In a significant push to make 5G technology accessible to billions of smartphone users worldwide, including in India, leading chip-maker Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 mobile platform. This development is set to redefine the entry-level mobile experience, making 5G accessible to over 600 million Indian smartphone users.

The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip offers peak download speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is seven times faster than the LTE platforms typically available in the same price tier. This breakthrough will initially be adopted by key OEMs, including Xiaomi and its other brands, with the first commercial device expected to be announced before the end of the year, Qualcomm announced.

The new platform provides gigabit 5G connectivity, robust power efficiency for all-day battery life, and advanced camera capabilities, enhancing the overall mobile experience for users. Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Handsets at Qualcomm, expressed pride in the engineering teams for their exceptional work in developing a solution that will significantly enhance mobile experiences for millions of people, not only in India but around the globe.

Savi Soin, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm India, highlighted that access to 5G will be a key factor in furthering India’s digital transformation journey and securing its presence as a global player. “5G can bridge the digital divide, empowering Indians with crucial tools and services in education, government services, healthcare, and payments more reliably and securely, as well as drive India’s Made in India agenda”, Soin said.

The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 platform will be initially adopted by India’s leading mobile OEM, Xiaomi, and its other brands, with the first commercial device expected to be announced by the end of the year. Muralikrishnan B, President of Xiaomi India, expressed excitement about working with Qualcomm Technologies to enable access to gigabit-fast connectivity for users across India.

Qualcomm has been at the forefront of innovation in India for the past two decades, contributing significantly to advancements in technology, particularly in fields such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI). The launch of the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 platform underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to enhancing digital connectivity and fostering technological progress in India and beyond.

This new chip is set to revolutionize the entry-level smartphone market, bringing high-speed 5G connectivity to a wider audience and driving digital inclusion in one of the world’s largest mobile markets.