Qualcomm is introducing a new entry-level smartphone chip to its lineup, set to debut in phones by the end of 2024. The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is a slightly scaled-down version of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, with a focus on faster connectivity and improved camera features for budget Android devices.
One of the key highlights of this chip is its 5G compatibility, offering download speeds of up to 1Gbps, significantly faster than existing 4G chips in the same price range. Additionally, it boasts enhanced video stabilization and multi-frame noise reduction for better image quality.
Built on a 4nm fabrication process, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is an octa-core chip with two performance cores clocked at a maximum of 2GHz. While it falls short compared to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in certain areas such as screen refresh rate and RAM support, it still represents a notable upgrade from the previous generation.
While it may have limitations in image capture and core performance speed, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 excels in camera capabilities and audio features. With support for up to 84-megapixel single camera image capture, FHD video recording at 60 frames per second, and Qualcomm audio technologies for high-resolution music streaming, it offers a comprehensive package.
Wireless connectivity options include Sub-6GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth v5.1, complemented by Qualcomm QuickCharge 4+ and dual-frequency GPS for added convenience and functionality. Xiaomi is slated to be among the first brands to adopt this new chip, bringing 5G accessibility to a wider audience.
As competition heats up in the mobile processor market, Qualcomm faces challenges from MediaTek’s Dimensity 6000 series, particularly popular among Chinese smartphone manufacturers. It will be interesting to see how Qualcomm’s latest offering fares in the global market, especially in North America.
