Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 400 quad-core version with built-in LTE

Chipset maker Qualcomm has launched a new quad-core iteration of its Snapdragon 400 chip, MSM8926 that will feature an LTE radio in addition to 3G. The chip is targeted at emerging markets.

With the launch, the Snapdragon 400 will offer integrated 3G and 4G in both quad-core and dual-core variants. In addition to multimode 3G/ 4G LTE, the processor integrates key modem features targeting the Chinese market and other emerging regions, including TD-SCDMA, HSPA+ (up to 42Mbps), and multi-SIM capabilities.

"By offering a multimode 3G/4G LTE variant to Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 tier of processors with quad-core CPUs, we are ensuring that emerging regions are equipped and prepared for the imminent transition to multimode 3G/4G LTE, in addition to being equipped for every major 2G and 3G technology," said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president and co-president of mobile and computing products, Qualcomm Technologies. "Snapdragon 400 processors provide customers with a wide range of innovative smartphones for both the high-volume and mid-tier segments."

The new Snapdragon 400 processor will continue to support multi-SIM capabilities of dual-SIM, dual-standby and dual-SIM, dual-active and will offer Miracast support for wireless streaming of multimedia content. The platform also supports integrated Qualcomm VIVE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM and NFC. It includes support for the latest Android and Windows Phone 8 software. In addition, it also includes the QuickCharge 1.0 feature that according to Qualcomm, charges devices up to 40 percent faster than conventional charging methods.

Qualcomm has also released a reference design tablet in 7-inch and 10-inch variants for device manufacturers, powered by Snapdragon 400 processors, which are being demonstrated at Computex in Taiwan.

The 7-inch and 10-inch variants of the tablets will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM 8230 and MSM 8030 processors, respectively, with 1.2-1.4GHz dual-core CPUs featuring the Android Jelly Bean mobile operating system, broadband HSPA+ (up to 21Mbps) 3G performance, integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi up to 72 Mbps, 1080p high definition video playback at 30fps, 1080p high definition video capture, and Adreno 305 GPU.

The new Snapdragon 400 processor (8926), and the Qualcomm reference design tablet, will be available in late 2013.