Processors target mid-tier 4G LTE mobile devices

The Snapdragon 430 features X6 LTE, with Cat 4 downlink speeds of up to 150Mb/s and support of 2x10MHz carrier aggregation, and Cat 5 uplink speeds of up to 75Mb/s via support for 64-QAM, a first in this tier. The processor supports excellent image quality for dual camera configurations and sensors up to 21MP. The Snapdragon 430 uses the powerful Qualcomm Adreno 505 GPU with features such as Open GL ES3.1, Android Extension Pack, and OpenCL 2.0. Incorporating features that were previously limited to the high tier, the Snapdragon 617 improves on both the connectivity and capabilities of the Snapdragon 430. To meet the global demand for faster LTE data rates, the Snapdragon 617 integrates the X8 LTE modem, featuring support for Cat 7 download speeds of up to 300Mb/s and upload speeds of up to 100Mb/s using bi-directional 2x20MHz carrier aggregation. It also shares the same software advances, dual-ISP and camera architecture of the Snapdragon 620 and 618. In addition, the same software package runs the Snapdragon 617, 618 and 620, enabling OEMs to deliver these products quickly and efficiently. For optimal RF performance, the Snapdragon 617 and 430 pair with WTR 2965, the cost-optimised RF transceiver for global carrier aggregation.

Both the Snapdragon 617 and 430 use the power efficient ARM Cortex A53 CPUs in octa-core configurations. Both also include support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, the next generation of fast-charging technology. Each uses the high performance, low power Qualcomm Hexagon DSP, supporting low power sensor and advanced audio. Snapdragon 430 and Snapdragon 617 will fast track the regional certification process with support for the Qualcomm Global Pass certification programme.

“As smartphones and tablets continue to spread to all corners of the globe, we recognise that users are becoming more discerning in what they want,” said Alex Katouzian, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies. “The introduction of these processors is a clear indication that we are listening to the needs of our customers who want ever improving cameras, faster connectivity, and better battery life across all available price points.”

Commercial devices featuring the Snapdragon 430 are expected to be available in Q2 2016, and the Snapdragon 617 is expected to be in commercial devices before the end of 2015.