It’ll be several months before Qualcomm announces a new premium 800 series processing chip, but the component manufacturer is pushing technology boundaries by bringing several high end features to a mid-range level. Qualcomm recently shed more light on its new 700 series tier, highlighted by the Snapdragon 710 chip, which will be included in smartphones starting in the second quarter of 2018.
The new 700 series could bring a unique opportunity to smartphone manufacturers, who want to bring the latest technology to their devices, but are currently struggling with consumers not being interested in their products due to exorbitant prices.
Here are some reasons the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 could be good for the smartphone market.
The latest tech
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chip includes such features as AI capabilities, improved image processing, 4K HDR playback, fast LTE download speeds, and improved battery life. This could mean various mid-range devices could include previously high-end features such as facial recognition and Animoji, top tier gaming graphics, and premium photo effects, such as portrait mode.
Cheaper devices
A processor at a lower tier than the Snapdragon 800 series will likely equate to cheaper devices. Many 800 series devices are quickly approaching $1000 for a base model, while devices running the Snapdragon 660 chip typically sell for between $300 and $500. Prices for Snapdragon 710 devices will likely fall in between these two tiers to appeal to consumers that don’t mind paying a little extra for the latest technology, but would prefer to not to drop and entire grand on a smartphone (plus tax). These devices could potentially be more in the affordable premium range rather than mid-range, but still easier on the wallet than a Snapdragon 845 device.
Faster release cycle
The 700 series chips will likely continue to release earlier than Qualcomm’s premium 800 series chips. Qualcomm’s next premium chip likely won’t be announced until the end of 2018, meanwhile, there are still a number of devices rumored for release in the late summer and fall. Manufacturers will now have the option of using the six-month-old Snapdragon 845 or the brand new Snapdragon 710.
Verdict
The Snapdragon 710 appears to be a recreation of Qualcomm having several options of high-end processors. Just a few seasons ago Qualcomm would announce several premium tier processors at the same time and stagger their releases so manufacturers that launched smartphones in the latter half of the year could market their devices as having the latest high-end chip.
We’ve seen the Snapdragon 800, 801 and 805 in 2013 in early 2014, the Snapdragon 808 and 810 in late 2014 and the Snapdragon 820 and 821 in 2015 and early 2016. Similarly, the Snapdragon 710 and future 700 series processors can stand as the high-spec, but low power options for manufacturers looking to advertise their devices as having the latest Qualcomm technology.
There is no word on whether devices running the Snapdragon 710 will be available in the US. If so, it could be a benefit for many manufacturers who have struggled to convince consumers that their premium priced smartphones are worth the investment. At a time when a $600 smartphone would be considered a steal, a $600 smartphone with AI features, and superb photography and graphics would be a welcome reprieve for many tech enthusiasts.
