Qualcomm Technologies said multiple OEMs working on consumer devices are sampling the company’s forthcoming next-generation mobile platform as the industry readies for 5G smartphones early next year.
The flagship platform features a system-on-chip (SoC) built on the 7nm process node that can be paired with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X50 5G modem.
Designed for 5G, Qualcomm said its mobile platform will support connected devices that deliver new interactions with power-efficient on-device AI, better battery life, and performance. In addition to smartphones, it will also extend to automotive and IoT applications.
“We are very pleased to be working with OEMs, operators, infrastructure vendors, and standards bodies across the world, and are on track to help launch the first 5G mobile hotspots by the end of 2018, and smartphones using our next-generation mobile platform in the first half of 2019,” said Cristiano Amon, president of Qualcomm, in a statement. “Qualcomm Technologies’ continued leadership in research and engineering allows for a future of increased innovation across multiple sectors as 5G connectivity becomes ubiquitous.”
Qualcomm said it will release full details about its flagship mobile platform during the fourth quarter of 2018.
In July, the chipmaker unveiled new compact 5G RF antenna modules that are small enough to fit into the bezel of a mobile phone, which could help accelerate smartphone time-to-market.
Sprint earlier this month announced it’s working with LG to deliver what the carrier says will be the first true 5G smartphone by the first half of 2019. Motorola and Verizon, meanwhile, announced a 5G-capable smartphone that relies on a clip-on on module housing a 5G modem. The mod is expected to come out early next year as well.
