MWC 2022 | Snapdragon X70 5G modem-RF system uses AI smarts enhance 5G and improve power efficiency, offers 10 Gbps peak downlink speeds

Last year, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X65 5G modem with tested transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s. Today, at MWC 2022, the company is unveiling the new Snapdragon X70 5G modem-RF system replete with a built-in AI processor to enhance performance. 

According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon X70 will continue to offer 10 Gbps peak 5G download speeds like the Snapdragon X65 but introduces new features such as switched uplink that complements uplink carrier aggregation (CA) allowing operators to easily switch between TDD and FDD. This enables peak upload speeds up to 3.5 Gbps.

Speaking of operator flexibility, the Snapdragon X70 supports all commercial 5G bands from 600 MHz to 41 GHz. The X70 supports dual SIM dual active (DSDA), 4x downlink CA, and mmWave-sub-6 aggregation.

Qualcomm said that the Snapdragon X70 leverages on-die AI capabilities to enhance speeds, coverage, latency, robustness, and power efficiency. The modem's AI smarts include channel-state feedback, dynamic optimization, network selection, mmWave beam management, and adaptive antenna tuning.

During its presentation, Qualcomm showed how AI can optimize mmWave beam focus and direction to improve cell coverage and link robustness. The technology can also apparently improve coverage and throughput by up to 28% considering the 39 GHz band in San Francisco. The X70 also supports standalone 5G mmWave networks for enterprises and fixed wireless services.

The Snapdragon X70 uses Qualcomm 5G PowerSave Gen 3 that, according to Qualcomm, can offer up to 60% improvements in power efficiency compared to configurations with PowerSave disabled in indoor and outdoor locations and under various network conditions. Additional power savings come by way of Qualcomm's 7th gen Wideband Envelope Tracker QET7100, which is a Radio Frequency Front End (RFFE) that supports multi-mode, multi-output, and multi-power amplifier for 5G sub-6 and LTE.

Qualcomm said that sampling for the Snapdragon X70 will begin in Q2 2022 and devices featuring the new 5G modem can be expected to launch by the end of this year.

Update: Added Snapdragon X70 specifications below

Buy the Google Pixel 6 (Unlocked) on Amazon