Qualcomm has unveiled its latest mobile platform, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, designed to cater to the entry-level 5G smartphone market. This new platform serves as a more affordable alternative to last year’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, offering a range of features suited for budget-conscious consumers seeking 5G connectivity.
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is built on a 4nm manufacturing process, similar to its predecessor. It features a Qualcomm Kryo CPU with two high-performance Kryo Prime cores based on the Cortex-A78 architecture, running at up to 2 GHz, and six Kryo Efficiency cores based on the Cortex-A55, clocked at up to 1.8 GHz. This setup promises improved performance and efficiency, while the GPU, a Qualcomm Adreno unit, supports advanced graphics standards like OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0 FP, and Vulkan 1.1.
One of the notable changes in the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is its display support. Unlike the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, which supports 120Hz refresh rates for Full HD+ displays, the 4s Gen 2 is limited to a 90Hz refresh rate. However, it retains the dual 12-bit ISP (Image Signal Processor) technology, enabling robust camera capabilities. This includes support for up to 108 MP photo capture, 30 FPS Zero Shutter Lag for both single and dual cameras, and video recording capabilities up to 1080p at 60 FPS for single and 30 FPS for dual video capture. The platform also supports slow-motion video capture at 720p and 120 FPS, catering to diverse multimedia needs.
In terms of connectivity, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 boasts a powerful built-in 5G modem capable of Gigabit speeds, though it supports only standalone (SA) 5G networks. It also includes support for dual-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), encompassing L1 + L5 bands, and is compatible with multiple global positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC, and QZSS. This ensures precise location tracking and navigation.
For enhanced user experience, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 integrates Qualcomm’s Aqstic audio codec, which offers superior audio reproduction with low total harmonic distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the platform includes support for LPDDR4X memory up to 2133 MHz and UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring fast data access and smooth multitasking.
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 also incorporates integrated Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and supports Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring reliable wireless connections. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 via USB-C, and Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 4+ technology for faster charging.
This new platform is expected to be commercially available by the end of 2024, targeting budget smartphones priced under USD 100 (approximately Rs. 8,375). Xiaomi is set to be one of the first adopters, aiming to offer affordable 5G phones in markets like India. This move is likely to further drive down the cost of 5G devices and expand their accessibility to a broader audience.
Overall, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 represents Qualcomm’s effort to democratize 5G technology by making it more affordable while still providing essential features and performance improvements for entry-level smartphones.
