Qualcomm has been pushing high-end smartphone platforms recently, but its latest release targets the budget segment, aiming to deliver Gigabit 5G connectivity to sub-$100 handsets.

The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is aimed at "redefining the entry-level mobile experience," according to the San Diego chip designer, and has been created to make 5G accessible to more users in select regions.

One vendor already committed to the platform is Chinese brand Xiaomi, which is currently the third largest smartphone maker in the world after Samsung and Apple. Its first device is expected before the end of 2024.

Qualcomm's senior veep and GM of mobile handsets, Chris Patrick, hailed the new platform as a significant leap forward in making 5G technology more accessible.

"Thanks to cutting-edge engineering, we balanced affordability with strong performance and all-day battery life, as well as widespread access to 5G for more enhanced mobile experiences," he said in a statement.

Under Qualcomm's naming scheme, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is positioned below the existing Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in terms of capabilities, and so the chip's CPU block features a pair of Kryo Performance cores clocked at up to 2 GHz and 6 Efficiency cores at up to 1.8 GHz, slightly lower than in the existing product.

The radio block providing connectivity in this platform is simply labelled as Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF, and supports sub-6 GHz 5G Standalone with 2x2 MIMO antennas for a maximum downlink speed of 1 Gbps - much lower than the theoretical maximum supported by Snapdragon chips further up the stack.

It likewise supports Wi-Fi 5, rather than the Wi-Fi 7 seen in Qualcomm's top-end silicon, plus Bluetooth 5.1.

In graphics, the new chipset's Adreno GPU is capable of FHD+ output at up to 90 fps, while the camera function supports up to 84 MP single-shot capture and features dual 12-bit image signal processors.

However, the chips and telecoms company likes to claim that it brings premium features even to its lower tier platforms, and in this case it points to dual band navIC for better position accuracy, AI-enhanced audio, and entertainment experiences like smoother gameplay.

That navIC capability is an Indian-specific satnav system, which perhaps gives an idea where Qualcomm expects many handsets based on Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 are likely to sell. It isn't clear where else the devices might find their way, but budget smartphones are also popular in many Western markets for those who balk at the $1,000-plus price tag of many high-end devices.

Earlier this month, Qualcomm filed a patent infringement lawsuit in India against another Chinese smartphone maker, Transsion, which sells phones largely into African markets. ®

https://www.theregister.com//2024/07/30/qualcomm_snapdragon_4s_gen_2/