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A highly advanced AI-powered 5G modem for speedier smartphones
At MWC 2024 this week Qualcomm lifted the curtain on its latest 5G modem, the Snapdragon X80 5G, a highly advanced 5G modem that will use AI to speed up the new 5G era of smartphones and other mobile devices. Just to put things into perspective, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modems are what’s being used in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series phones. So the X80 series is what we’ll be seeing in the top-end flagships coming later this year and beyond.
Qualcomm says the Snapdragon X80 5G modem is the “most advanced modem-to-antenna platform in the world. And just based on what we’ve learned of it so far, we have to agree.
Even more possibilities for satellite connections, thanks to NB-NTN support
There are more than a few major improvements with the X80 5G modem that Qualcomm has implemented over the X80’s predecessor. But one of the more important improvements has to be the addition of NB-NTN support for even wider possibilities for satellite connections. NTN or Non-terrestrial networks, are networks that operate off of satellites that hover around in low-earth orbit. Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X80 5G modem now has standard support for these types of networks.
So it’s not impossible to think that devices with this modem inside could potentially connect to sat networks in the event of emergencies. And with this support for NB-NTN networks fully integrated, there will be more options for device manufacturers and carriers to support certain networks. And in the end that results in more options for consumers.
Powerful AI features to speed up just about everything
AI is being developed into just about everything these days. That includes Qualcomm’s latest 5G mobile modem. Here are just some of the ways this is going to help smartphones become even more efficient at everything they do. Firstly, the Snapdragon X80 5G modem has a dedicated AI processor and that’s going to be at the heart of all its AI features. With this in place, the modem can help phones receive faster data speeds. If you think your phone is capable of fast data speeds now, your next device with this modem inside is likely going to surprise you.
The AI processor also helps to lower the latency between tasks, and it can manage multiple antennas as well as more efficiently manage power drain on your device. Basically, the phone should work faster with data-related functions and last longer with regard to battery life.