Qualcomm Intros New 5G SoC Lineup

Qualcomm has introduced its new Snapdragon 865 and 765 seies SoC chips designed for 5G-capable Android smartphones slated for launch in 2020. TSMC and Samsung Foundry reportedly are both being contracted to manufacture the chips.

During the ongoing annual Snapdragon Tech Summit, which has drawn the participation of major Android phone vendors including Xiaomi and Oppo, Qualcomm unveiled its new Snapdragon 865 and 765 series SoCs that will power 5G devices slated for launch in the first quarter of 2020. Qualcomm also introduced its Snapdragon modular platform to make 5G more accessible to OEMs and streamline the development process.

Qualcomm regards 2020 as the year 5G will go mainstream, with more than 200 million 5G smartphones expected to ship in this coming year alone, according to company president Cristiano Amon. With the new 5G SoC lineup and modular solutions, the chip vendor is gearing to lead and scale 5G and AI next year.

Both Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 865 and 765 series SoCs support all key regions and frequency bands including 5G mmWave and sub-6 GHz, 5G SA and NSA modes, TDD and FDD with Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), global 5G roaming and support for multi-SIM.

Xiaomi and Oppo in Qualcomm’s statement have both mentioned their flagship models powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 mobile SoC slated for launch in the first quarter of 2020. Motorola and HMD Global are other smartphone vendors committing their support.

Qualcomm also disclosed the first carriers announcing support of the certification program for its Snapdragon modular platform are Verizon and Vodafone, with more expected in 2020. The modular platform offers a complete end-to-end solution and reduce 5G complexity for OEMs looking to incorporate 5G functionality into their devices.

In addition, Amon reiterated Qualcomm has close relationships with its foundry partners, including TSMC and Samsung, and Qualcomm will use the best solutions available.

Industry sources believe that TSMC fabricates the more flagship 865 series SoC and X55 5G modem, while Samsung is being contracted to make the 765 series chips designed for midrange and high-end models. Besides, ASE Technology and Amkor are among the major backend partners of Qualcomm for its just-unveiled 5G chip solutions, according to the sources.―Digitimes