Qualcomm Makes 5G Mandatory With New Snapdragon 865 Chip
Qualcomm unveils the Snapdragon 865, a major smartphone processor that requires 5G connectivity for all flagship Android devices. This move forces manufacturers to adopt 5G as the new standard for premium phones.
Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon 865 as the most important smartphone chip in years by making 5G connectivity completely mandatory. There is no version of this processor available without a 5G modem, which marks a massive shift in the mobile industry and solidifies 5G as the new standard for high-end devices.
The new chipset supports every 5G network on the planet, accommodating the complex and diverse bands used by global carriers. This universal compatibility ensures that smartphone manufacturers can easily deploy 5G handsets worldwide without worrying about regional network limitations.
Major Android manufacturers, with the exception of Huawei, plan to use the Snapdragon 865 in their flagship and budget-tier phones. This widespread adoption means that consumers will likely not be able to purchase popular premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S line without 5G capabilities in the near future.