Qualcomm Unveils Entry-level 4G LTE Snapdragon 210, 3G Snapdragon 208 SoCs

Qualcomm on Wednesday announced two new entry-level processors for smartphones and tablet devices in its Snapdragon 200 series - the Snapdragon 210 and Snapdragon 208. Both processors will be available in commercial devices in the first half of 2015, and the company is partnering with OEMs in 'growth' markets like China and India.

The company says that Snapdragon 210 processor will offer integrated, multimode 3G/4G LTE-Advanced Cat. 4 and LTE dual-SIM with dual standby for entry-level smartphones and tablets, while the 3G-only Snapdragon 208 processor has been "designed for regions that are still on the verge of 4G LTE network deployment and consequently, 3G is currently more prevalent."

The entry-level Snapdragon 210 features quad-core (up to 1.1GHz ARM) Cortex-A7 CPUs alongside an Adreno 304 GPU, and supports up to an 8-megapixel camera with full-HD video capture and playback with hardware HEVC. The camera support feature on the SoC will also include Zero Shutter Lag, high dynamic range (HDR), autofocus, auto white balance and auto exposure.

On the other hand, the 3G-only Snapdragon 208 features dual-core (up to 1.1GHz) ARM Cortex-A7 CPUs, Adreno 304 GPU and can display up to qHD (540x960 pixels) resolutions. The camera support is up to 5-megapixel with HD (720p) video recording, and playback with HEVC.

The Snapdragon 210 and Snapdragon 208 SoCs also support Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 technology, which is claimed to charge batteries 75 percent faster than the usual.

Qualcomm also unveiled its first LTE-equipped tablet reference design, which according to company will enable OEMs and ODMs to create a new class of multimode 3G/4G LTE connected tablets. The company notes that the initial version of the tablet reference design will be available with the Snapdragon 410 and Snapdragon 210 processors.

Lastly, the company has introduced its latest 28nm transceivers optimised to support LTE and LTE Advanced devices in the mid and entry-level devices. It also supports next-generation Qualcomm RF360 front-end solutions, which will enable device makers to easily customize LTE Advanced products for global or regional bands, according to the company.

"We are committed to delivering high-performance connected mobile experiences across all tiers of our product portfolio," said Jeff Lorbeck, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Qualcomm Technologies, China. "These announcements further cement our commitment in broadly driving LTE and LTE Advanced to enable our customers the flexibility to deliver high-speed connectivity and an advanced mobile experience at affordable prices."