Qualcomm Plans To Unveil Snapdragon X80 Modem at MWC 2024

Qualcomm, renowned for its dominance in smartphone connectivity, has reaffirmed its position by unveiling the Snapdragon X80 modem at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024. This latest addition to Qualcomm’s lineup underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile connectivity technology. Qualcomm has highlighted that the Snapdragon X80 modem boasts support for 3GPP Release 17 and is primed for Release 18 integration.

It showcases the company’s dedication to staying ahead of evolving industry standards. Additionally, the X80 modem introduces several pioneering features compared to its predecessor, the X75 modem found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

Snapdragon X80 Modem Expected Features

Qualcomm’s announcement highlights several industry firsts for the Snapdragon X80 modem. These include being the first modem to feature 6x carrier aggregation, allowing for enhanced data transfer speeds by combining multiple carriers. Additionally, it boasts 6Rx support, enabling connectivity to up to six antennas simultaneously for improved reception and transmission capabilities. Furthermore, Qualcomm touts the X80 modem as the pioneer in offering an “AI-based” antenna management system, which likely leverages artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize antenna performance and enhance overall connectivity.

The advanced capabilities of the Snapdragon X80 modem are expected to deliver superior performance, reliability, and efficiency in smartphone connectivity. Qualcomm’s integration of NB-NTN support directly into the modem, instead of utilizing separate silicon, marks a significant advancement. This integration not only saves space within the device but also opens up possibilities for sleeker designs or larger batteries. However, whether this integration will lead to a proliferation of smartphones with satellite support depends on OEMs and carriers partnering with satellite providers to leverage this feature effectively. While the technology enables new opportunities, its widespread adoption hinges on collaborative efforts across the industry.

Performance Improvement in Snapdragon X80 Modem

In terms of performance gains, Qualcomm promises significant improvements with the Snapdragon X80 modem. Users can anticipate a 30% enhancement in location accuracy, leading to more precise positioning information. Additionally, there will be a 20% reduction in the time required for the device to select the best cell for connectivity, contributing to faster and more seamless network transitions. Moreover, Qualcomm claims a 10% decrease in power consumption in connected mode for mmWave, potentially extending battery life for devices utilizing this technology.

Regarding data speeds, the Snapdragon X80 modem promises impressive capabilities, with downlink speeds of up to 10 GB/s and uplink speeds of up to 3.5 GB/s. These speeds represent a significant leap forward in cellular connectivity, enabling users to enjoy faster downloads, smoother streaming experiences, and more responsive online interactions. Overall, the Snapdragon X80 modem is poised to deliver a combination of enhanced performance, efficiency, and connectivity speeds, shaping the future of mobile connectivity.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Performance

Qualcomm has announced that commercial devices featuring the Snapdragon X80 modem are anticipated to launch in the second half of the year. While the company refrained from providing specific details about its partners, it mentioned collaborating with “leading device OEMs.” This suggests that prominent smartphone manufacturers are likely to integrate the X80 modem into their upcoming flagship devices. However, the exact lineup of partners and specific device releases will likely be unveiled closer to the commercial launch timeframe.

Check Out: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 & Generative AI: Future of Smartphone Industry