Qualcomm has announced the launch of two new Snapdragon processors – the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 – targeting the Indian mobile market. The company unveiled the chips during a virtual event focused on expanding its presence in emerging economies, emphasizing cost‑effective performance for budget‑friendly smartphones.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is positioned as a mid‑range solution offering a blend of AI capability, gaming optimisation, and power efficiency. Built on a 6 nm process, the SoC integrates an octa‑core Kryo CPU configuration, with two high‑performance Cortex‑A78 cores clocked up to 2.4 GHz and six efficiency‑oriented Cortex‑A55 cores. The integrated Adreno 7 GPU supports Full HD+ displays and casual gaming, while the Qualcomm AI Engine delivers up to 12 TOPS for on‑device AI tasks such as image enhancement and voice recognition. Connectivity features include a Snapdragon X‑55 5G modem with sub‑6 GHz support, Wi‑Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 is aimed at entry‑level devices. It utilizes a 6 nm architecture and houses an octa‑core CPU with four Cortex‑A78 cores running up to 2.0 GHz and four Cortex‑A55 cores for low‑power operation. The Adreno 610 GPU provides basic graphics support for 720p displays. The chipset also incorporates a 5G modem capable of sub‑6 GHz bands, ensuring affordable 5G access for cost‑sensitive consumers. Both processors feature Qualcomm’s Spectra 640 camera ISP, enabling up to 108 MP photo capture and 4K video recording.
Qualcomm highlighted that the new SoCs are designed to meet the price‑performance expectations of Indian users, where price sensitivity drives purchasing decisions. By offering integrated 5G, AI, and camera capabilities at lower price points, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of modern smartphones in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of these chips aligns with Qualcomm’s broader strategy to capture market share in emerging regions where competitors such as MediaTek and Samsung’s Exynos are also expanding their affordable portfolios. The availability of a fully integrated 5G solution in budget segments is expected to stimulate device launches from Indian OEMs, potentially increasing the overall penetration of 5G services in the country.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 are slated for immediate availability to manufacturers, with the first wave of smartphones anticipated to appear in retail channels by Q4 2024. Their arrival underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to delivering scalable, energy‑efficient platforms that support the growing demand for connected, AI‑enabled experiences across price‑sensitive markets.
