The Snapdragon X85 is Qualcomm’s newest entrant of the company’s top-end 5G modems, and it leverages AI to not just boost signal strength but also to reach unparalleled downlink speeds of 12.5Gbps. The latest release certainly delivers a large performance gap when compared with Apple’s custom C1 5G modem, which is why Qualcomm’s CEO, Christiano Amon, does not feel threatened by its rival’s efforts. In fact, the Chief Executive states that regarding modems, the San Diego firm will always share some relevance or the other.
New Snapdragon X85 also claimed to be the first 5G modem that is integrated with heaps of AI, with Qualcomm’s CEO believing that even premium Android devices do not stand a chance
Speaking with CNBC, Amon believes that the combination of artificial intelligence and raw performance allows the Snapdragon X85 to command a dominating position, creating a delta between Apple’s devices and those running Android. However, Amon has not yet commented on the company’s flagship modem’s efficiency, which is likely what gives the C1 the edge. With Apple’s modem and transceiver are mass produced on TSMC’s 4nm and 7nm technologies, making it one of the reasons Apple’s iPhone 16e is marketed to deliver better battery life than any other 6.1-inch iPhone.
“It’s the first modem that has so much AI, it actually increases the range of performance of the modem so the modem can deal with weaker signals. What that will do will set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices, and iOS devices, when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing.”
Qualcomm’s CEO also believes that the company has established such a strong foothold in this category that its name will always carry importance regarding next-generation modems. The firm had estimated to stop supplying Apple with 5G modems in 2027, but Qualcomm likely has a roadmap planned for how it aims to offset those losses. Bear in mind that there is still a massive client list on the Android side that continues to rely on these modems.
“If modem is relevant there’s always a place for Qualcomm technology. In the age of AI, modems are going to be more important than they have ever been. And I think that’s going to drive consumer preference about do they want the best possible modem in the computer that’s in their hand all the time,” Amon added.
Even if Christiano Amon appears confident in the Snapdragon X85’s capabilities, Apple is already said to be testing the C2, which may bridge that performance gap with Qualcomm’s future high-end offerings.
News Source: CNBC
