Qualcomm has officially launched two new chipsets — the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 — targeting mid-range and budget smartphones with next-generation 5G capabilities and improved processing power.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1: Features and Specifications
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is built on a 4nm process node, making it one of the more efficient chipsets in its class. It is an octa-core processor powered by Qualcomm Kryo CPU cores, with a maximum clock speed of 2.2GHz. An Adreno GPU handles graphics duties.
On the connectivity front, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 delivers full 5G support, including TDD, FDD, and Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) for global 5G coverage. Bluetooth 5.2 and Qualcomm TrueWireless technology are also on board.
For display, this processor supports Full HD+ resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals suitable for gaming and media consumption. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate support for a 200MP single camera and the ability to capture 4K video at 30fps. Qualcomm has confirmed that smartphones powered by this chipset will begin arriving in the first quarter of 2023.
| Feature | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 4nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core Kryo | 8 Kryo cores |
| Max Clock Speed | 2.2GHz | 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Adreno | Adreno |
| 5G Modem | Integrated (TDD/FDD/DSS) | Snapdragon X51 |
| Max Camera Support | 200MP | 108MP |
| Display | Full HD+ / 120Hz | Full HD+ / 120Hz |
| RAM Type | — | LPDDR4x |
| USB | — | USB-C (USB 3.1) |
| Wi-Fi | — | FastConnect 6200, Dual-band |
| 5G Download Speed | — | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: India Launch and Specifications
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is positioned as an entry-level 5G chipset, built on a 6nm process node with 8 Kryo CPU cores running at up to 2GHz. It integrates the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF system to support sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity.
Qualcomm claims the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 delivers a 15% CPU performance improvement and a 10% GPU performance improvement over the previous-generation SoC. The chipset also supports a 108MP single camera and a Full HD+ display at 120Hz.
Additional features include LPDDR4x RAM support, Qualcomm aptX audio, USB-C (USB 3.1), FastConnect 6200 with dual-band Wi-Fi, 2.5 Gbps 5G download speeds, an Adreno GPU, and the Qualcomm Sensing Hub. The chipset is set to debut in India through iQOO smartphones imminently after the announcement.
What These Chipsets Mean for Mid-Range and Budget Buyers
Both the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 bring advanced features that were once reserved for flagship devices down to accessible price points. The 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 targets the upper mid-range segment, offering high-resolution camera support and fast 5G, while the 6nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 makes 5G connectivity and 120Hz displays attainable in budget-friendly handsets.
For consumers and brands operating in the competitive Indian smartphone market, these new Qualcomm chipsets represent a meaningful step forward. You can explore more devices by brand to see which upcoming phones will feature these processors.
