Qualcomm has released the world's first "5G Advanced-ready" baseband product, the Snapdragon X75 5G modem and RF system. The new modem offers upgrades, including full-band support from 600MHz to 41GHz and convergence of mmWave hardware with Sub-6 hardware on a single chip, which can provide up to a 20% improvement in energy efficiency over the X70. The Snapdragon X75 is expected to be used in Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 smartphones and is currently sampling, with commercial terminals expected to be released in the second half of 2023.
20% Increase in Power Efficiency
The Snapdragon X75 modem offers a 20% increase in power efficiency, making it the official successor to the Snapdragon X70 modem due in 2022. It also features a second-generation 5G artificial intelligence processor with a dedicated hardware tensor accelerator that promises to increase AI performance by 2.5 times over the X70. Additionally, Qualcomm claims a 50% improvement in positioning accuracy thanks to GNSS Location Gen 2.
Supports Simultaneous Enabling of 5G and 4G Dual Data on Two SIM Cards
The Snapdragon X75 also supports the simultaneous enabling of 5G and 4G dual data on two SIM cards, providing more energy efficiency improvements to extend battery life and runtime. It can transmit two signals at the same time instead of just one, resulting in faster uplink speeds.
Next-Generation Fixed Wireless Access Platform
The Snapdragon X75 is the foundation of Qualcomm's third-generation fixed wireless access platform, which uses millimeter wave, Sub-6GHz, tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet to deliver gigabit-class broadband speeds to all home devices through 5G. Its latency is comparable to traditional fiber optic connections.
Expected to Be Used in Flagship Phones
Globally, the Snapdragon X75 baseband is expected to be used in flagship phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Combined with Qualcomm's new software suite, it will provide better-sustained performance for users moving in more complex environments, such as elevators, subway trains, airports, and parking lots.
Powers Next-Generation Private 5G Networks
The Snapdragon X75 is also expected to power next-generation private 5G networks for college campuses, resorts, retail malls, industrial plants, connected cars, and more. Working in tandem with the Snapdragon X35 announced earlier this month, Qualcomm's latest chip is taking the next step toward a fully connected world.
Future-Proof
The Snapdragon X75 supports 3GPP Release 17 in 2023, the industry's new standard for mobile connectivity, as well as the future 3GPP Release 18 and Wi-Fi 7. This baseband won't be obsolete for quite some time.
The First Major Step on the Road to 6G Technology
Like its predecessor, LTE Advanced, 5G Advanced is the first major step on the road to 6G technology. The FCC and network operators are already laying out plans for the next big leap, and while 5G Advanced is nothing like 6G, it does pave the way for operators to adopt the more advanced technologies that will make up the 6G standard. The 3GPP organization is expected to draft 3GPP Release 19 as part of the next major 6G standards update, which is expected to arrive sometime next year alongside the next phase of 5G Advanced. 6G research will start with 3GPP Release 20 around 2025/2026, after which puts all 5G connectivity on one module
By putting all 5G connectivity on one module, the Snapdragon X75 offers a simpler manufacturing process, with some chips taking up to 25 percent less physical area. This is a significant achievement for the mobile industry, as the convergence of mmWave hardware with Sub-6 hardware allows for a more streamlined process. Additionally, this approach can provide up to a 20% improvement in energy efficiency over the X70.
Another key benefit of the Snapdragon X75 is the enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The modem system includes a dedicated hardware tensor accelerator, making it the first of its kind to offer this feature. Compared to the first-generation chip in last year's X70, the second generation of Qualcomm's 5G artificial intelligence processor promises to increase AI performance by 2.5 times. This means that the optimal frequency can be selected more intelligently for the best connection. The new Smart Network option, now in its second generation, also complements these enhanced AI capabilities.
Improved Positioning Accuracy and Energy Efficiency
Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon X75 will improve positioning accuracy by 50% thanks to GNSS Location Gen 2. This not only reduces power consumption but also improves the stability of the connection. This is a significant development for consumers who demand high accuracy and stability from their mobile devices. Combined with Qualcomm's new software suite, the Snapdragon X75 will provide better-sustained performance for users moving in more complex environments, such as in elevators, subway trains, airports, and parking lots.
The Snapdragon X75 also supports the simultaneous enabling of 5G and 4G dual data on two SIM cards, as well as more energy efficiency improvements to extend battery life and runtime. This is another significant development for consumers, who can now experience faster uplink speeds and improved battery life.
Future Applications of the Snapdragon X75
The Snapdragon X75 chip is much more than a smartphone chip. It's the next big push to bring 5G connectivity into the mainstream. This is the foundation of Qualcomm's third-generation fixed wireless access platform, which uses millimeter wave, Sub-6GHz, tri-band Wi-Fi 7, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet to deliver gigabit-class broadband speeds to all home devices through 5G. Its latency is comparable to traditional fiber optic connections.
The Snapdragon X75 is also expected to power next-generation private 5G networks for college campuses, resorts, retail malls, industrial plants, connected cars, and more. Working in tandem with the Snapdragon X35 announced earlier this month, Qualcomm's latest chip is taking the next step toward a fully connected world.
The Future of 5G Technology
Like its predecessor, LTE Advanced, 5G Advanced is the first major step on the road to 6G technology. The FCC and network operators are already laying out plans for the next big leap, and while 5G Advanced is nothing like 6G, it does pave the way for operators to adopt the more advanced technologies that will make up the 6G standard.
The 3GPP organization is expected to draft 3GPP Release 19 as part of the next major 6G standards update, which is expected to arrive sometime next year alongside the next phase of 5G Advanced. 6G research will start with 3GPP Release 20 around 2025/2026, after which the basic 6G standards are expected to be drafted and ready to roll out in 2028.
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