Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 5G launched: Integrating a series of AI features, supporting satellite communication

Called Snapdragon X80, this is Qualcomm's seventh generation 5G modem, with the company integrating a series of the most advanced technologies to set a new standard for global mobile 5G connectivity. Snapdragon X80 is not only designed for use on smartphones, but can also be integrated into XR products, PCs, vehicles and industrial IoT devices.

Qualcomm says the Snapdragon X80 is the first 5G modem with an integrated AI processor based on a dedicated tensor accelerator. This upgrade significantly improves speed (up to 10Gbps download and 3.5Gbps upload), coverage, location accuracy, spectrum efficiency, power efficiency and latency.

In addition, Snapdragon X80 also features native NB-NTN (narrowband non-terrestrial network) support, which helps bring satellite connectivity to more devices using Qualcomm's flagship chip. The new modem is also equipped with up to 6-antenna architecture, 6X carrier aggregation and "AI-based" mmWave range extension for fixed access points.

The Snapdragon X80 is currently in the sampling phase and the first commercial devices using Qualcomm's latest 5G modem will hit shelves in the second half of 2024.

 Besides Snapdragon X80, Qualcomm also announced the new generation FastConnect 7900 platform. This is the first system to integrate Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and Ultra Wideband in a single 6nm chip. FastConnect 7900 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard with maximum speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps, providing a fast and stable Wi-Fi experience. Bluetooth 5.4 with spatial audio and ANT+ support, helps improve sound quality and connectivity with other devices.

Notably, the FastConnect 7900 is integrated with an "all-new proximity awareness" feature to improve device discovery, connection and control. The chip also supports Qualcomm XPAN and Snapdragon Sound, allowing for high-bitrate music streaming over a Wi-Fi connection. The ability to reduce power consumption by up to 40% compared to the previous generation is also an important highlight of FastConnect 7900.

Similar to the Snapdragon X80, the FastConnect 7900 platform is expected to appear on the first commercial devices launched around the second half of 2024.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 27 February 2024