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| Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 |
Qualcomm's forthcoming ‘Snapdragon for India’ event is set to showcase the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, a budget-friendly 5G chipset. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, comparing it to its predecessors and evaluating its impact on performance, efficiency, and market positioning. We also highlight key specifications and detailed comparisons to give a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this new chipset.
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2: Key Specifications and Features
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is an updated version of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, designed to offer a balance between performance and efficiency for budget smartphones. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its specifications:
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Technology | 6nm (TSMC) | 4nm | 4nm |
| CPU | 2x A78 @ 2.0GHz + 6x A55 @ 1.8GHz | 2x A78 @ 2.2GHz + 6x A55 @ 2.0GHz | 2x A78 @ 2.0GHz + 6x A55 @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 | Adreno (specifications not detailed) |
| RAM | LPDDR4x 2,133MHz | LPDDR5x 3,200MHz | LPDDR4x 2,133MHz |
| Storage | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 (2-lane) | UFS 3.1 (2-lane) |
| Display | Up to FHD+ @ 120Hz | Up to FHD+ @ 120Hz | Up to FHD+ @ 90Hz |
| ISP | Triple | Dual (12-bit) | Dual (12-bit) |
| Camera | Up to 108MP | Up to 108MP, 32MP Zero Shutter Lag | Up to 84MP, 32MP Zero Shutter Lag |
| Video | Up to 1080p @ 60fps | Up to 1080p @ 60fps, EIS | Up to 1080p @ 60fps |
| Modem | X51 (2.5Gbps down, 800Mbps up) | X61 (Rel. 16, 2.5Gbps down, 900Mbps up) | Up to 1Gbps down |
| Local Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX) | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX) | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX) |
| USB | 3.2 Gen 1 | 3.2 Gen 1 | 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Charging | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ |
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Specs
Detailed Analysis
Process Technology: The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 maintains the 4nm process technology introduced with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This advanced process node contributes to better power efficiency and performance compared to the older 6nm technology used in the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1.
CPU Performance: The CPU configuration remains consistent with two Cortex-A78 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, but the clock speeds have been dialed back to 2.0GHz for the A78 cores and 1.8GHz for the A55 cores. This reduction in clock speeds aims to enhance efficiency while potentially reducing peak performance.
GPU and Graphics: The specific details of the Adreno GPU for the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 are not explicitly mentioned, but it is anticipated that it will be less powerful than the Adreno 613 GPU found in the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Users may experience reduced graphics performance, particularly in gaming scenarios.
RAM and Storage: The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 supports LPDDR4x RAM at 2,133MHz, a step down from the LPDDR5x RAM at 3,200MHz in the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. While this may impact multitasking capabilities and data transfer speeds, the storage support for UFS 3.1 remains unchanged, providing reliable performance.
Display and Camera Capabilities: The maximum display refresh rate is limited to 90Hz at FHD+ resolution, compared to the 120Hz supported by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. The camera capabilities are also reduced, with support for sensors up to 84MP, down from 108MP. This may influence the quality of high-resolution photography and display smoothness.
5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 features a modem with a maximum downlink speed of 1Gbps, which is a significant reduction from the 2.5Gbps supported by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This change could affect 5G performance, particularly in data-intensive applications.
Local Connectivity: The chipset retains support for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, which are adequate for budget devices but do not offer the latest advancements in wireless technology.
Audio and Communication: The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 continues to offer Qualcomm’s Audio and Voice Communication suite, enabling high-quality audio streaming at 96kHz and providing features like multi-frame noise reduction and enhanced image stabilization.
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Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Specs | |
Comparison with Previous Models
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 serves as an intermediate option between the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Here’s a comparative analysis:
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, with its 6nm process technology and lower performance specs, provides a baseline for comparison. The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 offers improved efficiency but scales back on performance aspects, reflecting its budget-oriented design.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 introduced significant performance enhancements and higher specifications. The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 retains the 4nm process but compromises on clock speeds, GPU performance, and 5G capabilities to cater to budget-conscious consumers.
Market Position and Impact
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is designed for budget smartphones, offering a balanced combination of performance and efficiency. While it features lower specifications compared to higher-end models, it is positioned to deliver satisfactory performance for everyday use. The reductions in CPU clock speeds, GPU capabilities, and 5G speeds align with its target market, making it a competitive option for cost-effective devices.
Final Thoughts
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 represents a strategic evolution in Qualcomm’s budget 5G chipset lineup. With its efficient 4nm process technology and balanced feature set, it is well-suited for budget smartphones. While it may not match the performance of higher-end models, it provides a practical solution for users seeking 5G connectivity at a lower price point. As Qualcomm confirms these details, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is expected to solidify its position as a valuable option in the budget smartphone segment.
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