Qualcomm announces second-gen 5G modem

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Though the 5G network isn’t currently supported by any devices yet, it soon will be, with the likelihood that many will use Qulacomm’s new Snapdragon X55 5G modem.  

The Snapdragon X55 5G modem is a 7-nanometer single-chip that supports theoretical top download speeds up to 7 Gbps and upload speeds as high as 3 Gbps.

While the Snapdragon X50 is a 5G-only modem, the Snapdragon X55 also supports 4G LTE Cat 22 (with download speeds up to 2. 5Gbps), as well as 3G and 2G networks.

“Qualcomm Technologies is spearheading the first wave of 5G launches with our first generation 5G mobile platform. With significant evolution in capabilities and performance, our second generation commercial 5G modem is a true testament to the maturity and leadership of our 5G technology. We expect our 5G platform to accelerate 5G commercial momentum and power virtually all 5G launches in 2019 while significantly expanding the global 5G rollout footprint,” says Cristiano Amon, president, Qualcomm Incorporated.

Currently there aren’t all that many parts of the world covered by 5G networks, so 4G support is therefore essential. Devices with X50 modems will likely have a Snapdragon 855 processor, which has a Qualcomm 4G modem incorporated. The new X55 chip, however, can be used in devices that may not already have an integrated cellular modem.

Other features that help set the X55 apart from the X50 include support for adaptive antenna tuning for better power efficiency and faster 5G data transfer speeds.

The first devices products using Snapdragon X55 modems should ship by the end of 2019.