Even though fifth generation mobile communications technology is set to go mainstream, 4G, also known as LTE, isn’t going away any time soon. With this in mind, it is not surprising that manufacturers of telecom equipment continue to develop 4G-focused smartphone processors. US-based Qualcomm Technologies has launched three new Snapdragon mobile platforms aimed at 4G smartphone manufacturing companies. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 662 and 460 chipsets have been created to enhance user experiences across connectivity, gaming and entertainment applications.
In a statement, the company said that these new mobile platforms provide high-speed 4G connectivity, deliver key Wi-Fi 6 features and integrated Bluetooth 5.1 with advanced audio via the Qualcomm FastConnect 6-series subsystems, support Dual-Frequency (L1 and L5) GNSS to improve location positioning accuracy and reliability, and are the first system-on-chip products to support Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellite positioning system.
Qualcomm said the new Snapdragon platforms also feature the Qualcomm AI Engine and the Qualcomm Sensing Hub, to deliver improved AI user experiences across photography, voice assistants, and virtually always-on scenarios for increased contextual awareness. Furthermore, the Qualcomm Location Suite will support up to seven satellite constellations concurrently, including the use of all of NavIC’s operating satellites “for more accurate location performance, faster time-to-first-fix position acquisition, and improved robustness of location-based services.”
“Today’s smartphone users want fast, seamless connectivity, advanced features and long-lasting battery life,” said Kedar Kondap, Vice President of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies. “This expansion of our 4G lineup enables our partners to offer sophisticated solutions that meet global demand and enable a remarkable gaming experience across multiple tiers and price segments.”
The first phones equipped with the gaming-focused Snapdragon 720G are expected to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2020, whereas devices based on the mid-range Snapdragon 662 and the budget Snapdragon 460 are expected to go on sale by the end of this year.
