Today, Qualcomm is introducing the Snapdragon 480 5G platform, and the major significance is that it"s the firm"s first entry-level 5G chipset. While you can get a Snapdragon 690 handset for under $300, these smartphones will be in the $125-$250 tier. Indeed, a $125 5G smartphone is unheard of in the current market.
"Qualcomm Technologies continues to accelerate 5G commercialization globally to make 5G smartphones more accessible, especially as people worldwide continue to connect remotely," said Kedar Kondap, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "The Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform will exceed OEM’s and consumer’s expectations in delivering high- and mid-tier features at an affordable price."
The Snapdragon 480 5G mobile platform comes with a Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System, supporting both sub6 and mmWave frequencies. It also supports both standalone and non-standalone 5G, DSS, and more for up to multi-gigabit speeds. It has FastConnect 6200 for 2x2 Wi-Fi, coupled with Bluetooth 5.1 as well.
Aside from the connectivity features, it has eight Kryo 460 cores that are based on an 8nm process and clocked at up to 2GHz. That comes with an Adreno 619 GPU, and a Hexagon 686 processor for 70% improved AI performance. It comes with the Spectra 345 ISP, promising the first triple ISP in the 4 series so users can capture photos from up to three 13MP lenses at the same time, or they can capture up to three 720p videos at the same time.
The chipset also includes support for 120fps FHD+ screens, and for Quick Charge 4+, something that"s brand-new to the Snapdragon 4 series.
Partners that are promising to be on-board with the Snapdragon 480 include HMD Global with its Nokia phones, Oppo, and Vivo. Devices are expected to be announced in early 2021.