Apart from a Snapdragon 675 processor expected to enable “outstanding” gaming experiences, advanced AI capabilities, and “cutting-edge” camera performance for early 2019 mid-range smartphones, Qualcomm also announced a number of 5G breakthroughs yesterday in Hong Kong and Sweden.
Mostly technical and vague, these should still help pave the way for the arrival of the world’s first commercially available 5G mobile devices next year. In addition to the OnePlus 7 (presumably), the semiconductor giant’s Snapdragon X50 modem will apparently find its way inside phones from a dozen or so major companies.
In total, 19 OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are already “committed” to Qualcomm’s 5G vision for 2019, although a few names on that extensive list are unlikely to sound familiar as far as mobile consumers are concerned.
Netgear, for instance, is a multinational computer networking company, while Sierra Wireless is a manufacturer of wireless communications equipment, which will probably allow Qualcomm to better collaborate with carriers and take advantage of their rapidly developing infrastructure.
Of course, the Snapdragon X50-supporting OEMs we’re most interested in are Asus, HMD, HTC, LG, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Many of these had previously confirmed their (vague) plans for 5G-enabled smartphone releases next year, but HTC, for one, kept ominously quiet as LG, Sony, or Xiaomi established ambitious goals.
It’s also nice to see HMD interested in building 5G Nokia-branded smartphones, despite taking its time to unveil a true 4G flagship. Asus is another relative newcomer to the 5G teasing stage, while the most notable absences from Qualcomm’s freshly expanded roster of partners are undoubtedly Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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