MWC 2025 | Qualcomm unleashes Snapdragon X85 modem-RF rated for extra-fast 3.7Gb/s 5G uploads
Qualcomm has unveiled its latest flagship 5G modem-RF as the first of its kind to support a bandwidth of 400 megahertz (MHz), thanks to cutting-edge 6x carrier aggregation (CA) technology.
The Snapdragon X85 is also packed with features such as Qualcomm Smart Transmit Plus technology, downlink CA and 1024 QAM for sub-6GHz. They will apparently contribute to download speeds of up to 12.5 gigabits per second (Gb/s) and uploads of up to 3.7Gb/s, compared to 10Gb/s and 3.5Gb/s respectively in its predecessor.
The X85 is powered by the latest 5G AI processor from Qualcomm, rated for generational speed gains of up to 30% in inference with the goal of 'smartly' boosting power efficiency and coverage while reducing latency in the new modem.
The platform also features a new "converged" transceiver for the mmWave type of 5G as well as sub-6GHz, and also supports up-to-date satellite connectivity.
Accordingly, Qualcomm backs the Snapdragon X85 to handle the demands of industrial internet-of-things (IoT) arrays as well as that of next-gen consumer premises equipment (CPE) for wireless broadband and, of course, smartphones.
Alternatively, the X82 has also just debuted as a potentially more cost-effective source of the same.
In the meantime, the OEM is demonstrating both new solutions as part of its MWC 2025 showcase, currently to be found at the Qualcomm Booth (#3E10) in Hall 3 of Barcelona's Fira Gran Via venue.
Source(s)
Qualcomm Press Release
Introducing Qualcomm X85, the World’s Leading Modem-RF for Unprecedented 5G Speeds and Intelligence
— Qualcomm X85 Extends 5G Advanced Leadership and Differentiation for Premium Android Smartphones, as well as PCs, Fixed Wireless Access and IoT—
BARCELONA, March 3, 2025 – Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., continues raising the bar for connectivity with the announcement of the Qualcomm® X85 5G Modem-RF, its eighth- generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution and fourth-generation AI-powered 5G connectivity system. The X85 is designed for the next generation of connected and AI-enabled applications, delivering faster speeds for seamless streaming, downloads and uploads, improved network reliability in congested areas, extended battery life, and enhanced location accuracy for an overall superior user experience. The industry-leading 5G Advanced features of the Qualcomm X85 will bring connectivity leadership to Android smartphones. The Qualcomm X85 is also engineered to support 5G Advanced capabilities in a multitude of other devices including PCs, fixed wireless access points, automotive, XR, and more. “Qualcomm X85, the world’s most advanced modem-to-antenna system, is set to provide the best 5G experiences. For smartphones, it enables levels of speeds, power-efficiency and reliability that will only be available on premium Android devices,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, technology planning and edge solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Technology leadership has and will always be our focus. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary and enter the era of agentic and on-device AI, it is fitting that we mark this milestone by launching this industry leading platform. Our innovations in modem-RF and on-device AI uniquely position us as the leader for this next generation of connected intelligence.”
Qualcomm Technologies is working closely with the global wireless ecosystem, including carriers, infrastructure vendors, and standards and regulatory organizations, to ensure the industry is ready to commercialize Qualcomm X85 capabilities. Many are publicly showing their support. In addition to the Qualcomm X85, Qualcomm Technologies is announcing the Qualcomm X82 5G Modem-RF – a 5G modem-to-antenna solution optimized for mainstream adoption of mobile broadband applications, supporting multi-Gigabit download and upload speeds. M.2 and LGA reference designs based on Qualcomm X82 and Qualcomm X85 are also available to help accelerate development across industry segments, including Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), mobile broadband (MBB), PCs, IoT, and other devices. Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G are already sampling to customers and are expected to be in commercial devices in the second half of this year. For more details, please visit the Qualcomm X85 product page. Attendees of MWC Barcelona can also visit Qualcomm Booth #3E10 located in Hall 3 at Fira Gran Via to see demonstrations and speak with Qualcomm representatives. About Qualcomm Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world tackle some of its most important challenges. Building on our 40 years of technology leadership in creating era-defining breakthroughs, we deliver a broad portfolio of solutions built with our leading-edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unrivaled connectivity. Our Snapdragon® platforms power extraordinary consumer experiences, and our Qualcomm Dragonwing™ products empower businesses and industries to scale to new heights. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies.
At Qualcomm, we are engineering human progress. Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering and research and development functions and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business.
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