Qualcomm has announced the new Snapdragon X60 5G RF-modem system, the third generation of its 5G modem-to-antenna solution, a couple of years after the introduction of the first model. The next Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 5G modem should be faster and more versatile than the Snapdragon X50 presented in 2018 or the Snapdragon X55 last year, but it will probably be necessary to wait until 2021 to be able to buy a smartphone that has it.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X60
“Qualcomm Technologies is the protagonist of the global launch of 5G together with the mobile operators and OEMs who are introducing 5G mobile services and devices at a record pace. Thanks to the launch of the standalone 5G networks that will take place during 2020, our third generation 5G RF-modem platform will be able to offer spectrum aggregation capabilities and options to fuel the rapid expansion of 5G rollouts by enhancing coverage, energy efficiency and the performance of mobile devices. We are excited about the rapid adoption of 5G worldwide and the positive impact it is having on the user experience, “said Cristiano Amon, president, Qualcomm Incorporated.
Qualcomm has confirmed that it will begin shipping the first samples to customers by April / May, but it is logical to think that the marketable version of the modem is ready only in the next six months and in smartphones in early 2021.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 is characterized by the first 5G 5nm baseband and represents the first 5G RF-modem system in the world to support spectrum aggregation between all the main 5G bands and their combinations, including mmWave and sub- 6 through frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD), offering operators unparalleled flexibility to increase 5G performance using spectrum fragmentation assets. It also integrates a new QTM535 mm Wave antenna module.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X60
This 5G modem-to-antenna solution is developed to enhance the performance and capacity of operators around the world, while simultaneously increasing the average speed of 5G on mobile devices. Snapdragon X60 is designed to accelerate the transition of the network to standalone 5G mode thanks to the support of any other spectrum band, mode or combination, together with 5G Voice-over-NR (VoNR) capabilities.
According to what communicated by Qualcomm, the new modem will support download speeds of up to 7.5 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Gbps. There is no information on energy efficiency which – as we know – will affect the autonomy of the smartphone
