Last week Qualcomm announced how its Snapdragon X50 modem, designed with gigabyte connections in mind, is now seeing significant levels of interest and commitment at both the OEM and operator level. Following on from that announcement, the company has now introduced its newest and fastest LTE solution – the Snapdragon X24. This new modem is the follow-up to the Snapdragon X20 which was first announced this time last year and the modem which is expected to be included with the Snapdragon 845 SoC when it starts making its way to the market in a number of 2018 flagship smartphones.
Like the X50 modem, the new X24 LTE modem is designed to bridge the gap to 5G by facilitating gigabyte LTE connections. However, unlike the X50, the X24 marks a number of firsts for the company, as well as firsts in general. The most notable of which is how the Snapdragon X24 is the world’s first 2Gbps LTE modem, with Qualcomm explaining the X24 marks a breakthrough for the mobile industry. In addition, Qualcomm points out that the X24 represents another two “firsts” with it being the world’s first announced 7nm chip, and its RF the world’s first announced 14nm RF chip. Aspects which when combined are expected to result in lower power consumption, better battery management, and a smaller physical footprint overall. If that was all not enough, Qualcomm also confirmed the X24 is now the world’s first announced chip supporting 7x carrier aggregation.
The last point is one worth noting as when combined with the number of supported spatial streams, the X24 will be capable of drawing on a wealth of spectrum, including both licensed and unlicensed. This is something which was not possible with the X20 and as a result will offer operators a much greater spectrum stockpile to pull from which in turn is how the significantly faster speed is achievable. Making this an ideal modem to power the next wave of smartphones that will be looking to pave the way towards 5G connectivity. Speaking of its arrival, there are currently no firm details on when the X24 will become available at the end user level although Qualcomm has stated it is now sampling the X24.