From Next Year: Qualcomm to put 5G chips in phones

SAN DIEGO: Qualcomm said on Friday it will put fifth-generation, or 5G, technology into chips powering mid-priced mobile phones starting next year, expanding use of chips now found almost exclusively in pricey phones such as Samsung’s $1,299 Galaxy S10 5G model.  Qualcomm is already supplying phone makers such as Samsung Electronics with chips for 5G wireless data networks, which are expected to be faster than current 4G and LTE networks. But those chips have typically been from the San Diego chip suppliers’ most expensive line, its Snapdragon 8 series. Qualcomm said in remarks prepared for the IFA tech fair in Berlin that it plans to add 5G capabilities to its lower-cost Snapdragon 6 and 7 series devices, which could make 5G phones available at lower prices than the current models, mostly flagship devices priced at a premium. Analysts believe the new 5G networks will spur many consumers to upgrade their phones after years of market stagnation.  

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2019.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.