • Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Launches October 21

    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Launches October 21

    As leaks about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 keep emerging, Qualcomm has recently disclosed the date for their forthcoming Snapdragon Summit. A post on a Chinese tech blog indicated that Qualcomm’s next Snapdragon Summit is scheduled for October 21.

    Snapdragon Summit on October 21, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is Underway

    Newly surfaced images reveal that Qualcomm hasn’t officially announced the release date for Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Nevertheless, the next Snapdragon Summit will be hosted in Hawaii from October 21 to October 23, and it is anticipated that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be unveiled at this event. This new chipset is eagerly awaited as it will be built using TSMC’s 3nm process. Earlier leaks suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 achieves a score of around 10,000 in Geekbench’s multi-core CPU performance test, placing it somewhat on par with Apple’s M3 processor.

    Snapdragon Summit – October 21st

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will include Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU, which is expected to significantly improve the mobile gaming experience. Another known detail is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s prime core will operate at 4.2 GHz. The Xiaomi 15 series might be the first smartphone lineup to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

    Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Launches October 21
    Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Launches October 21
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  • Qualcomm Sues Transsion, Maker of Infinix, Tecno, and itel

    Qualcomm Sues Transsion, Maker of Infinix, Tecno, and itel

    In an unexpected development, Qualcomm has initiated legal action against Transsion, the fourth-largest smartphone maker globally, citing alleged infringements on four of its patents.

    According to IP Fray on LinkedIn, the lawsuit concerns four unspecified non-standard essential patents owned by Qualcomm. What makes this situation particularly unique is that Transsion does not incorporate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in any of its current smartphone models.

    A Different Approach

    Qualcomm usually uses its significant influence in the mobile chip industry to negotiate licensing agreements when its patents are breached. However, this approach isn’t applicable to Transsion, which primarily uses processors from MediaTek and Unisoc, as reported by WinFuture.

    Despite not utilizing Qualcomm’s chips, Transsion boasts popular brands such as Tecno, Itel, and Infinix. These brands focus on the budget and mid-range smartphone markets, a strategy that has led Transsion to become the fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer globally, following Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi, according to Statista.

    Potential Impact

    This rapid growth seems to have attracted Qualcomm’s scrutiny, resulting in this lawsuit over unspecified “non-standard essential patents.” The lawsuit’s outcome is still uncertain, but it could compel Transsion to pay licensing fees, which might significantly affect their already thin profit margins on budget devices.

    Qualcomm’s new lawsuit comes amid pressure from other major tech companies. The Financial Times reports that Philips has also sued Transsion, while Nokia is seeking licensing fees for its patented technologies used in Transsion’s phones.

    Ongoing Developments

    Interestingly, a Transsion spokesperson stated in the Financial Times report that the company has signed a “5G standard patent license agreement” with Qualcomm and asserts that it is meeting its obligations under that agreement. This raises questions about why Qualcomm chose to file a lawsuit if that is indeed the case.

    The resolution of this legal battle and its impact on Transsion remains uncertain. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

    Qualcomm Sues Transsion, Maker of Infinix, Tecno, and itel
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  • Vodafone, Qualcomm, Xiaomi Achieve Record 5G Download Speeds

    Vodafone, Qualcomm, Xiaomi Achieve Record 5G Download Speeds

    European telecommunications leader Vodafone, chipmaker Qualcomm, and smartphone maker Xiaomi have announced the successful testing of new 5G technology that achieved download speeds of almost 1.8 gigabits-per-second (Gbps).

    The tests, carried out in Germany and Spain, employed a more efficient data transmission method known as 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), which is an upgrade from the existing 256 QAM system. The 1024 QAM technique reportedly allows for more data to be packed into each transmission, resulting in faster download speeds for users.

    Innovative Testing and Technology

    The test device was Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the 14 Ultra, which features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System. The results varied slightly by location: in Germany, the test demonstrated about a 20% throughput improvement on a commercial network over a distance of 600 meters. The most impressive peak download speed of 1.8 Gbps was recorded at Vodafone’s 5G test center in Ciudad Real, Spain.

    According to Vodafone, the impact of 1024 QAM extends beyond just speed. The increase in speed and data throughput will enhance network capacity, enabling it to support more users in crowded areas such as shopping centers. Vodafone claims that, theoretically, 1.8 Gbps could offer a capacity gain of up to 25% in ideal conditions.

    Future Availability and Device Compatibility

    “The successful trials conducted in Germany and Spain with Vodafone and Xiaomi are proof that we are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with 5G technology,” said Qualcomm’s Dino Flore in a statement.

    Vodafone anticipates that this advanced technology will be widely accessible by 2025. However, it’s crucial to note that not all current 5G devices may be compatible with it.

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  • MediaTek Triumphs Again Despite Qualcomm’s Strong Presence

    MediaTek Triumphs Again Despite Qualcomm’s Strong Presence

    5G technology is expanding rapidly. What was once exclusive to flagship models can now be found in mid-range and even entry-level smartphones.

    Naturally, this fast-growing market has ignited competition among various companies. For example, Qualcomm and MediaTek are in a fierce battle to secure their places in more smartphones.

    Have you ever wondered who is leading this competition? A recent study provides the answer. Here are the details…

    MediaTek Surpasses Qualcomm Snapdragon in the 5G Smartphone Market

    A study by Omdia has identified the more successful chipset manufacturer in the 5G market. According to the report, Qualcomm, long a dominant player due to its flagship phone popularity, has been overtaken by MediaTek.

    In the first quarter of 2023, smartphones with MediaTek’s 5G processors numbered 34.7 million. This figure surged by 53% to 53.0 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    Meanwhile, devices powered by Snapdragon remained relatively stable, with shipments changing slightly from 47.2 million units in Q1 2023 to 48.3 million in Q1 2024.

    Market Share Dynamics

    When it comes to market share, MediaTek leads with 29.2%. Apple follows with 27%, and Qualcomm holds 26.5%. Other chipset manufacturers, including Samsung, Google, Huawei, and UniSoC, collectively make up 17% of shipments.

    This increase is partly due to the growth of Kirin, driven by the Huawei Mate 60 Pro and Nova 12 series. MediaTek’s rise is not without reason. Its biggest advantage over Qualcomm is its pricing.

    For instance, if you aim to sell a smartphone for around $250 and need a 5G chipset, MediaTek is a favorable option. However, despite its success, profitability remains a challenge for MediaTek.

    Profitability and Market Strategy

    Yes, MediaTek sells more processors than Qualcomm. Yet, Qualcomm earns more profit per unit sold, affecting budgets for R&D and growth. This mirrors the situation between Apple and Samsung for years.

    Nevertheless, regardless of the background, MediaTek has once again managed to outpace Qualcomm.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to Cost 30% More Than Gen 3, Up to $240

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to Cost 30% More Than Gen 3, Up to $240

    The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Soc from Qualcomm has been a topic of much speculation, particularly regarding its pricing. According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the new chipset is expected to be more expensive than its predecessor. Reports suggest the new chipset will cost between $220 and $240, marking a price hike of 25% to 30% over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The official unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is set for the Snapdragon Summit in October this year, with models expected to be available by 2025.

    New Manufacturing Process

    Rumors indicate that Qualcomm will employ the TSMC 3nm N3E process for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The ARM core from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be replaced by Qualcomm’s self-developed Oryon core. This switch to the Oryon core is believed to be a significant factor contributing to the higher price of the new chipset. The current price range for the third-generation Snapdragon 8 chipset is between $190 and $200. Previous rumors have suggested that Qualcomm is redesigning the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor to achieve a new target frequency of 4.26GHz. This enhancement is allegedly aimed at competing with Apple’s M4/A18/Pro processors and seems to justify the rumored price increase.

    Awaiting Official Confirmation

    As of now, Qualcomm has not released an official statement confirming the quality of the rumored changes or the pricing of the next-gen Snapdragon 8 chipset. More details about the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor are expected to emerge as we approach the October unveiling.

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to Cost 30% More Than Gen 3, Up to 0
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