Tag: Snapdragon

  • Doubts About New Xbox Console Being Arm-Based Due to Backward Compatibility

    Doubts About New Xbox Console Being Arm-Based Due to Backward Compatibility

    Key Takeaways

    1. A recent job listing suggests a possible shift to Arm-based Snapdragon processors for a new Xbox console, moving away from the current AMD x86 architecture.
    2. Jez Corden from Windows Central doubts this shift due to backward compatibility concerns, stating that new Xbox systems could launch as early as 2027.
    3. The Qualcomm job ad indicates a focus on supporting next-generation Surface and Xbox products, but Corden claims the next Xbox will likely use familiar hardware instead of Qualcomm chips.
    4. An Xbox handheld using Arm technology could be more power-efficient than AMD x86 options, but Microsoft prioritizes backward compatibility and game preservation.
    5. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing its Windows user interface for gamers while continuing hardware development, despite the uncertainty surrounding the next Xbox console.

    A recent job listing hints that a new Xbox console might use an Arm-based Snapdragon processor. This would mark a significant change from the AMD x86 architecture that current Microsoft consoles depend on. Nevertheless, Jez Corden from Windows Central thinks that backward compatibility concerns make this concept somewhat unlikely. Previously, Corden mentioned that new Xbox systems could be launched as early as 2027.

    Job Posting Insights

    The Qualcomm job advertisement, found by Brad Sams, is for a Sales Director position in Redmond, Washington, which is home to Microsoft. One responsibility of the role includes “supporting the sell-in activities for the next generation of Surface and Xbox products built on Snapdragon solutions.” The selected candidate would also “assist in defining the next generation Surface and Xbox portfolios.”

    Hardware Expectations

    Despite what the job ad suggests, Jez Corden is quite sure that the next Xbox console will use hardware that gamers are already familiar with. He has confirmed with a source that the consoles “are not based on Qualcomm chips.” Corden feels that replicating Xbox games made for the x86 architecture would be too complicated. However, the individual in the Qualcomm position could enhance gaming experiences on the 12-inch Surface Pro, which operates on an Arm-based chip. Many similar Microsoft devices have trouble playing or even allowing the installation of Xbox games.

    Efficiency and Future Plans

    An Xbox handheld utilizing Arm technology would be more power-efficient. It would outperform AMD x86 options like the Asus ROG Ally in terms of energy consumption. However, Microsoft prioritizes backward compatibility and game preservation. In fact, the rumored Project Kennan is said to be a partnership with Asus, likely resembling the ROG Ally. Rather than altering hardware, Microsoft seems to be concentrating on making its Windows user interface more friendly for gamers.

    Although many aspects of the upcoming Xbox consoles remain unclear, even with the removal of Snapdragon support, it’s evident that Microsoft is still committed to hardware development while releasing titles on various platforms.

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  • OnePlus 13s: Upcoming Compact Flagship with Plus Key Feature

    OnePlus 13s: Upcoming Compact Flagship with Plus Key Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus 13s in India, showcasing its complete design.
    2. The device will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, similar to premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25.
    3. A new button called the ‘Plus Key’ will replace the previous Alert Slider, offering over seven customizable shortcuts.
    4. The OnePlus 13s will not be released in Europe or North America, unlike the OnePlus 13T, which is available for global import.
    5. Specific launch dates for the OnePlus 13s in India have not been announced, but excitement is growing among fans.

    OnePlus is keeping fans in suspense as it unveils more information about the upcoming OnePlus 13s, which is set to launch in India. Earlier this week, the company showcased the complete design of its new compact flagship. Before that, it had already announced that the OnePlus 13s would be powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset found in other premium small devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 (currently priced at $599.97 – refurbished on Amazon).

    The New Plus Key

    Recently, OnePlus has introduced details regarding the device’s new button, which takes the place of the Alert Slider seen in previous OnePlus models. While this hardware change has been known for a while, today is the first time OnePlus has named the new button the ‘Plus Key’.

    According to a tweet shared by the company, the Plus Key will allow users to choose from a variety of over seven shortcuts. This includes a feature to activate an AI assistant. Additionally, the Plus Key can be set up for functions like taking screenshots, turning on the flashlight, or even switching the ringer, similar to what the old Alert Slider did.

    Availability and Pricing

    At this point, it remains unclear when the OnePlus 13s will actually hit the market. However, OnePlus has already stated that this model will not be released in Europe or North America. On the other hand, the OnePlus 13T is available for import globally, starting at $599, and it is expected that the OnePlus 13s will have nearly identical specifications.

    OnePlus India has not provided specific launch dates yet, but anticipation is certainly building among fans and tech enthusiasts alike.

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    OnePlus 13s: Upcoming Compact Flagship with Plus Key Feature

     

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  • Galaxy S26 Series with Exynos 2600 May Launch in Europe

    Galaxy S26 Series with Exynos 2600 May Launch in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is planning to return to using its own Exynos chips, starting with the Galaxy S26 series, primarily in European markets.
    2. The Exynos 2600 chipset will be limited in availability due to low production yields, despite improvements to over 40%.
    3. Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are expected to continue dominating performance, with a “clear” edge over Exynos chips.
    4. Samsung’s System LSI division faced significant financial losses when switching from Exynos to Snapdragon in the Galaxy S25 series.
    5. The Exynos 2600 is being manufactured on a 2nm process, with hopes to reach a production yield of 70% to 80% for mass production soon.

    Since the launch of the Galaxy S23 series in 2023, Samsung has been equipping its Galaxy S series with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors across all markets. However, it appears that the company might be going back to its former practice of utilizing its own Exynos chips in certain regions, beginning with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.

    Samsung’s Shift in Strategy

    A recent update on X from Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) indicates that Samsung plans to use the Exynos 2600 for the Galaxy S26 series. Nonetheless, due to production issues, this chipset will predominantly be found in European versions of the phone.

    The report mentions that the low production yield is the primary reason for limiting the Exynos 2600’s availability. Yet, even with improved yields, it’s doubtful Samsung would distribute this chip in all areas, as previous models, like the Galaxy S23, offered Snapdragon-powered versions in key markets like the U.S. and China.

    Performance Concerns

    In addition to yield issues, the source has noted that the Exynos 2600 does not perform as well as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets. According to them, Snapdragon models have a “clear” edge in performance over their Exynos counterparts.

    Even with this performance gap, which has historically existed between Exynos and Snapdragon versions of the same devices, it seems Samsung will not abandon the Exynos 2600. This is largely due to a report that Samsung’s System LSI division, responsible for processor design and development, lost around $400 million when they replaced the Exynos 2500 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 series, which is currently priced at $777.99 on Amazon.

    Future Production Expectations

    The Exynos 2600 is said to be manufactured on Samsung’s 2nm process using Gate-All-Around technology. Although production yields are still low, reports suggest they have improved to over 40% this year. There is hope that they will achieve the target yield of 70% to 80% necessary for mass production in the coming months.

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  • Major Update for RPCS3-Android: Best PS3 Emulator for Android

    Major Update for RPCS3-Android: Best PS3 Emulator for Android

    Key Takeaways

    1. A mobile version of the PS3 emulator, RPCS3-Android, has been developed and recently updated, despite initial skepticism from the RPCS3 team.
    2. The latest alpha version includes a new settings menu, allowing users to easily adjust emulation settings without editing text files.
    3. Users now have extensive customization options, including rendering resolution, graphics renderer, and easier switching between GPU drivers.
    4. The emulator currently lacks support for Bluetooth controllers, but updates are expected to enhance functionality in the future.
    5. Both alpha 5.0 and alpha 5.1 versions of RPCS3-Android are available on GitHub, along with detailed change logs for each update.

    While the RPCS3 team first suggested that a mobile version of the PS3 emulator wouldn’t come to fruition anytime soon, one developer associated with the project has managed to bring it to Android. Initially, this mobile port was very much in its infancy, but it has recently undergone a significant update.

    New Features and Options

    The latest alpha version, RPCS3-Android, comes packed with numerous new features and adjustments. A standout addition is the settings menu, which represents a major upgrade compared to earlier alpha versions. Now, users can make adjustments without needing to sift through text files to modify emulation settings.

    Customization Abound

    In the revamped settings menu, users can customize nearly every aspect of the emulation experience. This includes options for rendering resolution and the graphics renderer. Additionally, the latest iteration of the PS3 emulator simplifies the process of switching between different GPU drivers. For instance, devices that run on Snapdragon can seamlessly transition to Turnip, potentially enhancing performance slightly.

    Future Improvements Expected

    There are numerous other changes in RPCS3-Android alpha 5.1 and alpha 5.0, but it’s important to note that the Android PS3 emulator still lacks support for Bluetooth controllers (the USB-C Razer Kishi mobile controller is currently priced at $41.70 on Amazon). Nevertheless, with the founder, DH, consistently pushing out updates, the mobile version is likely to reach a stable release sooner than anticipated.

    For those keen on exploring this Android PS3 emulator, both alpha 5.0 and alpha 5.1 can be found on DH’s GitHub page. DH has also shared detailed change logs for each version, showcasing the new features and other key improvements made in each iteration.

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  • Redmi Turbo 4 Pro Features Larger Display Than Non-Pro Model

    Redmi Turbo 4 Pro Features Larger Display Than Non-Pro Model

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi launched the Redmi Turbo 4 as an upgrade to the Redmi Turbo 3, with a Pro version coming soon.
    2. The Redmi Turbo 4 has a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, while the upcoming Redmi Turbo 4 Pro will have a larger 6.83-inch LTPS display.
    3. The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is expected to feature a 1.5K resolution, ultra-high frequency dimming, and eye protection features.
    4. The Pro version may have a battery capacity between 7,000mAh and 7,500mAh, with rapid charging capabilities likely exceeding 90W.
    5. Unlike the standard version, the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is expected to use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor instead of a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor.

    Xiaomi has started the year with the launch of the Redmi Turbo 4, which serves as an upgrade to last year’s Redmi Turbo 3. Now, the company is gearing up to reveal a pro version, which is set to be announced next month. Known as the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, a recent leak has disclosed an important specification of the new device, indicating that size is one of the main differences between the two models.

    Display Differences

    The Redmi Turbo 4 features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, identical in size to its predecessor. However, when the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is released, it will boast a bigger 6.83-inch LTPS flat display. This is nearly the same size as the OnePlus 13’s 6.82-inch screen.

    Additional Specs

    According to information from Digital Chat Station, other specifications of the phone include a 1.5K resolution, ultra-high frequency dimming, slim bezels, and features designed to protect your eyes.

    Battery and Performance

    Besides having an expansive display, the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is also said to have a considerable battery capacity. Some rumors suggest it could reach 7,500mAh, while others believe it will be below that but still over 7,000mAh. It is also expected to support rapid charging. The standard version already offers 90W fast wired charging, so the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro should either match or exceed that charging speed.

    The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, unlike the Redmi Turbo 4 which is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor.

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  • Retroid Pocket Classic Specs: Qualcomm 4nm Chipset Teased

    Retroid Pocket Classic Specs: Qualcomm 4nm Chipset Teased

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid Pocket Classic features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels and a peak brightness of 500 nits.
    2. It is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery and a Qualcomm 4 nm chipset, though specific chipset details have not been confirmed.
    3. The device will have 4 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 flash storage, along with an active cooling solution.
    4. The dimensions of the Pocket Classic are 138 x 89.8 x 26 mm, and it weighs 223 g.
    5. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, and runs on Android 14 out of the box.

    Retroid has disclosed additional details regarding the Pocket Classic, following their announcement about the device’s display last week. To summarize, the company had previously indicated that the Pocket Classic will be equipped with a 3.92-inch display that offers a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 pixels, featuring an effective aspect ratio of 5:4 (1.15:1) and achieving a peak brightness of 500 nits.

    Battery and Chipset

    Retroid is set to pair this AMOLED display with a robust 5,000 mAh battery along with a ‘Qualcomm 4 nm’ chipset. While this term could refer to several recent Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, it notably does not include the Snapdragon 865, which will power the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. For instance, Retroid could opt for any Snapdragon 7 or 8 series chipsets launched in the last three years, and they might even consider the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3.

    Memory and Size

    The Retroid Pocket Classic is also going to have 4 GB of LPDDR4x RAM operating at 2,133 MT/s, paired with 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 flash storage and an active cooling solution. Retroid has confirmed that the dimensions of the Pocket Classic are 138 x 89.8 x 26 mm and it weighs 223 g, making it roughly equivalent in size to the Anbernic RG40XX V (currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon). Moreover, Retroid’s upcoming vertical gaming handheld will support Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity, which sets it apart from the RG40XX V, and will come with Android 14 as its operating system right out of the box.

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    Retroid Pocket Classic Specs: Qualcomm 4nm Chipset Teased
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  • Samsung Galaxy S26: Exynos vs. Snapdragon Chipset Updates

    Samsung Galaxy S26: Exynos vs. Snapdragon Chipset Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 lineup, including the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, with the Ultra priced at $1,139.99 on Amazon.
    2. Samsung Foundry is making progress on its upcoming 2 nm chipset, likely named Exynos 2600, to replace the Exynos 2400.
    3. Current production yields for the 2 nm chipset are between 20% and 30%, compared to TSMC’s 60%, with a goal to reach 70% in 10 months for mass production.
    4. Speculations suggest that the Galaxy S26 series may continue to use Snapdragon processors, but no official decisions have been made yet.
    5. Both Exynos and Snapdragon versions of the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are expected to appear on benchmarking platforms before any final choices are confirmed.

    Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S25 lineup, which includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,139.99 on Amazon). While the company is anticipated to unveil new foldable devices this summer, many sources have already begun speculating about Samsung’s plans for early next year.

    Progress on 2 nm Chipset

    To summarize, earlier this month, there were reports indicating that Samsung Foundry has made a promising start with the production of its upcoming 2 nm chipset. This new chipset, likely to be called the Exynos 2600, is set to take the place of the Exynos 2400. However, it remains uncertain if the Exynos 2500 will be officially introduced.

    Yields and Production Timeline

    A recent update from Chosun Biz reinforces this information, stating that Samsung Foundry is currently achieving yields between 20% and 30%, in contrast to TSMC’s 60%. The article notes that Samsung has roughly 10 months to improve its yields to 70% before it can commence mass production.

    Speculations on the Galaxy S26

    Consequently, industry insiders like Yogesh Brar have speculated that Samsung might opt to continue using Snapdragon processors for the Galaxy S26 series. Nevertheless, it appears to be premature to draw any conclusions at this point. It’s likely we will see both Exynos and Snapdragon versions of at least the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus show up on benchmarking platforms before Samsung makes any definitive choices.

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  • Asus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr Battery

    Asus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ZenBook 14 Air with Snapdragon processor is available for pre-order in China, launching on February 14th, starting at 7499 yuan (discounted to 5999 yuan).
    2. It features a lightweight design at 960g, made from ceramic aluminum, and offers a long battery life of up to 22 hours with a 70Wh battery.
    3. The laptop is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, with an 8-core CPU, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for efficient performance.
    4. It has a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and peak brightness of 600nits, along with dual 1080P + infrared cameras.
    5. Connectivity options include dual USB4 ports, a USB-A port, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack, plus built-in AI features for enhanced productivity.

    The Asus ZenBook 14 Air featuring the Snapdragon processor is now up for pre-order on JD.com in China, with a launch date set for February 14th at 10 AM. The starting price is 7499 yuan, but after discounts, it drops to 5999 yuan. This laptop is designed to be super thin and lightweight, boasting a long-lasting battery. It weighs just 960g and is made from ceramic aluminum, enhancing both its durability and aesthetic appeal.

    Specifications Overview

    When we talk about the core specs, this laptop comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor built using 4nm technology. It features an 8-core CPU along with a 45TOPS NPU AI engine, enabling efficient office tasks and seamless 4K video playback. With 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, users can expect quick responses and ample storage. The 70Wh battery is capable of lasting up to 22 hours, making it suitable for all-day use.

    Display and Features

    As for the display, the ZenBook 14 Air sports a 14-inch 2.8K OLED screen that has a resolution of 2880 × 1800. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, encompasses a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and peaks at a brightness of 600nits while also receiving TUV low blue light certification. The top bezel incorporates dual 1080P + infrared cameras, Dolby surround sound speakers, and sensors that adjust the screen brightness and color temperature automatically.

    Connectivity and AI Functions

    In terms of connectivity, the laptop includes dual USB4 (40Gbps), a USB-A port at 10Gbps, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring both expandability and high-speed data transfer. Moreover, it comes with a built-in AI assistant that offers features like document summarization, AI drawing, and image recognition, thus enhancing productivity applications.

    The laptop was also launched last September with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor.

    Asus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr BatteryAsus ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition Launches Feb 14 with 22hr Battery
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  • Samsung Exynos Shutdown: 4nm, 5nm, 7nm Plants Close Due to Demand

    Samsung Exynos Shutdown: 4nm, 5nm, 7nm Plants Close Due to Demand

    Samsung Electronics is said to be cutting back on its semiconductor foundry operations, particularly focusing on its 4 nm, 5 nm, and 7 nm production lines due to low demand. This move follows substantial financial losses, which are estimated to be in the tens of billions of won for the third quarter of this year, as the company aims to lower expenses and optimize its operations.

    Production Capacity Reduction

    Industry sources indicate that Samsung has already decreased over 30% of its production capacity for the aforementioned process nodes on its Pyeongtaek campus. Plans are in place to raise this reduction to nearly 50% by year’s end.

    Facing Losses in the Foundry

    As reported by South Korean outlet ChosunMedia, the semiconductor sector has had difficulty securing enough mass production orders from significant tech players like Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm. This has resulted in a reported loss of 1 trillion won (about USD 724 million) in the last quarter. To cut costs, including electricity expenses, the company is choosing to power down production machines instead of keeping them idle.

    This strategy reflects a larger trend in the industry, especially as lower-than-anticipated orders from Chinese fabless semiconductor firms have impacted the production levels in the 4 and 5 nm processes. Increased U.S. regulations on semiconductor exports to China have led these companies to postpone their projects, worsening conditions for Samsung’s foundry operations.

    Concerns About Competitive Edge

    Experts are cautioning that these closures may undermine Samsung’s competitive edge in the semiconductor arena. With Samsung reallocating resources to its memory division, which has been more lucrative historically, its foundry segment could lag behind competitors like TSMC. Professor Lee Jong-hwan from Sangmyung University warned that this gap could make it difficult for Samsung to catch up once market conditions improve.

    Shift Towards Snapdragon Chips

    In light of the challenges in the foundry sector, Samsung seems to be shifting away from its own Exynos chips toward Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. Reports suggest that the forthcoming Galaxy S25 series might incorporate the Dimensity 9400 rather than the Exynos 2500. This change indicates that Samsung is having trouble meeting performance and profitability goals with its Exynos line, resulting in a greater dependence on Qualcomm’s products, even in home appliances increasingly driven by AI functionalities.

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  • Leaked Images Uncover Details on Snapdragon Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5

    Leaked Images Uncover Details on Snapdragon Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5

    Windows on Arm has been a topic of discussion for some time now, primarily due to the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips expected to debut around "mid-2024." This suggests that the launch of a range of potentially energy-efficient laptops running on this platform is imminent.

    Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 with Snapdragon X Plus

    Leaks regarding the new chips and laptops continue to emerge, including a couple of images of the upcoming Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 shared by WalkingCat.

    The images of the upcoming IdeaPad Slim 5 showcase its design, chipset, and ports. It has been confirmed that the laptop will be powered by the Snapdragon X Plus chipset. Based on the performance metrics of the Snapdragon X Plus chip (X1P-64-100), NotebookCheck suggests that this new laptop may be slightly less powerful compared to the IdeaPad Slim 5 Gen 9, which provides options between AMD Ryzen Hawk Point APUs and Intel Meteor Lake processors.

    The Snapdragon X Plus features 10 Qualcomm Oryon CPU cores with a 6+4 architecture (6 high-performance cores and 4 energy-efficient cores). This chip is considered a scaled-down version of the pricier 12-core Snapdragon X Elite chip, both of which are built on TMMC’s 4nm process node.

    Port Configurations and Details

    Apart from the chipset, the images also unveil the port setup of the new device. It includes two USB-C ports, a dedicated HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left side. On the right side, there are two USB-A ports and a microSD card slot. While many upcoming Snapdragon-powered laptops may omit the 3.5mm jack, this particular model retains it.

    Regrettably, these are the only details revealed by the images of the upcoming IdeaPad Slim 5. The initial batch of Snapdragon-powered laptops is expected to launch on May 20, just a few days from now. We will provide more updates as further information becomes available.

    To provide a glimpse of what to anticipate, the IdeaPad Slim 5 14IMH9 boasts a 14" 16:10 aspect ratio OLED display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 100% DCI-P3 rating, priced at $1000.

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