Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon 720G, 662, and 460 aimed at 4G markets, becomes the first to support ISRO's NavIC GPS constellation

Qualcomm has launched three new Mobile Platforms targeting budget smartphone users viz. the Snapdragon 720G, Snapdragon 662, and the Snapdragon 460. These SoCs offer fast 4G speeds, improved wireless connectivity via key Wi-Fi 6 features, Bluetooth 5.1 with Qualcomm FastConnect 6, and support for L1 and L5 dual-frequency GNSS. The new SoCs are also the first to support the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) GPS constellation system. 

Snapdragon 720G

The Snapdragon 720G furthers lowers the entry-point into Qualcomm's mid-range segment, which is currently helmed by the recently announced Snapdragon 765/765G. While the 765G is fabbed on the 7nm process, the 720G is a 8nm part and uses the Snapdragon X15 LTE modem. The Snapdragon X15 supports 3-carrier aggregation, 4x4 MIMO on two carriers, and 256-QAM for download speeds up to 800 Mbps.

Like the 765G, the 720G also features select Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming features. The SoC supports HDR gaming, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, and a Spectra 350L ISP that allows for a maximum photo capture resolution of 192 MP. Other features include support for 5th generation AI Engine with Qualcomm Hexagon Tensor Accelerator and FastConnect 6200 Wi-Fi enhancements with WPA3 and Wi-Fi 6 8x8 sounding with multi-user MIMO. 

Snapdragon 662

The 6-series gets an upgrade this year to the Snapdragon 662. This SoC features the Spectra 340T ISP that supports triple cameras and HEIF image capture. The 3rd generation AI Engine with Hexagon Vector Extensions (HVX) enable support for AI-based night photography, face and voice ID, and use of avatars. The Snapdragon 662 features the Snapdragon X11 LTE mode with 2-CA, 2x2 MIMO, 256-QAM, and download speeds up to 390 Mbps.

Snapdragon 460

The Snapdragon 460 looks to provide a compelling upgrade over the Snapdragon 450 with the inclusion of performance CPU cores and an updated GPU. Qualcomm says that the CPU and GPU in the Snapdragon 460 offer 70% and 60% improved performance, respectively, over the Snapdragon 450. For the first time, the 4-series is getting some AI love with the 3rd generation Qualcomm AI Engine that includes HVX and the Spectra 340 ISP. Like the Snapdragon 662, the Snapdragon 460 also features the X11 LTE modem for fast 4G connectivity. 

Devices based on the Snapdragon 720G will be available in Q1 2020 with Xiaomi slated to be among the first to launch a Snapdragon 720G-powered phone. Devices powered by the Snapdragon 662 and 460 will be available towards the end of this year.