Qualcomm unveiled a new quad-core Snapdragon 400 with integrated multimode 3G/4G LTE at COMPUTEX in Taiwan. The new processor also integrates TD-SCDMA, HSPA+ (up to 42Mbps), and multi-SIM capabilities, all features designed to appeal to the dozens of companies manufacturing smartphones in China.
China now has 1.14 billion mobile subscriptions, according to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report, and 30 million of those were added just during the first quarter of 2013. Doug Gilstrap, Ericsson’s global head of strategy, says smartphone usage will continue to surge in the Asia Pacific region as operators upgrade their networks during the next five years. “In Asia-Pac, the infrastructure changes largely from GSM to HSPA+ and LTE,” said Gilstrap. “When you have that type of infrastructure, obviously you’re going to have more smartphones at that point in time, you’re going to have more video and traffic.”
“By offering a multimode 3G/4G LTE variant to Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 tier of processors with quad-core CPUs, we are ensuring that emerging regions are equipped and prepared for the imminent transition to multimode 3G/4G LTE, in addition to being equipped for every major 2G and 3G technology,” said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president and co-president of mobile and computing products, Qualcomm Technologies. “Snapdragon 400 processors provide customers with a wide range of innovative smartphones for both the high-volume and mid-tier segments.”
China is currently home to more than 100 smartphone manufacturers, ranging from global companies like ZTE and Huawei to those that address only the large domestic market. By integrating several smartphone components into one chipset, Qualcomm offers makers of entry-level phones a way to cut time to market. “They are able to strongly leverage the work we do,” said David Favreau, vice president of product management at Qualcomm Atheros.
Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 400 processor includes support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM and NFC, as well as for Android and Windows 8.
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