Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will bring 5G to entry-level phones

• Qualcomm has announced a new chipset designed for entry-level smartphones.
• Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will support gigabit 5G connectivity in devices priced under $100.
• The chipmaker says devices equipped with the new chipset can be expected before the end of the year.

It looks like 2024 will be dominated by flagship phones touting generative AI functionality on-device. While that’s an interesting prospect, at a lower price point, some features are still not ubiquitous, such as 5G support.

Qualcomm intends to address this need by announcing the launch of the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset, which is aimed at entry-level smartphones.

One of the standout elements of the new chipset is that it supports gigabit 5G connectivity, and as TechCrunch reports, it will be available in devices priced under $100 (~R1,831). The publication also notes price-sensitive markets like India and Brazil, but BRICS country South Africa can certainly be added to the mix.

“This new platform is another example of Qualcomm’s commitment to engineering human progress, pioneering the global transition from 4G to 5G to empower communities and industries. The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 also comes with feature-rich enhancements, including solid CPU performance for seamless multitasking and productivity, dual-band navIC for improved positioning accuracy, AI-enhanced audio, and entertainment experiences like smooth gameplay and efficient video streaming,” Qualcomm highlighted regarding the capabilities of the new chipset.

“The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Mobile Platform is a significant step forward in making 5G more accessible, so more people can move the world at 5G speeds. Through cutting-edge engineering, we’ve balanced affordability with high performance and all-day battery life, as well as ubiquitous access to 5G for a more enhanced mobile experience,” added Chris Patrick, SVP and GM, Mobile, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

As for when the new chipset will appear in some new entry-level smartphones, Qualcomm has clarified that it expects its products to hit the market by the end of 2024. One of those will come from Xiaomi as its official OEM, although it is not yet known what exact device the chip will power.

All we know is that the phone will be aimed at the Indian market, so let’s hope that Xiaomi’s local hardware distributors in South Africa, like Syntech, will be willing to bring this upcoming entry-level phone to our markets as well.

“Many people are yet to experience the benefits of 5G, and with the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor, Xiaomi can bring 5G connectivity to a wider audience, helping to transform the way the world connects and interacts,” noted Muralikrishnan B, President, Xiaomi India.