Qualcomm QM215 SoC currently under development for Android Go phones

Qualcomm could be working on a new SoC for Android Go smartphones. WinFuture's Roland Quandt reports that entries for a new Qualcomm QM215 SoC have been spotted in import-export databases and in Qualcomm's developer docs. The references to the new SoC do not contain the usual 'S' label so it could be that Qualcomm is developing this line independently from the Snapdragon series.

Not much is known about the Qualcomm Mobile QM215 SoC apart from the fact that it is a quad-core part with 1.3 GHz CPU and 650 MHz GPU clocks. In this aspect, the QM215 is similar to the low-end Snapdragon 410 and 425 SoCs so Qualcomm could be re-using the tech from this lineup while possibly implementing faster modems and/or improved imaging capabilities.

Quandt also reports that Qualcomm is already testing reference designs with the QM215 SoC and that at least one popular OEM is already developing a phone based on the new chip. Qualcomm's reference models are reportedly having 1 and 2 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 8 and 16 GB of internal storage. The devices are also said to have a HD+ (1440 x 720) resolution. Huawei seems to be interested in low-cost phones and is said to be testing entry-level models with fingerprint sensors powered by the QM215.

Android Go phones haven't really taken off as expected, but the Qualcomm QM215 could help in increased adoption of low-end Android Go smartphones in Asian, South American, and African markets by bringing better features at entry-level price points.