Qualcomm Krait specs leaked, gets up to four cores at 2.5GHz

We are about to witness a major improvement in the mobile processor technology in terms of power and speed. A detailed leaked roadmap of Qualcomm, maker of the popular Snapdragon chips, shows three upcoming models trying to cover all parts of the product line.

MSM8960

The MSM8960 due later this year will be a dual core chip clocking up to 1.7GHz while supporting dual-channel 500MHz memory. It will support LTE 4G as well as 21Mbps 3G HSPA+. The chip should be accompanied by an Adreno 225 graphics that would support 1080p video playback shoot 20MP photos in 3D.

MSM8930

A single-core chip will come sometimes in summer of 2012 that would run at a clock speed of 1GHz up to 1.2GHz and use single-channel memory. Called the MSM8930, It would support 3G and 1080p playback with the help of an Adreno 305 graphic chip. Although meant for budget smartphones, the MSM8930 will shoot 3D photos at 12 megapixels.

MSM8974

The MSM8974 could be Qualcomm's first quad-core processor. This chip will be available at a clock speed of up to 2.5GHz but will be available in different variants starting at 2GHz. Some versions will use dual-channel 667MHz or even 800MHz low-power DDR3 memory. It will also support full HD 1080p video playback, courtesy of a much faster Adreno 320 graphics core, and clicking 30MP photos.

This move from Qualcomm is understandable as the tablet market is starting to heat up. Come next year and you will see the biggest of them all coming into the market with its Medfield and Clover trail series of tablet processor. There will be Apple who, despite of employing not the powerful chip, manages to maximize user experience thanks to its brilliant integrations. Mobile computing is the future and Qualcomm seems to be moving in the right direction with these possible releases.

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