Affordable smartphones are important to chipmakers, and Qualcomm is not leaving them behind. Far from the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite that powers the most expensive models under Android, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 targets entry-level and mid-range devices. The latter have evolved considerably in recent years to offer smooth and pleasant performance for users who do not want to spend too much. In 2025, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 promises to meet the needs of a wide range of users, such as gamers, professionals or creators.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 4: improved performance for games and applications
If the Oryon cores are reserved for the crème de la crème at Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is no slouch. Its processor part (CPU) includes a “Prime” core up to 2.3 GHz (Cortex-A720), three “Performance” cores up to 2.2 GHz (Cortex-A720) and four "Efficiency" cores up to 1.8 GHz (Cortex-A520). An interesting configuration that benefits from 4 nm engraving by TSMC, for an 11% improvement in CPU performance compared to the previous generation.
Even more interesting, the graphics part (GPU) of this chip promises increased performance of up to 29% and energy savings of 12%. Concretely, this chip will allow you to play longer and in better conditions than the Gen 3 of the Snapdragon 6. In addition, it brings 5G up to 2.9 Gb/s, up to 16 GB of RAM, wifi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 LE. It supports screens up to Full HD (1080p) at 144 Hz and even 4K up to 60 Hz for an external monitor.
More advanced AI for cheap smartphones
With the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, Qualcomm is also tackling the issue of artificial intelligence. This chip is the first in its family to support generative AI and promises "faster AI processing" with support for INT4 numbers, in addition to INT8 and INT16. For users, this SoC will make smartphones more intelligent with features like content summarization or assisted writing directly on the device. It also supports new intelligent virtual assistants, as well as AI-based noise cancellation.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 can support sensors up to 200 megapixels and help when capturing photos or videos. It brings improved light management during the day and at night, promises Qualcomm. “The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 will mark a turning point for mid-range smartphones thanks to major advances in AI, gaming and photography”, adds Deepu John, senior director of product management at Qualcomm Technologies.
For which smartphones?
Qualcomm indicates that the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 will soon be available from many manufacturers, including realme, Oppo and Honor. Announcements are expected at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
0 Comments