Qualcomm announced two new processors, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, at IFA 2023, which will be seen in the more affordable smartphones hitting the market in the coming months.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 will be available in devices starting in Q1 2023, while the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 devices will be available starting in Q3 2022.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1: The Upper-End of Mid-Tier Smartphones
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is positioned as a step down from the high-end Snapdragon 8 series, making it the upper-end of the mid-tier smartphone range. This new chipset boasts triple ISP, enabling gigapixel speeds and simultaneously illuminating capture from three cameras.
With support for staggered HDR image sensors, users can capture video with computational HDR and use up to 108-megapixel photos – a first for the Snapdragon 6-series.
Powered by the Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF system, this chipset allows for global connectivity with support for 3GPP Release 16 and peak speeds of up to 2.9Gbps on 5G.
It also includes the 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine, offering up to 3x improved AI performance compared to its predecessor.
Furthermore, it can deliver HDR gaming at 60+ fps, providing a premium mobile gaming experience.
“With the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, Motorola continues to deliver smarter technology to their consumers, and Qualcomm Technologies is proud to be a part of this journey.” – Francois La Flamme, Motorola’s Head of Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer.
Motorola has confirmed that they will use the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in an upcoming device, though its details have yet to be revealed.
Francois La Flamme, Motorola’s head of strategy and chief marketing officer, stated, “At Motorola, we strive to deliver smarter technology to our consumers, and we are proud to have Qualcomm Technologies alongside us in this journey.”
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 features
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is an upper-end mid-tier smartphone range processor, and it comes with triple ISP included. It allows for illuminating capture from three cameras at once with gigapixel speeds.
The chipset enables up to 108-megapixel photos and captures video with computational HDR via support for staggered HDR image sensors.
The new chipset has triple the performance in AI compared to its predecessor, with the 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine.
Furthermore, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 has 35% quicker graphics rendering and 40% faster processing than its predecessor.
It can also do HDR gaming at 60+ fps. The Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF system powered the processor, allowing global connectivity with support for 3GPP Release 16 and up to 2.9Gbps peak speeds on 5G.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 features
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a slightly lower-end chipset, and it will be available in devices starting in Q3 2022.
It is the first 4-series chipset with 5G, and it comes with Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System, which supports Sub-6 and mmWave, and the download speed is 2500Mbps while the upload speed is 1500Mbps.
According to the Senior Director of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Nicole Scott, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is intended to bring 5G connectivity to the masses.
New processor’s Impact on the smartphone market and what trends we can expect to see in the coming years
The new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processors from Qualcomm are poised to significantly impact the overall smartphone market.
As more affordable devices begin to incorporate these processors, we expect several trends to emerge in the coming years.
Firstly, including the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in mid-tier smartphones will undoubtedly improve the camera capabilities of these devices.
With triple ISP and support for staggered HDR image sensors, users can expect to capture high-quality photos and videos with computational HDR and up to 108-megapixel photos.
This trend towards better camera technology in mid-tier smartphones will likely continue as manufacturers seek to differentiate themselves from competitors and offer consumers high-end features at more affordable prices.
Another trend we can expect to see is the democratization of 5G technology. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is the first 4-series chipset with 5G, and its inclusion in affordable smartphones will make 5G connectivity more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
As 5G technology becomes more prevalent, we expect to see an increase in demand for devices that support it, especially as more applications and services are developed to take advantage of its capabilities.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor’s improved AI capabilities will also significantly impact the smartphone market.
With triple, the performance of its predecessor, the 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine will allow for more advanced AI features and applications, such as real-time language translation and improved voice assistants.
As AI technology continues to improve, we can see it play an increasingly important role in smartphones’ functionality and user experience.
Finally, the increasing use of these new processors in affordable smartphones may shift the overall smartphone market as consumers prioritize affordability over brand loyalty.
As more affordable devices begin to offer high-end features previously reserved for flagship devices, consumers may become more willing to switch brands or opt for less expensive models.
In conclusion, the new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processors from Qualcomm are set to significantly impact the overall smartphone market. We can expect to see trends toward better camera technology, the democratization of 5G, improved AI capabilities, and a shift in consumer priorities toward affordability.
As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of affordable smartphone technology, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves in the coming years.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 stack up against other mid-tier processors and their performance
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 are both mid-tier processors from Qualcomm, which compete with other processors in the same segment. Let’s discuss how they stack up against other mid-tier processors regarding performance and price.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1:
- Competes with mid-tier processors such as MediaTek Helio G80 and Samsung Exynos 850.
- Offers better performance in CPU and GPU benchmarks compared to its competitors.
- Features a 6nm fabrication process, which offers power efficiency and faster performance.
- It supports 5G connectivity, becoming more prevalent in mid-range smartphones.
- Comes at a higher price point compared to its competitors.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a mid-range processor designed for affordable smartphones. Based on an 8nm process, it features four ARM Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2GHz and four ARM Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2GHz.
It also has an Adreno 610 GPU, which performs graphics well. Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 also supports up to 48MP cameras, 1080p displays, and 4K video recording at 30fps.
Compared to its competitors in the mid-tier segment, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a solid performer. It offers good CPU and GPU performance and supports modern features such as high-resolution cameras and displays.
In terms of price, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is priced slightly higher than some of its competitors, such as MediaTek Helio P60 and P70, but it offers better performance and more features.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1:
- Competes with entry-level processors such as MediaTek Helio G35 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 450.
- It offers decent performance in CPU and GPU benchmarks for its price range.
- Features a 12nm fabrication process, less power-efficient and slower than the 6nm process in Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
- It does not support 5G connectivity, which may be a drawback as 5G becomes more common.
- Comes at a lower price than Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and other mid-tier processors.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is another mid-range processor from Qualcomm that targets affordable smartphones. It is based on a 12nm process and features four ARM Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0GHz and four ARM Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8GHz.
It has an Adreno 610 GPU, good for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 also supports up to 25MP cameras, 1080p displays, and 1080p video recording at 60fps.
Compared to its competitors in the mid-tier segment, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a decent performer. It offers good CPU and GPU performance and supports modern features such as high-resolution cameras and displays.
In terms of price, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is priced competitively with its main rival, MediaTek Helio P22, which offers similar performance and features.
In summary, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 are capable mid-tier processors with good performance and modern features. While Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is priced slightly higher than some competitors, it offers better performance and more features.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is priced competitively with its main rival, MediaTek Helio P22, and offers similar performance and features.
Reviews and Critics
Many tech experts believe Qualcomm has set a high standard with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and 4 Gen 1. These new processors promise a significant upgrade in speed, graphics, and camera capabilities, which will be noticeable in the more affordable smartphones.
“The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a significant step towards bringing 5G connectivity to the masses, making it a highly anticipated release in the affordable smartphone market.” – Senior Director of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, Nicole Scott
Other websites, including XDA Developers and GizmoChina, are excited about the new processors’ AI capabilities. GizmoChina states that Qualcomm is taking the smartphone AI experience to a new level.
With the 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers triple the performance compared to its predecessor, a significant leap forward.
how manufacturers, besides Motorola, plan to implement the new Snapdragon processors Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, in their devices, and what unique features they will offer
New processors compare to their competitors in the market
Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | MediaTek Helio G95 | Exynos 9611 |
---|---|---|---|---|
CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core | Octa-core | Octa-core |
CPU Architecture | ARM Cortex-A55 | ARM Cortex-A53 | ARM Cortex-A55 | ARM Cortex-A55 |
CPU Clock Speed | Up to 2 GHz | Up to 1.8 GHz | Up to 2.0 GHz | Up to 2.0 GHz |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
Display | FHD+ (2520 x 1080) | FHD+ (2520 x 1080) | FHD+ (2400 x 1080) | FHD+ (2400 x 1080) |
Modem | Snapdragon X11 | Snapdragon X11 | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Helio P60 |
Camera | Up to 192 MP | Up to 192 MP | Up to 48 MP + 16 MP dual | Up to 48 MP + 16 MP dual |
AI | Hexagon 683 | Hexagon 683 | MediaTek APU | MediaTek APU |
Manufacturing Process | 11nm | 12nm | 12nm | 12nm |
Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Quick Charge | Quick Charge 3.0 | Quick Charge 3.0 | MediaTek Pump Express Plus | MediaTek Pump Express Plus |
Reviews and Comparisons
The announcement of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 has caught the attention of many tech enthusiasts and industry experts.
“Qualcomm is taking the smartphone AI experience to a new level with the 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine in the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, offering triple the performance compared to its predecessor.” – GizmoChina.
Another review from Tech Advisor highlighted the improved AI performance and the Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF system as critical features of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
They also noted that the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 could offer decent performance for the price point.
In conclusion, Qualcomm’s new processors, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 promise to deliver significant upgrades for mid-tier and affordable smartphones.
They offer high-quality camera features, faster processing speeds, and improved AI capabilities. Qualcomm is pushing the boundaries of affordable smartphone technology with these new processors.