It’s no secret that while smartphones are a part of many of our lives, they can be expensive. After all, the phone has come a long way from its meager beginnings and is more computer that fits in the palm of your hand than a device for calling someone else these days. It makes sense that smartphone prices can reach several hundred if not thousands of dollars, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t another way. Phones cost a hefty amount to create and manufacture, but thanks to innovative companies such as Qualcomm, the price of these electronic devices could soon be a lot cheaper.
The breakthrough of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480 5G chipset is reducing the cost to build cheaper Android devices and providing a path for an easier entry into 5G for consumers. Not only does this processor feature a Snapdragon X51 modem that is capable of supporting sub-6GHz and mmWave networks, but it makes the smartphone of tomorrow costing $125 possible. This is complemented further by the fact that the Snapdragon 480 5G will perform twice as well as previous processors with artificial intelligence (AI) functions increasing by 70%.
These breakthroughs and more are at the forefront of why Qualcomm is continuing to make significant strides in the wireless world. With many different companies already on board with using the Snapdragon 480 5G including Motorola, Nokia, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, consumers can expect the possibility of many different affordable devices hitting the market soon. Estimates expect to see cheaper 5G devices as soon as the first quarter in 2021 with more to follow throughout the year.
Qualcomm has been busy over the last several months seeing themselves involved in many different arenas of 5G. 2020 was a huge year for 5G despite the obstacles faced by the COVID-19 pandemic and Qualcomm is the perfect example as to why. With collaborations and testing being held and even innovative solutions being brought to the world of gaming, Qualcomm has hit challenges head-on advancing the interest of itself and the wireless industry as a whole.
The San Diego outfit will welcome a new CEO this year as Steve Mollenkopf will be stepping down from his long-held position and Cristiano Amon will come in to take his place. Qualcomm is seeing its market share threatened by competition, specifically, MediaTek out of Taiwan. Still, the company holds a very healthy piece of the market and is looking to innovative solutions such as more affordable smartphones as viable streams of revenue. Amon will have his work cut out for him if he is to continue the success seen over the many years under Mollenkopf and solutions such as the Snapdragon 480 5G will play a major role in seeing that success through.
Source: The Verge