Even before many users would have fully enjoyed the features of the Snapdragon 855 and 855 Plus processors, chipmaker Qualcomm has launched the successor version, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865SoC. There is no need to speculate that the new processor will have improved capabilities over its predecessors. Qualcomm has shared the details of the improvements brought about and the focus areas where the performance can be experienced at higher levels.
With 5G taking centerstage and expected to dominate the market in 2020, Qualcomm expects its new Snapdragon 865 SoC paired with the X55 modem to feature in a range of models to be launched next year. This may include Apple’s iPhone 5G since the company has made it clear that it is going with the Qualcomm processor for is 5G phones in 2020.
This combination of Snapdragon 865SoC and X55 modem can support download speeds of up to a maximum of 7Gbps (the figure for X50 stood at 5Gbps). From the US market perspective, carrier T-Mobile plans a massive coverage of its 5G service across several states on the 600MHz frequency. This new Qualcomm 865SoC chipset will come quite handy in such a case since the 5G frequencies it can operate in is quite dynamic in range.
One difference being pointed out is that the Snapdragon 865 does not have an built-in modem feature and the X55 modem has to be paired to operate in the 5G environment. That was not the case with the Snapdragon 855 SoC. Support for the Wi-Fi 6 standard will also be available in the new processor.
From the performance angle, the Kryo 585 CPU is claimed to offer 25% faster processing capability than Snapdragon 855, and the new Adreno 650 GPU can be expected to offer 25% better performance as well.
The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 865SoC will have enhanced capabilities to support the latest camera functions. Smartphone makers are scaling up the camera configurations and the primary shooters are rated at 64MP and 108MP resolution levels. The processor needs to keep pace in offering better imaging technology.
The other area where a lot of action is being witnessed, is the screen refresh rate especially on gaming mobile phones. Qualcomm says its Snapdragon 865SoC is capable of supporting refresh rates of up to 144Hz. There are improvements brought about in the chip in the area of application of artificial intelligence as well.