Qualcomm’s newest flagship 5G modem combines blazing 5G speeds with AI and satellite connectivity. With a dedicated AI processor, the X80 5G modem is the maker’s seventh generation 5G modem for smartphones, extended reality devices, PCs, vehicles, and industrial IoT devices.
Snapdragon X80 5G modem:
This 5G modem from Qualcomm boasts a dedicated AI processor with a tensor accelerator, which enables higher data speeds, greater coverage, and decreased latency. Onboard 5G AI Suite Gen 3 brings AI enhancements that should improve location accuracy and coverage. When connected to a mmWave network, Qualcomm claims a 10% power reduction and a 30% accuracy improvement in location.
In addition to narrowband (NB) support for non-terrestrial networks (NTN), the Snapdragon X80 is the first 5G modem with integrated support for satellite communications. In the coming months, we should see more flagship smartphones with satellite connectivity.
With support for both 5G mmWave (10 carrier aggregation) and sub-6 GHz (5 carrier aggregation), peak download speeds are rated at 10 Gbps, while upload speeds should hit 3.5 Gbps. It is also the first 5G modem with 6x downlink carrier aggregation and AI-based mmWave range extension. Snapdragon X75 and X80 use the same QTM565 mmWave antenna.
Commercial 5G devices are expected to launch in the second half of 2024 with Qualcomm’s X80 5G modem.
FastConnect 7900 mobile connectivity system
In addition, Qualcomm unveiled its FastConnect 7900 mobile connectivity system – integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra Wideband into a single 6nm chip. Besides supporting Wi-Fi 7 with 5.8 Gbps peak speeds, the device also supports Bluetooth 5.4 with spatial audio and ANT+.
As part of the module, AI enhancements deliver optimized latency and power draw while adapting to specific use cases and environments. According to Qualcomm, the FastConnect 7800 module consumes up to 40% less power than the previous model.
Aside from proximity awareness capabilities, Qualcomm is touting Bluetooth channel sounding and Wi-Fi range detection. Multi-device connectivity and proximal device discovery are enabled by FastConnect 7900 thanks to XPAN and Snapdragon Seamless for intelligent audio switching.
It supports the High Band Simultaneous (HBS) standard for instant connectivity between devices and accessories. The Qualcomm FastConnect 7900 is expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2024.
