Qualcomm has announced a new chip capable of LTE and comes with 64-bit architecture. Surprisingly the new chip is not aimed at high-end devices but it is aimed at low-end affordable devices for the emerging markets. We know it just a matter of time before Qualcomm announces a chip with 64-bit support, after Apple unveiled the 64-bit chip along with iPhone 5S.
The surprising part is the new chip Snapdragon 410 is a 28nm SoC aimed at low-end and emerging markets, Qualcomm has not announced any other chips for high-end devices, but we will see a chip for the high-end devices soon. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 Chip will went for sampling in the first half of 2014 and commercial devices running this chip will be available from the second half of 2014.
The Snapdragon 410 incorporates 4G LTE technology, according to Qualcomm it supports global LTE frequencies among other things. The chip coupled with Adreno 306 GPU will support 1080p video playback, support for upto 13MP camera, 3G, 4G LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth, FM etc. It also supports dual SIM or triple SIM cards as it was one of the feature that is driving device sales in developing markets like India.
“We are excited to bring 4G LTE to highly affordable smartphones at a sub $150 ( ? 1,000 RMB) price point with the introduction of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor,” said Jeff Lorbeck, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Qualcomm Technologies, China. “The Snapdragon 410 chipset will also be the first of many 64-bit capable processors as Qualcomm Technologies helps lead the transition of the mobile ecosystem to 64-bit processing.”
The chip is optimized to support Android, Windows Phone, and Firefox operating systems. It will bring 4G LTE speeds to the affordable smartphones in the range of $150 and less.