Mid-range phones get a major upgrade with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1

We’re already getting close to the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, but Qualcomm hasn’t released the full generation of “Gen 1” chipsets yet. We’ve only received high-end 8-series models, as well as a higher mid-range 7-series, with no 6-series member built for affordable smartphones. It looks like the wait will be worth it though, as the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is close to launch and could bring significant improvements that will raise the baseline of performance on mid-range devices.

All the information about the new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor leaked on the internet

Evan Blass, one of the industry’s longest-running “leakers” has published the first details of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. He not only described the new chipset but provided a screenshot from an (apparently) official Qualcomm presentation, listing all of its hardware specifications. Compared to the previous generation Snapdragon 695, the new 6 Gen 1 will significantly improve processing power and shooting capabilities, but will also come with support for next-gen technologies.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 will feature Kryo cores up to 2.2 GHz with support for the latest connectivity technologies. This mid-range phone chip will enable connection to sub-6GHz 5G networks at speeds of up to 2.9 Gbps, thanks to the integrated Snapdragon X62 modem, as well as 6E Wi-Fi networks, thanks to Qualcomm FastConnect 6700. It also integrates Bluetooth 5.2, compatible with all the company’s technologies, such as aptX Voice, aptX Losless and aptX Adaptive.

The Spectra image processor, which helps interpret data captured by photo sensors, provides compatibility with various configurations. The biggest upgrade is in shooting, where three 13-megapixel camera systems can be used to capture 4K video at 30 FPS with zero lag, or 25+16 megapixel systems, or 48 megapixels on a single camera at 4K 30 FPS. For stills, a single camera of up to 108 megapixels can be used. However, it looks like it will also be possible to use camera systems that shoot in 4K and that can also take 48 megapixel photos while shooting.

This image processor in the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is also the one that will unlock the ability to shoot in 4K with HDR on mid-range phones, something that was previously impossible.

The most important upgrade could be the modern manufacturing process

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 also integrates an Adreno GPU, which enables HDR gaming playback and can natively decode H265 or VP9 videp for low power consumption while streaming video from the internet. Last but not least, the processor integrates support for DDR5 memory up to 2,750 MHz and 12 GB, as well as QuickCharge 4+ standard fast charging.

Being a processor built on 4nm, just like the best performing models on the market, the expected power consumption is low.

Given that we already have this information about the new processor, it’s very possible that we’ll get an official announcement in the next few weeks. The launch of the Gen 2 series is expected in late November at the Snapdragon Summit.