In an earlier Snapdragon Mobile Computing Platform pre-show briefing, Chenwei Yan, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm, unveiled the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 computing platforms designed for the entry-level and mid-range smartphone markets, with the theme of "practical technology built for real life".
This update not only brings significant upgrades to basic performance and power consumption, but also brings many features previously only seen in high-end or flagship models (such as Wi-Fi 7 and 90fps gaming experience) to the market for the first time, thereby giving entry-level and mid-range phones a higher market competitiveness.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 5: Bringing 90fps gaming experience to the entry-level market for the first time
For the entry-level Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, the biggest highlight is that the Adreno GPU performance has increased by 77% compared to the previous generation (Snapdragon 4 Gen 4), and for the first time, a high refresh rate gaming experience of 90fps has been brought down to the Snapdragon 4 series computing platform.
在電池續航方面，Snapdragon 4 Gen 5整體功耗降低10%，能為手機在基本電量額外提供1.7小時的音樂播放、1小時的影片串流、35分鐘的語音通話，或是長達15分鐘的網頁瀏覽時間。
For connectivity, it uses a 5G modem that complies with the 3GPP Release 17 specification, with a maximum download speed of 2.8Gbps. It is also the first in the series to support 5G DSDA (dual SIM dual standby) functionality and is equipped with the third-generation Smart Network Selection 3.0 technology.
In terms of everyday user experience, Qualcomm has incorporated Smooth Motion UI optimization into this computing platform, resulting in a 43% increase in app launch speed and a 25% reduction in screen lag. For the camera, it adds support for AI night vision, in-sensor zoom, electronic image stabilization (EIS), and AI face detection; for audio, it supports aptX Adaptive and lossless audio playback.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 5: Wi-Fi 7 makes its debut on the Snapdragon 6 series mid-range computing platform
For the mid-range mainstream Snapdragon 6 Gen 5, its Adreno GPU performance is also 21% better than the previous generation, while power efficiency is improved by 8%, which can extend music playback by an additional 2 hours and game time by 38 minutes.
The most crucial breakthrough in the specifications of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is the first time that the Snapdragon 6 series has supported Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. With the new FastConnect network system, peak download speeds can reach up to 5.8Gbps, and it also supports Release 17 specifications for 5G connectivity, while enhancing FDD uplink performance.
In terms of visuals and gaming, in addition to the Smooth Motion UI that reduces screen stuttering by 18% and speeds up app launches by 20%, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 also supports Snapdragon Elite Gaming features such as Game Super Resolution. The camera system also benefits from AI night vision enhancement and high-magnification digital zoom calculations, further improving the image creation capabilities of mid-range phones.
Market Analysis: Counteracting the Production Impact of Memory Shortages by Decentralizing Functionality
It is worth noting that during the Q&A session of the pre-show briefing, a media outlet asked: Currently, some mobile phone manufacturers (OEMs) are considering delaying or reducing their production plans for entry-level and mid-range mobile phones due to factors such as rising memory prices and component shortages. How does Qualcomm view this current market situation?
In response, Chenwei Yan stated that Qualcomm has indeed observed challenges in the overall environment, such as memory supply. This is precisely the main reason why Qualcomm deliberately brought down the most practical and powerful features of its high-end flagship models when launching the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5.
By incorporating high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, smooth 90fps gaming, and advanced AI image processing capabilities into the Snapdragon 4 and Snapdragon 6 series, Qualcomm has significantly enhanced the "practicality" and appeal of entry-level and mid-range smartphones. Even with rising costs for components like memory, smartphone manufacturers can still leverage the superior experience offered by these two new platforms to reposition their products in the market. This not only helps OEMs find a new balance between cost control and product pricing but also ensures that consumers still experience a sense of value for money when purchasing entry-level or mid-range models.
However, regarding previous market rumors about Qualcomm's development of a partnership with China's Changxin Memory...Custom DRAMRegarding the claim that this is to ensure a cost barrier for entry-level and mid-range smartphones, Qualcomm stated that it would not respond to market rumors.
