Qualcomm Introduces Two New Processors for Budget Smartphones

Qualcomm has expanded its mobile platform lineup with two new processors aimed at affordable smartphones (Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4). The chips are designed for different market niches: the first focuses on performance-oriented devices with 4G-only connectivity, while the second aims to make 5G standard for low-cost models.

Built on a 6nm process, the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 delivers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. Its Kryo CPU cores, clocked at up to 2.9 GHz, provide a 51% increase in computing speed, while the Adreno GPU is also approximately 20% faster. The platform supports displays with refresh rates up to 120 Hz and FHD+ resolution, LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 2.2 storage. The communications suite includes an LTE modem, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2.

The second chip, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, is based on a more modern 4nm process and features an integrated 5G modem supporting speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. Its architecture includes two performance cores and six efficiency cores. This platform is compatible with faster LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage, and also supports Quick Charge 4+ fast charging technology.

Both solutions enable the use of cameras with resolutions up to 108 megapixels and 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second, though notably, they lack support for the modern AV1 video codec. The first smartphones based on the new platforms are expected to appear next year.

The newly announced budget platforms utilize established 6nm and 4nm process nodes. However, in the long term, the cost of advanced manufacturing becomes a defining factor. As previously reported, the company, alongside MediaTek, is considering shifting part of its future 2nm chip orders from TSMC's fabs to Samsung's facilities. The reason is the aggressive pricing policy of the Taiwanese partner, which is forcing major clients to seek alternatives to maintain profitability.