Qualcomm just announced a significant update in its Snapdragon platforms across high-volume market segments, except the very high-end ($800+) and low-end (sub-$150). The new Snapdragon 778G Plus 5G, 695 5G, 480 Plus 5G, and 680 4G chips will bolster upcoming mobile devices capabilities and allow device makers to create new tiers of devices to cover every budget.
Three out of four are 5G-capable and will help users with a better average broadband speed and user experience. Mobile operators are heavily promoting 5G because it is also more data-efficient than 4G was. 5G is spreading even quicker than many observers would have thought.
The Snapdragon 680 is 4G-only and probably targeted at OEMs and countries where 5G rollout is slower or aimed at even more affordable devices. 680 is manufactured on a 6nm semiconductor process and should bring speed and features boost to upcoming LTE-only phones.
The Snapdragon 778G Plus 5G and 695 5G are geared towards extra performance rather than new features. The Snapdragon 695 5G supersedes the Snapdragon 690, and Qualcomm claims 30% faster graphics/gaming and 15% better CPU performance for the new chip.
The Snapdragon 778G Plus seems like a product created by selecting 778G (non-plus) chips tested to higher speeds and tolerances. These are essentially the proven “best of the best” 778G chips that can be clocked at higher frequencies.
Qualcomm says that Snapdragon 7xx has experienced a 44% growth (in the past year) thanks to the rise of Premium phones ($550-$700). Typically, these handsets are designed to have features-parity with high-end phones but remain significantly more affordable due to a performance tradeoff.
You can expect most smartphone OEMs to integrate these new chips in their end-of-year products. HMD Global, Honor, Motorola, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi have already voiced their support.