Qualcomm chips to boost entry-level smartphones with 3G/4G

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI) has unveiled a new range of products and technologies which extend the benefits of high-speed technologies like 3G and 4G/LTE to entry-level smartphones and tablets.

The latest addition to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 tier, the Snapdragon 210 processor, will offer integrated multimode 3G/4G LTE and LTE Dual SIM for entry-level smartphones.

QTI also unveiled its first LTE-equipped tablet reference design, enabling OEMs and ODMs to create and introduce a new class of multimode 3G/4G LTE connected tablets. Initial versions of the tablet reference design will be available with the Snapdragon 410 and 210 processors.

Qualcomm-Snapdragon LogoSnapdragon 210 processor, according to QTI, delivers seamless, advanced LTE connectivity with fully integrated 4G LTE-Advanced Cat 4 Carrier Aggregation, LTE Broadcast and LTE Dual SIM/Dual Standby.

The Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD) version of the Snapdragon 210 processor also features advanced connectivity capabilities, including integrated 4G LTE-Advanced Cat 4 Carrier Aggregation, RF transceiver chip WTR2955, and the Qualcomm RF360 front end solution for multiband and multimode support.

Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD) based on the Snapdragon 410 processor is characterized by high-performance, low-power consumption mobile computing with quad-core and 64-bit capabilities and the latest Android mobile operating system.

Also, QTI announced the latest 28 nm transceivers which are optimized to support LTE and LTE Advanced devices in the mid and entry tier, as well as its next-generation Qualcomm RF360 front-end solutions.

The new 28 nm transceivers help device makers customize LTE Advanced products for global or regional band combinations with enhanced performance and power efficiency.

“We are committed to delivering high-performance connected mobile experiences across all tiers of our product portfolio,” said Jeff Lorbeck, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Qualcomm Technologies, China.

“These announcements further cement our commitment in broadly driving LTE and LTE Advanced to enable our customers the flexibility to deliver high-speed connectivity and an advanced mobile experience at affordable prices.”

Among the first devices expected to launch a tablet based on this new 4G LTE Snapdragon 410 reference design will be FOXDA Technology industrial, an EMS and ODM service provider for consumer electronics brands worldwide.

“We are pleased to use Qualcomm Technologies’ expertise in connectivity to help us offer a 4G LTE tablet for the high-volume tier,” said Danny Zheng, CEO, FOXDA. “With such a robust reference design, we will be able to create advanced connected devices with rich features and functionality, and do so in a more cost- and time-effective manner, to the benefit of consumers.”

The Snapdragon 210 processor and QRD reference tablet are expected to be available in commercial devices in the first half of 2015.  The new RF360 front end products are expected to be available in commercial devices in the second half of 2014, QTI said.

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