Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 636, Conducts First 5G Test on Mobile

Qualcomm said on Tuesday that it had achieved a 5G data connection on a 5G modem chipset for mobile devices, further demonstrating its capabilities as phone makers and network operators work on solutions for 5G networks. On the sidelines, Qualcomm also previewed its first 5G smartphone reference design for testing and optimisation of 5G technology. The company also announced the Snapdragon 636.

The chipmaker beamed a 5G data connection on Snapdragon X50 5G modem, the chipset it unveiled last year. The X50 delivered gigabit speeds and a data connection in the 28GHz mmWave radio frequency band. "This major milestone and our 5G smartphone reference design showcase how Qualcomm Technologies is driving 5G NR in mobile devices to enhance mobile broadband experiences for consumers around the world," said Cristiano Amon, Executive Vice President, Qualcomm Technologies and President, QCT.

"The ability to progress from a product announcement to functional silicon in twelve months speaks to Qualcomm Technologies' generational cellular technology leadership - now extending to 5G," the company said in a press release.

Qualcomm says it demonstrated 5G data connection at its laboratories in San Diego. The company also boasted of its SDR051 mmWave RF transceiver integrated circuit (IC), which was key to the success of the demonstration. The Snapdragon X50 5G NR modem family is expected to show up in 5G smartphones and networks in the first half of2019.

On the sidelines, Qualcomm also unveiled the Snapdragon 636. New addition to the company's mid-range lineup, Snapdragon 636 SoC brings support for FHD+ (full HD+, 1080x2160 pixels) display. The arrival of Snapdragon 636 is expected to trickle down the near-bezel less and tall displays to mid-range smartphones. The Snapdragon 636 also supports Assertive Display, the company said.