Qualcomm Snapdragon#2016–present: Custom 64-bit ARM

{{Short description|System-on-a-chip semiconductor product line}}

{{Infobox CPU|name=Snapdragon|image=Snapdragon Logo.png|alt=Logo|caption=Logo|produced-start=November 2007|soldby=Qualcomm|model1=List of Qualcomm Snapdragon processors|designfirm=Qualcomm|manuf1=TSMC
Samsung|brand1={{Hlist

| Snapdragon X

| Snapdragon G

| Snapdragon XR

| Snapdragon AR

| Snapdragon 8

| Snapdragon 7

| Snapdragon 6

| Snapdragon 4

| Snapdragon 2

| Snapdragon W

}}|core1=Kryo CPU
Adreno GPU
Hexagon DSP
Spectra ISP
Snapdragon Modem
FastConnect WiFi|gpu=Adreno graphics|brand2={{Hlist

| Snapdragon S

}}|memory1=LPDDR SDRAM|application={{Hlist

|Virtual reality headset

|Bluetooth audio

}}}}

Snapdragon is a suite of system-on-chip (SoC) semiconductor products for mobile devices designed and marketed by Qualcomm, who often refers to these SoCs as "mobile platforms". They typically integrate central processing units (CPU) based on the ARM architecture, a graphics processing unit (GPU), some digital signal processors (DSP), and may or may not include a cellular modem. Snapdragon semiconductors are designed for embedded systems, e.g., smartphones, netbooks, and vehicles.{{cite web | url=https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/devices/phone-finder | title=Snapdragon Phone Finder | publisher=Qualcomm | date=2015-12-08 | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=11 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111051204/https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/devices/phone-finder | url-status=live }} In addition to the processors, the lineup also includes modems, Wi-Fi chips and mobile charging products.

The first Snapdragon-branded product was released in December 2007, using CPU based on Qualcomm’s “Scorpion” microarchitecture. The architecture’s successor, “Krait”, was introduced in 2011 and featured asynchronous symmetrical multi-processing: cores can adjust their clock speed and voltage independent of each other. On the announcement of Snapdragon 800 in 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, Qualcomm renamed their prior models to the 200, 400 and 600 series. Qualcomm re-branded its modem products under the Snapdragon name in February 2015.

History

=Pre-release=

Qualcomm announced it was developing the Scorpion central processing unit (CPU) in November 2007.{{cite news|title=Snapdragon seeds Qualcomm's future|url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1247637|newspaper=Electronic Engineering Times|date=4 June 2007|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105445/https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1247637|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Analysis: QualComm's 1 GHz ARM "Snapdragon"|url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1275485|publisher=Electronic Engineering Times|access-date=17 April 2018|author=BDTI|date=5 December 2007|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105350/https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1275485|url-status=live}} The Snapdragon system on chip (SoC) was announced in November 2006 and included the Scorpion processor, as well as other semiconductors.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm rolls out Snapdragon for mobile|newspaper=New Media Age|date=16 November 2006}} This also included Qualcomm's first custom Hexagon digital signal processor (DSP).{{cite news|title=Qualcomm announces its 2012 superchip: 28NM Snapdragon S4|first=John|last=Oram|date=12 October 2011|url=http://www.vrworld.com/2011/10/12/qualcomm-announces-its-2012-superchip-28nm-snapdragon-s4/|access-date=17 April 2018|publisher=VRWorld|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207202818/http://vrworld.com/2011/10/12/qualcomm-announces-its-2012-superchip-28nm-snapdragon-s4/|url-status=live}}

According to a Qualcomm spokesperson, it was named Snapdragon, because "Snap and Dragon sounded fast and fierce."{{cite news|title=Puff the magic Snapdragon|first=Guy|last=Kewney|newspaper=Personal Computer World|date=May 2009}} The following month, Qualcomm acquired Airgo Networks for an undisclosed amount; it said Airgo's 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n Wi-Fi technology would be integrated with the Snapdragon product suite.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm's Q4 Shopping Spree|last=Taylor|first=Colleen|newspaper=Electronics News|date=December 2006|url=http://www.edn.com/electronics-news/4317346/Qualcomm-s-Q4-Shopping-Spree|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207202742/https://www.edn.com/electronics-news/4317346/Qualcomm-s-Q4-Shopping-Spree|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Buys Airgo, Bluetooth Assets|first=Mark|last=Hachman|date=4 December 2006|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=17 April 2018|url=http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/77722-qualcomm-buys-airgo-bluetooth-assets|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207204022/https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/77722-qualcomm-buys-airgo-bluetooth-assets|url-status=live}} Early versions of Scorpion had a processor core design similar to the Cortex-A8.File:HTC Desire - main board - Qualcomm QSD8250-2.jpg

= 2007-2013: 32-bit ARM =

The first Snapdragon was released in November 2007. CNET noted its relatively high 1 GHz CPU clock speed as the product's "claim to fame", when contemporary smartphone processors are commonly using 500 MHz CPU.{{cite news |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |date=4 February 2009 |title=Toshiba handheld hits 1GHz with 'Snapdragon' |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/toshiba-handheld-hits-1ghz-with-snapdragon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207202734/https://www.cnet.com/news/toshiba-handheld-hits-1ghz-with-snapdragon/ |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=22 May 2024 |publisher=CNET}}{{cite news |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |date=6 September 2009 |title=Intel and Qualcomm Eye Each Other's Terrain |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/technology/companies/07qualcomm.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109110831/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/technology/companies/07qualcomm.html?_r=0 |archive-date=9 January 2019 |access-date=17 April 2018 |work=The New York Times}} The product can output display at up to 720p resolution, render 3D graphics, and supports a up-to 12-megapixel camera.{{cite news |last=Sidener |first=Jonathan |date=1 August 2008 |title=Qualcomm and Google prepare reply to iPhone |url=http://legacy.utsandiego.com/news/business/20080801-9999-1b1qcom.html |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=Union-Tribune}}{{Dead link|date=May 2020|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} By November 2008, 15 device manufacturers had embed Snapdragon chips in their consumer electronics products.{{cite news |last=Merritt |first=Rick |date=12 November 2008 |title=Qualcomm launches low-cost PC alternative |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1169751 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414093907/https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1169751 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=Electronic Engineering Times}}{{cite news |last=Sidener |first=Jonathan |date=18 November 2008 |title=Qualcomm chip shows versatility |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-1b18qcom61011-qualcomm-chip-shows-versatility-2008nov18-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207204115/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-1b18qcom61011-qualcomm-chip-shows-versatility-2008nov18-story.html |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=3 October 2014 |newspaper=Union-Tribune San Diego}}{{Cite news |title=ARM is going after Intel with new chip roadmap through 2020 |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/arm-going-after-intel-new-chip-roadmap-through-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109030131/https://www.windowscentral.com/arm-going-after-intel-new-chip-roadmap-through-2020 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=2018-10-06 |work=Windows Central}}

In November 2008, a techdemo processor and netbook was showcased. The processor consumed less power than the contemporary Intel Atom Z500 and was claimed to be more cost-effective when released.{{cite news |last=Markoff |first=John |date=1 July 2008 |title=Chips for mobile world pose challenge to Intel |url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1458010/chips_for_mobile_world_pose_challenge_to_intel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207203158/https://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1458010/chips_for_mobile_world_pose_challenge_to_intel/ |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=International Herald Tribune}}{{cite news |last=Markoff |first=John |date=30 June 2008 |title=Intel's Dominance Is Challenged by a Low-Power Upstart |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/technology/30chip.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=technology&adxnnlx=1214891191-GtrG2GTUeyKX3CilQ6S%2F3A& |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410070938/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/technology/30chip.html?pagewanted=1 |archive-date=10 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times}}{{cite news |date=14 July 2008 |title=Next battleground for processors: powering the consumer computing device |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1309556 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105428/https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1309556 |archive-date=23 December 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=Electronic Engineering Times}} The netbook used 1.5 GHz processors and was intended for developing markets.{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Don |date=13 November 2008 |title=Qualcomm Pushes Beyond Cellphones |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122646599469620261 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207202147/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122646599469620261 |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=2 October 2014 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}{{cite news |last=Merritt |first=Rick |date=12 November 2008 |title=Qualcomm launches low-cost PC alternative |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1169751 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414093907/https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1169751 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2018}}

In collaboration with Sun, Java SE received Snapdragon-specific optimizations in May 2009.{{cite news |last=Taft |first=Darryl |date=6 May 2009 |title=Sun and Qualcomm Tweak Java for Netbooks |url=http://www.eweek.com/development/sun-and-qualcomm-tweak-java-for-netbooks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928141019/https://www.eweek.com/development/sun-and-qualcomm-tweak-java-for-netbooks/ |archive-date=28 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2014 |newspaper=eWeek}} Qualcomm started using 45nm process for SoC productions in late 2009.{{cite news |last=Eddy |first=Nathan |date=1 June 2009 |title=Qualcomm Debuts 45nm Snapdragon Chipset |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Midmarket/Qualcomm-Debuts-45nm-Snapdragon-Chipset-822284/ |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=eWeek}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cite news |last=Perez |first=Marin |date=1 June 2009 |title=Qualcomm Shows Off New Mobile Chips |url=http://www.informationweek.com/desktop/qualcomm-shows-off-new-mobile-chips/d/d-id/1080062 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105414/https://www.informationweek.com/desktop/qualcomm-shows-off-new-mobile-chips/d/d-id/1080062 |archive-date=23 December 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=InformationWeek}}

By June 2010, Snapdragon chips were incorporated into 120 product designs in development. The company announced the MSM8960{{cite news |last=Gardner |first=David |date=18 November 2010 |title=Qualcomm Details Faster Snapdragon Chipset |url=http://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/qualcomm-details-faster-snapdragon-chipset/d/d-id/1094303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105401/http://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/qualcomm-details-faster-snapdragon-chipset/d/d-id/1094303 |archive-date=23 December 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=InformationWeek}}{{cite news |last=Maisto |first=Michelle |date=18 November 2010 |title=Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor Redesign Targets Smartphones, Tablets |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Qualcomm-Snapdragon-Processor-Redesign-Targets-Smartphones-Tablets-625255/ |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=eWeek}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} for LTE networks that November.{{cite news |last=Klug |first=Brian |date=30 March 2011 |title=Dual Core Snapdragon GPU Performance Explored - 1.5 GHz MSM8660 and Adreno 220 Benchmarks |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/4243/dual-core-snapdragon-gpu-performance-1-5-ghz-msm8660-adreno-220-benchmarks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111183510/https://www.anandtech.com/show/4243/dual-core-snapdragon-gpu-performance-1-5-ghz-msm8660-adreno-220-benchmarks |archive-date=11 November 2020 |access-date=17 April 2018}}

Apple had a dominant market position for smartphones at the time and did not incorporate Snapdragon into any of its products. The success of Snapdragon therefore relied on competing Android phones.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm hoping to feast on Snapdragon|first=Mike|last=Freeman|date=17 June 2010|newspaper=Union Tribune San Diego|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-fresh-chip-spread-2010jun16-htmlstory.html|access-date=2 October 2014|archive-date=19 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619040309/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-fresh-chip-spread-2010jun16-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Fikes |first=Bradley |date=10 January 2010 |title=Qualcomm pushes to get beyond cell phones |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/10/telecom-qualcomm-pushes-to-get-beyond-cell-phones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409154725/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/10/telecom-qualcomm-pushes-to-get-beyond-cell-phones/ |archive-date=9 April 2020 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=Union Tribune San Diego}}{{cite news|title=Qualcomm gets Snapdragon in new Windows phones|first=Mike|last=Freeman|newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune|date=18 October 2010|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16348935|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054633/http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16348935|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Qualcomm to buy Atheros for $3.2 billion|date=6 January 2011|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/05/AR2011010506338_pf.html|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105502/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/05/AR2011010506338_pf.html|url-status=live}}

Support for the Windows Phone 7 operating systems was added to Snapdragon in October 2010.

By 2011 Snapdragon was embedded in Hewlett Packard's WebOS devices{{cite news|title=Qualcomm struts is mobile gaming stuff|first=Kevin|last=Fitchard|newspaper=Connected Planet|date=1 June 2011}} and had a 50% market share of a $7.9 billion smartphone processor market.{{Clarify|reason=market share... like, embedded in 50% of smartphones or what?|date=November 2024}}{{cite news|first=Brian|last=Caulfield|newspaper=Forbes|title=No Factories, No Phones, No Fuss: How Qualcomm Grabs Wireless Profits|date=18 July 2012|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/briancaulfield/2012/07/18/no-factories-no-phones-no-fuss-how-qualcomm-grabs-wireless-profits/|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140016/https://www.forbes.com/sites/briancaulfield/2012/07/18/no-factories-no-phones-no-fuss-how-qualcomm-grabs-wireless-profits/|url-status=live}}

As of July 2014 Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips were embedded in 41% of smartphones.{{cite book|title=A Guide to Mobile Processors|first1=Linley|last1=Gwennap|first2=Mike|last2=Demler|first3=Loyd|last3=Case|date=August 2014|url=https://www.linleygroup.com/report_detail.php?report_id=application_processor_guide|edition=Sixth|access-date=27 May 2022|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114054537/https://www.linleygroup.com/report_detail.php?report_id=application_processor_guide|url-status=live}}

Snapdragon chips are also used in Android-based smartwatches,{{cite news|first=Leo|last=Sun|title=Will Intel Corporation's Curie Conquer the Internet of Things and Wearables Markets?|publisher=Fox Business|date=29 March 2015}} and in vehicles like the Maserati Quattroporte and Cadillac XTS.{{cite news|title=Eyeing Growth, Mobile King Qualcomm Targets The Internet Of Things|first=Fionna|last=Agomuoh|date=8 January 2015|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/eyeing-growth-mobile-king-qualcomm-targets-internet-things-1777142|newspaper=International Business Times|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105437/https://www.ibtimes.com/eyeing-growth-mobile-king-qualcomm-targets-internet-things-1777142|url-status=live}}File:LG P710 Optimus L7 II - Qualcomm MSM8225 on main printed circuit board-5427.jpg

In early 2011, Qualcomm announced Krait,{{cite news |title=Qualcomm tips quad-core Snapdragon plan |first=Peter |last=Clarke |date=16 February 2011 |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1258675 |access-date=17 April 2018 |newspaper=Electronic Engineering Times |archive-date=23 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105519/https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1258675 |url-status=live}} an in-house CPU microarchitecture design supporting the ARM v7 instruction set. SoCs featuring Krait were named S4 supports asynchronous symmetrical multi-processing (aSMP), meaning each processor core adjusted its clock speed and voltage based on the device's activity in order to optimize battery usage.{{cite news|title=How Snapdragon S4 and Tegra 3 manage ARM cores differently|first=Ryan|last=Whitwam|date=13 October 2011|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/99721-how-snapdragon-s4-and-tegra-3-manage-arm-cores-differently|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111205533/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/99721-how-snapdragon-s4-and-tegra-3-manage-arm-cores-differently|url-status=live}} Prior models were renamed to S1, S2 and S3 to distinguish between each generation.{{cite web |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/4565/ |title=Qualcomm's Updated Brand: Introducing Snapdragon S1, S2, S3 & S4 Processors |last=Shimpi |first=Anand Lal |date=3 August 2011 |publisher=AnandTech |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226233028/http://www.anandtech.com/show/4565/ |url-status=live }}

The S4-based generation of Snapdragon SoCs began shipping to product manufacturers with the MSM8960 in February 2012.{{cite news|title=Why Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 has the competition on the defensive|first=Ryan|last=Whitwam|date=22 February 2012|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/119335-why-qualcomms-snapdragon-s4-has-the-competition-on-the-defensive|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130013444/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/119335-why-qualcomms-snapdragon-s4-has-the-competition-on-the-defensive|url-status=live}} In benchmark tests by Anandtech, the MSM8960 had better performance than any other processor tested. In an overall system benchmark, the 8960 obtained a score of 907, compared to 528 and 658 for the Galaxy Nexus and HTC Rezound respectively.{{cite news|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/5559/qualcomm-snapdragon-s4-krait-performance-preview-msm8960-adreno-225-benchmarks/2|publisher=AnAndTech|access-date=17 April 2018|date=21 February 2012|title=Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (Krait) Performance Preview|first1=Brian|last1=Klug|last2=Shimpi|first2=Anand|archive-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729085526/http://www.anandtech.com/show/5559/qualcomm-snapdragon-s4-krait-performance-preview-msm8960-adreno-225-benchmarks/2|url-status=live}} In a Quadrant benchmark test, which assesses raw processing power, a dual-core Krait processor had a score of 4,952, whereas the quad-core Tegra 3 was just under 4,000.{{cite news|first=Ryan|last=Whitwam|date=28 March 2012|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/124023-early-snapdragon-s4-benchmarks-could-spell-trouble-for-tegra-3|title=Early Snapdragon S4 benchmarks could spell trouble for Tegra 3|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123170951/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/124023-early-snapdragon-s4-benchmarks-could-spell-trouble-for-tegra-3|url-status=live}} The quad-core version, APQ8064, was made available in July 2012. It was the first Snapdragon SoC to use Qualcomm's Adreno 320 graphics processing unit (GPU).{{cite news|title=Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon S4 eats Tegra and Exynos for breakfast|first=Sebastian|last=Anthony|date=25 July 2012|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/133460-qualcomms-quad-core-snapdragon-s4-eats-tegra-and-exynos-for-breakfast|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929160209/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/133460-qualcomms-quad-core-snapdragon-s4-eats-tegra-and-exynos-for-breakfast|url-status=live}}

Adoption of Snapdragon contributed to Qualcomm's transition from a wireless modem company to one that also produces a wider range of hardware and software for mobile devices.{{cite news|title=The Rise of Qualcomm Computing|first=Kevin|last=Fitchard|newspaper=Connected Planet|date=3 June 2011}} In July 2011 Qualcomm acquired certain assets from GestureTek in order to incorporate its gesture recognition intellectual property into Snapdragon SoCs.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Buying Gesture Recognition Assets From GestureTek|first=Jeffrey|last=Burt|date=25 July 2011|url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Qualcomm-Buying-Gesture-Recognition-Assets-from-GestureTek-722014/#sthash.Pzpo3q8S.dpuf|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190924141740/http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Qualcomm-Buying-Gesture-Recognition-Assets-from-GestureTek-722014/%23sthash.Pzpo3q8S.dpuf|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2019|access-date=17 April 2018}} In mid-2012 Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon software development kit (SDK) for Android devices at the Uplinq developer conference.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Aims to Make Snapdragon a Consumer Brand|first=Ryan|last=Kim|date=16 July 2012|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-16/qualcomm-aims-to-make-snapdragon-a-consumer-brand|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223045236/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-16/qualcomm-aims-to-make-snapdragon-a-consumer-brand|url-status=dead}} The SDK includes tools for facial recognition, gesture recognition, noise cancellation and audio recording. That November Qualcomm acquired some assets from EPOS Development in order to integrate its stylus and gesture recognition technology into Snapdragon products.{{cite news|first=Robin|last=Wauters|date=16 November 2012|title=Qualcomm Technologies, a subsidiary of semiconductor|publisher=The Next Web|access-date=17 April 2018|url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/11/16/qualcomm-epos-snapdragon/|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112043111/http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/11/16/qualcomm-epos-snapdragon/|url-status=live}} It also collaborated with Microsoft to optimize Windows Phone 8 for Snapdragon semiconductors.{{cite news |last=Shah |first=Agam |date=21 June 2012 |title=Windows Phone 8 smartphones to run Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 chip |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2617378/processors/windows-phone-8-smartphones-to-run-qualcomm-s-snapdragon-s4-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105512/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2617378/processors/windows-phone-8-smartphones-to-run-qualcomm-s-snapdragon-s4-chip.html |archive-date=23 December 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |publisher=IDG News Service}}

By 2012, the Snapdragon S4 (Krait core) had taken a dominant share from other Android system-on-chips like Nvidia Tegra and Texas Instruments OMAP which caused the latter to exit the market.{{cite web | title=Wednesday Poll: Preferred Mobile Processor? | website=Droid Life | date=26 September 2012 | url=http://www.droid-life.com/2012/09/26/wednesday-poll-preferred-mobile-processor/ | access-date=4 October 2017 | archive-date=3 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103203540/https://www.droid-life.com/2012/09/26/wednesday-poll-preferred-mobile-processor/ | url-status=live }} As of July 2014, the market share of Android phones had grown to 84.6 percent,{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Chris |date=31 July 2014 |title=Strategy Analytics: 85% of phones shipped last quarter run Android |url=http://bgr.com/2014/07/31/android-vs-ios-vs-windows-phone-vs-blackberry/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003143557/http://bgr.com/2014/07/31/android-vs-ios-vs-windows-phone-vs-blackberry/ |archive-date=3 October 2014 |access-date=17 April 2018 |publisher=BGR}} and Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips powered 41% of smartphones.

Snapdragon SoCs are also used in most Windows phones and most phones entering the market in mid-2013.{{cite news |last=Anthony |first=Sebastian |date=9 August 2013 |title=Surface RT 2: Tegra confirmed, despite superiority of Snapdragon and Bay Trail |url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/163582-surface-rt-2-tegra-confirmed-despite-superiority-of-snapdragon-and-bay-trail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129164751/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/163582-surface-rt-2-tegra-confirmed-despite-superiority-of-snapdragon-and-bay-trail |archive-date=29 November 2020 |access-date=17 April 2018}}

= 2014–present: 64-bit ARM =

The debut of Apple's 64-bit A7 chip in the iPhone 5S forced Qualcomm to rush out a competing 64-bit solution, despite the capable performance of the Snapdragon 800/801/805, since their existing Krait cores were only 32-bit.{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Peter |date=16 December 2013 |title=Apple's 64-bit A7 chip "hit us in the gut," says Qualcomm employee |url=https://www.imore.com/apples-64-bit-a7-chip-hit-us-gut-says-qualcomm-employee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422154430/https://www.imore.com/apples-64-bit-a7-chip-hit-us-gut-says-qualcomm-employee |archive-date=22 April 2019 |access-date=4 October 2017 |website=iMore}} The first 64-bit SoCs, the Snapdragon 808 and 810, were rushed to market and released in 2014 using Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A53 cores. They suffered from overheating problems and throttling, particularly the 810, which led to Samsung ditching Snapdragon for its Galaxy S6 flagship phone.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jungah |last2=King |first2=Ian |date=20 January 2015 |title=Samsung Said to Drop Qualcomm Chip From Next Galaxy S |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-20/samsung-said-to-drop-qualcomm-chip-from-next-galaxy-smartphone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225091238/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-20/samsung-said-to-drop-qualcomm-chip-from-next-galaxy-smartphone |archive-date=25 December 2019 |access-date=17 April 2018 |publisher=Bloomberg}}{{cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=23 April 2015 |title=In-depth with the Snapdragon 810's heat problems |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/04/in-depth-with-the-snapdragon-810s-heat-problems/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621085749/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/04/in-depth-with-the-snapdragon-810s-heat-problems/ |archive-date=21 June 2019 |access-date=17 April 2018 |publisher=Ars Technica}}

The entry-level 200 series was expanded with six new processors using 28 nanometer manufacturing and dual or quad-core options in June 2013.{{cite news |last=Gomez |first=Kevin |date=24 June 2013 |title=Qualcomm adds six new processors to its Snapdragon 200 class}}

In February 2015, Qualcomm re-branded its stand-alone modem products under the Snapdragon name; they were distinguished from SoCs using the "x" designation, such as the X7 or X12 modem.

In early 2016, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 820, an ARM 64-bit quad-core processor using in-house designed Kryo cores. A higher clocked variant is available as the Snapdragon 821. The SoC uses Samsung's 14-nanometer FinFET process. Together released is the Neural Processing Engine SDK supporting AI acceleration.{{Cite web|url=https://developer.qualcomm.com/blog/device-ai-qualcomm-snapdragon-neural-processing-engine-sdk|title=On-Device AI with Qualcomm Snapdragon Neural Processing Engine SDK|website=Qualcomm Developer Network|access-date=2019-05-11|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030071817/https://developer.qualcomm.com/blog/device-ai-qualcomm-snapdragon-neural-processing-engine-sdk|url-status=live}}

The first Snapdragon modem for 5G networks, the X50, was announced in October 2016 and released in late 2019.{{cite web |last=Captain |first=Sean |date=17 October 2016 |title=The Wild Technology That Will Make 5G Wireless Work |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3064144/the-wild-technology-that-will-make-5g-wireless-work |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108014655/https://www.fastcompany.com/3064144/the-wild-technology-that-will-make-5g-wireless-work |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=17 April 2018 |website=Fast Company}}{{Cite web |date=2019-08-14 |title=Qualcomm's Snapdragon X50 in the Wild: Analyzing 5G Mobile Performance in U.S. Cities |url=https://www.ookla.com/articles/qualcomm-snapdragon-x50-mobile-performance-us-cities |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Ookla - Providing network intelligence to enable modern connectivity |language=en}}

The octa-core Snapdragon 835 SoC is announced on 17 November 2016. It uses modified Cortex-A73 and A53 cores and is built using Samsung's 10 nanometer FinFET process.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3161139/android/report-snapdragon-835-will-launch-first-in-galaxy-s8-others-have-to-wait.html|title=Report: Snapdragon 835 will launch first in Galaxy S8, others have to wait|author-first1=Michael|author-last1=Simon|website=PC World|date=24 January 2017|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105434/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3161139/android/report-snapdragon-835-will-launch-first-in-galaxy-s8-others-have-to-wait.html|url-status=dead}}

At Computex 2017 in May, Qualcomm and Microsoft announced plans to launch Snapdragon-based laptops running Windows 10. Qualcomm partnered with HP, Lenovo, and Asus to release slim portables and 2-in-1 devices powered by the Snapdragon 835.{{Cite news|url=http://theappscentral.com/microsoft-qualcomm-partner-to-bring-windows-10-to-snapdragon-powered-laptops/|title=Microsoft, Qualcomm Partner to Bring Windows 10 to Snapdragon-Powered Laptops|access-date=17 April 2018|publisher=The Apps Central|date=31 May 2017|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105351/http://theappscentral.com/microsoft-qualcomm-partner-to-bring-windows-10-to-snapdragon-powered-laptops/|url-status=live}}

Snapdragon 845 uses updated Cortex-A75 and A55 CPU, and the same 10-nanometer manufacturing process as 835.{{cite web | last=Low | first=Cherlynn | title=Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 doubles down on cameras and AI | website=Engadget | date=6 December 2017 | url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/06/qualcomm-snapdragon-845/ | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=4 August 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804134755/http://www.engadget.com/2017/12/06/qualcomm-snapdragon-845/ | url-status=live }}

The 7 series is introduced in early 2018, targeting pricing and performances between the 6 and 8 series.{{cite web | last=Tibken | first=Shara | title=Qualcomm's newest chips will give a boost to AI in lower-cost phones | website=CNET | date=27 February 2018 | url=https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomm-snapdragon-700-new-chips-bring-ai-premium-features-into-cheaper-phones-china/ | access-date=24 March 2018 | archive-date=1 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201001301/https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomm-snapdragon-700-new-chips-bring-ai-premium-features-into-cheaper-phones-china/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Ryan | title=Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 700 Series Platform: Carving Out A Niche for Sub-Premium | website=AnandTech | date=27 February 2018 | url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/12488/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-700-series-platform | access-date=24 March 2018 | archive-date=9 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032113/https://www.anandtech.com/show/12488/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-700-series-platform | url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon-710-mobile-platform|title=Snapdragon 710 Mobile Platform|date=2018-10-02|website=Qualcomm|access-date=2019-04-28|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151750/https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon-710-mobile-platform|url-status=live}}

{{As of|2018|post=,}} Asus, HP and Lenovo have begun selling laptops with Snapdragon-based CPUs running Windows 10 on ARM under the name "Always Connected PCs".

The Snapdragon 855 was released in 2019 and built on TSMC's 7 nanometer process.{{Cite web|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/13786/snapdragon-855-performance-preview|title=The Snapdragon 855 Performance Preview: Setting the Stage for Flagship Android 2019|last=Frumusanu|first=Andrei|website=www.anandtech.com|access-date=2019-05-07|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113194009/https://www.anandtech.com/show/13786/snapdragon-855-performance-preview|url-status=live}}

The Snapdragon 865 supported 5G cellular network through a separate X55 modem. The 765 has integrated 5G.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/12/4/20995714/qualcomm-snapdragon-765-chip-affordable-5g-phones-processor-low-price|title=Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765 chip could usher in the first affordable 5G phones|work=Circuit Breaker|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=4 December 2019|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925121937/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/12/4/20995714/qualcomm-snapdragon-765-chip-affordable-5g-phones-processor-low-price|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/12/4/20995562/qualcomm-snapdragon-865-5g-camera-gaming-artificial-intelligence-improvements|title=Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 865 promises 5G, camera, and gaming improvements|work=Circuit Breaker|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=4 December 2019|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121021904/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/12/4/20995562/qualcomm-snapdragon-865-5g-camera-gaming-artificial-intelligence-improvements|url-status=live}}

The Snapdragon 888 announced in December 2020 is the first Qualcomm SoC to feature ARM's Cortex-X series CPU architecture.{{Cite web|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Qualcomm-Snapdragon-888-5G-Processor-Benchmarks-and-Specs.513906.0.html|title=Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Processor - Benchmarks and Specs|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630010601/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Qualcomm-Snapdragon-888-5G-Processor-Benchmarks-and-Specs.513906.0.html|url-status=live}}

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter, which landed on Mars in 2021, has a Snapdragon 801 processor integrated onboard.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/4-android-smartphones-with-as-much-power-as-nasas-mars-helicopter |title=4 Android Smartphones With as Much Power as NASA's Mars Helicopter |access-date=14 April 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414160709/https://www.pcmag.com/news/4-android-smartphones-with-as-much-power-as-nasas-mars-helicopter |url-status=live }}

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 added support for Wi-Fi 7.

Description and current models

{{Outdated|part=section|date=October 2024|reason=Outdated architecture and naming scheme information}}{{Advert|section|date=October 2024}}

Snapdragon system on chip products typically include a graphics processing unit (GPU), a global positioning system (GPS) and an (optional) cellular modem integrated into a single package.{{cite news|title=How Qualcomm's Snapdragon ARM chips are unique|first=Ryan|last=Whitwam|date=26 August 2011|url=http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/94064-how-qualcomms-snapdragon-arm-chips-are-unique|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=4 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804165556/https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/94064-how-qualcomms-snapdragon-arm-chips-are-unique|url-status=live}} It has software included that operates graphics, video and picture-taking.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Inside|url=http://online.barrons.com/news/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577277753379860324|newspaper=Barron's|access-date=17 April 2018|first=Mark|last=Veverka|date=17 March 2012|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409154728/https://www.barrons.com/articles/SB50001424053111904797004577277753379860324?tesla=y|url-status=live}}

The current Snapdragon naming scheme was implemented after the announcement of Snapdragon 800 family in 2013. Models prior to it were renamed to the 200, 400 or 600 series.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm's Keynote was the most awkward affair in the history of ever|first=Joel|last=Hruska|url=http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/145117-qualcomms-ces-keynote-was-the-most-awkward-affair-in-the-history-of-ever|access-date=17 April 2018|publisher=ExtremeTech|date=8 January 2013|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105424/http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/145117-qualcomms-ces-keynote-was-the-most-awkward-affair-in-the-history-of-ever|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=9 January 2013|first=Chris|last=Nuttall|title=Qualcomm takes centre stage in Las Vegas|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/ebef9752-5a47-11e2-bc93-00144feab49a.html#axzz3FICfqXqt|access-date=4 October 2014|newspaper=Financial Times|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409154730/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/ebef9752-5a47-11e2-bc93-00144feab49a.html#axzz3FICfqXqt|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}} The former two targeting entry-level products, while the 600 and 800 targeting mid-range and high-end products, respectively.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm rides to war: Multiple new CPUs, modems announced ahead of Mobile World Congress|first=Joel|last=Hruska|date=18 February 2015|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/199453-qualcomm-rides-to-war-multiple-new-cpus-modems-announced-ahead-of-mobile-world-congress|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105459/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/199453-qualcomm-rides-to-war-multiple-new-cpus-modems-announced-ahead-of-mobile-world-congress|url-status=live}}{{cite web | title=Qualcomm outs Snapdragon 800 and 600: up to 2.3GHz quad-core, 4K video, due by mid 2013 | website=Engadget | date=7 January 2013 | url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/qualcomm-snapdragon-800-and-600-chips/ | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=23 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105357/https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/qualcomm-snapdragon-800-and-600-chips/ | url-status=live }}

File:Wileyfox Swift - main board - Qualcomm MSM8916-0184.jpg

File:Nexus 7 (2013) - main board - Qualcomm APQ8064-9713.jpg

The Snapdragon 805 was released in November 2013.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Unveils Next-Gen Snapdragon 805|first=Damon|last=Poeter|date=20 November 2013|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2427429,00.asp|newspaper=PC Magazine|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811170247/https://www.pcmag.com/news/qualcomm-unveils-next-gen-snapdragon-805|url-status=live}} The 410, which is intended for low-cost phones in developing nations, was announced the following month.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm's Snapdragon 410 brings 64-bit, LTE to emerging markets|first1=Jessica|last1=Dolcourt|first2=Shara|last2=Tibken|date=9 December 2013|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomms-snapdragon-410-brings-64-bit-lte-to-emerging-markets/|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023113404/https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomms-snapdragon-410-brings-64-bit-lte-to-emerging-markets/|url-status=live}} In January 2014, Qualcomm introduced a modified version of the Snapdragon 600 called 602A{{cite news|title=With the Snapdragon 602A, Qualcomm looks to improve the connected car|first=Sarah|last=Silbert|date=6 January 2014|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/snapdragon-602a-connected-car/|publisher=Engadget|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105446/https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/snapdragon-602a-connected-car/|url-status=live}} that is intended for in-car infotainment screens, backup cameras, and other driver assistance products.{{cite news|title=Smart phone, smarter car|first=Wayne|last=Cunningham|date=15 January 2015|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/smart-phone-smarter-car/|publisher=CNET|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=3 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103220033/https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/smart-phone-smarter-car/|url-status=live}} The quad-core Snapdragon 610 and eight-core 615 were announced in February 2014.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Spices Up Snapdragon 600 Line With New 64-Bit Chips|first=Damon|last=Poeter|date=24 February 2014|newspaper=PC Magazine|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2453916,00.asp|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105420/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2453916,00.asp|url-status=live}} The Snapdragon 808 and 810 were announced in April 2014.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm Unveils Next-Gen Snapdragon 810, 808 Chips|first=Damon|last=Poeter|date=7 April 2014|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2456088,00.asp|newspaper=PC Magazine|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223105410/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2456088,00.asp|url-status=live}} The Snapdragon 835, announced in November 2017, is the first Qualcomm SOC that is built on a 10 nm architecture.{{cite news|title=Qualcomm planting seeds for 4K video, silicon brains in mobile devices|first=Agam|last=Shah|date=28 July 2014|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2458920/qualcomm-planting-seeds-for-4k-video-silicon-brains-in-mobile-devices.html|newspaper=PCWorld|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128172317/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2458920/qualcomm-planting-seeds-for-4k-video-silicon-brains-in-mobile-devices.html|url-status=live}} Qualcomm's new flagship chip for 2018, the 845, was announced in December 2017. According to Qualcomm, the 845 is 25-30% faster than the 835.

In 2017 the 660 and 630 replaced the 653 and 626 mid-range models{{cite web | title=Coming soon to a $250 phone near you: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 660 and 630 chips | website=Ars Technica | date=9 May 2017 | url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/05/qualcomms-snapdragon-660-and-630-bring-more-high-end-features-to-midrange-chips/ | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=12 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011315/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/05/qualcomms-snapdragon-660-and-630-bring-more-high-end-features-to-midrange-chips/ | url-status=live }} and several chips in the 400 product family were revised.{{cite web | last=Frumusanu | first=Andrei | title=Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 625, 425 & 435 Mid- and Low-End SoCs | website=AnandTech | date=11 February 2016 | url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/10030/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-625-425-435-mid-and-lowend-socs | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=30 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130072338/https://www.anandtech.com/show/10030/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-625-425-435-mid-and-lowend-socs | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Low | first=Aloysius | title=Qualcomm's Snapdragon 450 makes $200 phones faster, last longer | website=CNET | date=27 June 2017 | url=https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomm-adds-more-bang-for-200-phones-with-new-snapdragon-450-chips/ | access-date=10 February 2018 | archive-date=12 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025121/https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomm-adds-more-bang-for-200-phones-with-new-snapdragon-450-chips/ | url-status=live }} In February 2017, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X20 cellular modem, intended for 5G cell phone networks,{{cite web | title=Qualcomm's New Modem can Beat 1 Gigabit Speeds, in Theory | website=Fortune | date=21 February 2017 | url=http://fortune.com/2017/02/21/qualcomm-speeds-4g-lte-modem/ | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=12 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020414/https://fortune.com/2017/02/21/qualcomm-speeds-4g-lte-modem/ | url-status=live }} and two new chips for 802.11ax commercial Wi-Fi networks.{{cite web | last=Ngo | first=Dong | title=With Qualcomm's new 802.11ax chips, the future of Wi-Fi is here | website=CNET | date=13 February 2017 | url=https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomm-new-802-11ax-chips-will-ramp-up-your-wi-fi/ | access-date=24 March 2018 | archive-date=12 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025413/https://www.cnet.com/news/qualcomm-new-802-11ax-chips-will-ramp-up-your-wi-fi/ | url-status=live }} This was followed by the addition of the 636 to the 600 product family that October, which Qualcomm said would be 40 percent faster than the 630.{{cite web | last=Whitwam | first=Ryan | title=Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 636 Chip with 40 Percent Speed Boost | website=ExtremeTech | date=17 October 2017 | url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/257580-qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-636-chip-40-speed-boost | access-date=17 April 2018 | archive-date=26 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026192651/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/257580-qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-636-chip-40-speed-boost | url-status=live }}

The 8cx series are SoCs designed for Windows laptops.{{Cite web |last=Cutress |first=Ian |title=Qualcomm Tech Summit, Day 3: Snapdragon 8cx, the New ACPC SoC |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/13688/qualcomm-tech-summit-day-3-snapdragon-8cx-the-new-acpc-soc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201111653/https://www.anandtech.com/show/13688/qualcomm-tech-summit-day-3-snapdragon-8cx-the-new-acpc-soc |archive-date=1 December 2020 |access-date=2019-01-28 |website=Anandtech.com}} The first generation 8cx featured two CPU clusters consisting of four Cortex-A76 and A55 CPU cores, respectively.{{Cite web |title=Snapdragon 8cx - Qualcomm - WikiChip |url=https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/qualcomm/snapdragon_800/8cx |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=en.wikichip.org |language=en}} Compared to the contemporary 855, the first 8cx has a larger 10MB L3 cache and double the GPU floating point performance.{{Cite web |title=Snapdragon 855 - Qualcomm - WikiChip |url=https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/qualcomm/snapdragon_800/855 |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=en.wikichip.org |language=en}}

Sponsoring

Snapdragon is to be the primary shirt sponsor for English football club Manchester United starting with the 2024–25 season, replacing the German company TeamViewer.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38390901/man-united-announce-us-tech-brand-new-shirt-sponsor | title=Man Utd name U.S. Tech brand as shirt sponsor | date=13 September 2023 }}

The brand also holds naming rights for Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The stadium hosts San Diego State Aztecs football, San Diego FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), and San Diego Wave FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).