Qualcomm Unveils New Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4
Qualcomm Refreshes Entry and Mid-Range Lineup with Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4
After launching the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 last month, Qualcomm has quietly expanded its mobile platform portfolio with two new system-on-chips (SoCs) targeted at the budget and mid-range segments. The new Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 are designed to bring improved performance, better efficiency, and enhanced connectivity features to more affordable smartphones.
Here is a breakdown of what these new platforms offer.
Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2: Boosting Multimedia for 4G Markets
Despite the global push for 5G, there remains a significant market for 4G devices. The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 arrives as a potent solution for this segment, prioritising multimedia performance and smooth daily operation.
Key Features and Specifications
- Performance: The chipset is built on a 64-bit architecture featuring a Qualcomm Kryo CPU with a peak clock speed of 2.9 GHz. Qualcomm states this represents a 51% improvement over the previous generation.
- Graphics: Gaming and visual rendering are handled by a Qualcomm Adreno GPU, which offers a 20% boost in graphics performance. This ensures sharper visuals and jitter-free streaming.
- Camera: The Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP allows for capturing detailed images up to 108 MP. It supports concurrent shooting from three cameras and uses AI-enhanced features like far-field detection and echo cancellation for better video capture.
- Display: Manufacturers can use displays with FHD+ resolutions and refresh rates up to 120 Hz, ensuring fluid scrolling and animations.
- Connectivity: As the name implies, this is a 4G-centric chip. It features the Qualcomm LTE Modem with peak download speeds of 3.9 Gbps and upload speeds of 1.5 Gbps. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 via the FastConnect Mobile Connectivity System.
- Charging: The platform supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, capable of charging a device up to 80% in approximately 35 minutes.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 4: Efficient 5G for Everyone
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is the latest entry in the 4-series, designed to make 5G accessible while maintaining high efficiency. Built on a modern 4nm process node, this chip balances battery life with capable performance.
Key Features and Specifications
- Efficiency and Power: The move to a 4nm process allows for “remarkable battery life,” according to Qualcomm. It features a Qualcomm Kryo CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz.
- Memory: A significant upgrade for this tier is the support for LPDDR5 memory (up to 3.2 GHz), which elevates overall system speed and responsiveness compared to older memory standards.
- 5G Connectivity: This platform employs the Qualcomm 5G Modem-RF System, supporting Release 16 5G with download speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. It also includes global 5G Multi-SIM capabilities.
- Camera Capabilities: The Qualcomm Spectra ISP includes hardware-based Multi-Frame Noise Reduction (MFNR) for clearer snapshots and AI-enhanced low-light technology to brighten night scenes.
- Satellite Support: Notably, the chip includes built-in support for the Beidou Satellite System, allowing for precise positioning and navigation.
- Charging: It supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+, which can refuel a battery up to 50% in just 15 minutes.
Qualcomm’s latest releases show a clear bifurcation in strategy. The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 pushes raw clock speeds and camera resolution for markets where 4G is still dominant, ensuring users don’t sacrifice performance just because they lack 5G.
Conversely, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 brings modern manufacturing efficiencies (4nm) and faster memory standards (LPDDR5) to the entry-level 5G market, ensuring that budget-friendly 5G phones feel faster and last longer on a single charge.
