Qualcomm’s Latest 5G Modem Blends More Airwaves to Boost Upload Speeds

Qualcomm today introduced the Snapdragon X75 Modem-RF System, its premium connectivity platform for high-end smartphones and other devices.

The X75 replaces the X70 that appears in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This new modem is the first to support 5G Advanced and other features that will improve not only speed but also connection strength in phones before the end of the year.

There are multiple technologies at play in the X75, and Qualcomm has found ways to bring them together to improve performance. For example, the X75 supports 10-carrier aggregation for mmWave 5G, which means it can aggregate up to 10 separate spectrum sections and have them behave like a single tube.

That larger tube means faster speeds. It can do the same for up to five channels of sub-6GHz 5G, boosting upload speeds by up to 50%. In today’s 5G networks, download speeds remain far faster than upload speeds. The modem supports more global 5G bands than ever before, meaning more people in more places will have access to high-performance 5G.

Qualcomm simplified the transceiver architecture, which now drives both mmWave and sub-6GHz, and is smaller and more power efficient. In addition, a second-generation AI processor increases performance by up to 250% compared to the X70. According to Qualcomm, the latest mmWave antenna modules are simpler and smaller, resulting in a smaller footprint for the system and easier integration with other components.

Besides speed, one of the real problems is finding and connecting to 5G cells quickly. This is especially useful for people coming from spaces like parking garages, elevators, subway stations, airports, and other areas where 5G doesn’t necessarily penetrate. AI-based beam management and improvements in location accuracy do the main work here.

(Source: Qualcomm)

The Snapdragon X75 offers broader support for dual SIM devices. It supports simultaneous 4G/5G data connections on two separate SIM cards in the same phone. This gives frequent travelers more flexibility in managing their various accounts.

Finally, the modem supports Qualcomm’s recently announced Snapdragon satellite service, which will help smartphone owners contact satellites in areas where cellular service is unavailable.

In addition to the X75, Qualcomm announced the Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 3. Powered by the X75, it aims to improve services such as 5G-powered in-home internet. It features dynamic antenna control to help users install systems themselves, RF detection to turn on mmWave indoors, tri-band Wi-Fi 7 for top speeds, and dual SIM card support.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem-RF system will be integrated into its unannounced Snapdragon 8 chipset (likely the 8th Gen 3) and will hit phones near the end of 2023.