Qualcomm unveils its Snapdragon 6 and 4 Gen 1 mobile processors

Artist impression of Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (left) and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (right). Credit: Qualcomm.

Qualcomm today (7 September 2022) announced the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, the new mid-range and entry-level smartphone processors for handsets moving forward.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 replaces the Snapdragon 695, with triple image signal processing (ISP) components, support for 108MP cameras, and HDR support. The SD6G1 also packs a 7th-gen Qualcomm AI Engine for triple the AI performance compared to its predecessor. Also on board is 35% “quicker graphics” and 40% faster processing, likely referring to its GPU and CPU performance. Its onboard Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System can reach 5G peak speeds of 2.9Gbps, complemented further with Wi-Fi 6E support.

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 replaces its entry-level Snapdragon 480 5G processor, touting 15% improved CPU and 10% better GPU performance than its predecessor. It also has triple ISPs with support for 108MP cameras, though it doesn’t mention the HDR support. It also uses a different modem (Snapdragon X51 5G), but it still can grant up to 2.5Gbps 5G connections with it.

These processors join the premium mid-range Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and 2022 flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The latter already has a half-step upgrade that's available in phones like the Galaxy Z Flip4 5G and Z Fold4 5G.

SD6G1 will appear in smartphones from Q1 2023 onwards, while SD4G1 will be available in mobiles starting as early as Q3 2022. Qualcomm also name-dropped Motorola and iQoo, two phone manufacturers already confirmed using SD6G1 and SD4G1, respectively.

Source: Qualcomm