Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 865 and 765 Mobile Chips
Qualcomm reveals its next-generation Snapdragon 865 and 765 processors at its annual Hawaii summit, bringing enhanced 5G capabilities and artificial intelligence to upcoming smartphones.
Qualcomm reveals its next-generation Snapdragon 865 and 765 processors at its annual tech summit in Hawaii, showcasing the components that power most of next year's premium and mid-tier smartphones. The premium 865 chip focuses heavily on 5G connectivity and artificial intelligence, though it requires pairing with Qualcomm's separate X55 modem rather than featuring integrated 5G. Manufacturers must purchase the chipset and modem as a pair, a setup that supports a wide range of fragmented 5G frequencies across different carriers.
Artificial intelligence serves as the other major highlight for the 865, with a fifth-generation AI engine that doubles the performance of the previous generation. The chip also brings significant imaging upgrades, supporting 200-megapixel photos and 8K video capture, along with low-power wake word listening for virtual assistants. Gaming and display capabilities receive a boost as well, with new support for 144Hz refresh rates on mobile screens.
The Snapdragon 765 takes a different approach by offering an integrated 5G option, which helps reduce costs and power consumption for mid-tier devices. This strategic move highlights Qualcomm's ambition to accelerate 5G adoption across a much wider range of smartphones. Consumers can expect to see flagship devices featuring the 865 announced around CES and MWC, while 765-powered handsets arrive in early 2020.