Qualcomm Snapdragon

2024: Hackers hijack Android smartphones using zero-day vulnerability in Qualcomm microprocessors

In mid-October 2024, it became known that hackers attacked Android users using a zero-day vulnerability in Qualcomm microprocessors. The company acknowledged a critical security hole it was unaware of at the time of the breach.

The zero-day vulnerability CVE-2024-43047 "could be exploited for a limited-scale targeted hacker attack," as noted by Threat Analysis Group, the company's research arm Google that investigates government hacking threats. An international organization that Amnesty International works to protect civil society from digital surveillance and spy threats ON has confirmed Google's assessment.

Qualcomm has acknowledged a critical hole in its processors. Through it, hackers seize Android smartphones

It is not yet known who exactly and how exploited the zero-day vulnerability in real hacker campaigns, as well as who fell victim to these attacks and for what reason. We can only assume that hackers attacked specific persons, and did not carry out a large-scale hacking of all devices. Qualcomm commended "researchers at Google Project Zero and Amnesty International Security Lab for using coordinated security protection techniques," allowing the company to release the fix. A Qualcomm spokesman said "fixes have become available to our customers since September 2024." Now Qualcomm customers, that is, manufacturers of Android devices with vulnerable processors, must release a fix for their customers.

According to Qualcomm, the vulnerability affected 64 different chipsets, including the flagship Snapdragon 8 mobile platform (1st generation), which is used in dozens of Android phones, including those made by Motorola, Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi and ZTE. This means that millions of users around the world are potentially vulnerable.^[1]

2021: Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform

On January 13, 2021, Qualcomm Technologies introduced the Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform, a 400th series mobile platform with 5G support. Snapdragon 480 provides connectivity to 5G networks in different countries.

According to the company, the platform includes nine developments. The Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System installed on the Snapdragon 480 platform supports mmWave and sub-6 5G bands, autonomous and non-autonomous modes (SA and NSA), temporary (TDD) and frequency (FDD) sharing with. Snapdragon Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) X51 's gigabit 5G connection speeds provide fast download and offload, while support for different frequencies is flexibility and availability. The Qualcomm FastConnect 6200 module supports 2×2 configuration (Wi-Fi two Wi-Fi antennas), it implements key functions 6: Wi-Fi 8×8 channel calibration (8×8 sounding) and MU-MIMO. 5.1 is also supported Bluetooth for wireless audio. Accurate positioning is provided by wireless technologies such as Dual-frequency GPS and the regional NavIC system navigation.

Snapdragon 480 will give owners smartphones the ability to work longer and charge devices faster. The platform, made according to the 8-nm process technology, has a central processor Qualcomm Kryo 460 with a frequency of up to 2.0 GHz, a Qualcomm Adreno 619 graphics accelerator and a Qualcomm Hexagon 686 processor. Compared to the previous generation, CPU and GU performance doubled, and system performance AI - by 70%. The Snapdragon 480 also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 + fast charging technology, which was first implemented in the 400 series.

The Qualcomm Spectra 345 ISP signal processor, which supports three cameras for the first time in the 400 series, provides the right quality of photo and video shooting. You can simultaneously photograph all three lenses - ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto - with 13MP resolution, or shoot three videos with 720p resolution.

Image on the display with a refresh rate of 120 frames per second and FHD + resolution. Qualcomm aptX audio technology, optimized gaming solutions, seamless streaming of HD content and fast application loading make the Snapdragon 480 platform optimal for fully immersive entertainment.

Announcements of the first commercial devices based on the Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform are expected in early 2021^[2].

2020

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform

On December 3, 2020, Qualcomm Technologies unveiled the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform. This platform implements technological innovations in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), gaming and image processing.

According to the company, Snapdragon 888 is a platform that implements 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth audio technologies that expand mobile capabilities. The Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System's 3rd generation integrated modem system supports 5G sub-6 carrier aggregation and mmWave range, delivering speeds of up to 7.5 Gbps. Modem-RF will work in almost all major global networks thanks to the use of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing technology. The Snapdragon 888 features global support for 5G multi- technology, SIM which allows you to use international, roaming manage on the same phone work and personal numbers or optimize subscription fees. In addition, the platform implements the Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 Mobile Connectivity System, which supports Wi-Fi 6 speeds (up to 3.6 Gbps), as well as a 6 GHz band (Wi-Fi 6E). 5.2 support Bluetooth , two Bluetooth antennas, Qualcomm aptX technology, audio broadcasting and modulation and coding optimization ensure proper sound and audio signal transmission.

The completely redesigned 6th generation Qualcomm AI system and Qualcomm Hexagon 780 processor, combining AI with cameras, personal voice assistants, gaming functionality, communication, etc., allow you to realize decent capabilities. Snapdragon 888 with 26 TOPS performance is three times the previous generation in terms of performance per watt. Another platform update is the 2nd generation Qualcomm Sensing Hub touch center with an integrated AI processor with minimal power consumption, which implements functionality such as screen awake mode, detection of lifting and moving a mobile device, detection of sound events. This uses information about the surrounding context in combination with 5G, WiFi and Bluetooth data streams. Qualcomm AI Engine Direct software will allow developers to implement the capabilities of next-generation AI applications on the device.

With the updated Qualcomm Spectra 580 signal processor, for the first time on the Snapdragon platform, simultaneous image capture from three cameras is implemented at a processing speed of up to 2.7 gigapixels per second. The user can shoot fast processes at 120 frames per second or simultaneously shoot three videos in 4K HDR format. This 4K HDR technology with software HDR imaging optimizes color, contrast and detail. The Qualcomm Spectra 580 ISP processor is also the first to use a low-light architecture for shooting in almost complete darkness. Photography with 10-bit color depth in HEIF format allows you to get almost a billion shades of color.

The Snapdragon 888 platform has the full functionality of Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming. For the first time for mobile devices on Snapdragon 888 implemented Variable Rate Shading (VRS). Compared to the previous generation, VRS improves game rendering by 30%, creating an immersive effect, and reduces power consumption. Qualcomm Game Quick Touch technology accelerates response by 20%, reducing the response time to touch.

The 5nm process provided performance and energy efficiency. Qualcomm Kryo 680 increases the overall CPU performance by 25% and allows you to increase the frequency to 2.84 GHz. This is a commercial CPU subsystem based on Arm Cortex-Xl. Optimizing the performance of the Qualcomm Adreno 660 GPU has accelerated graphics rendering by 35% over the previous generation. Moreover, the Kryo 680 and Adreno 660 processors are able to maintain a stable level of performance for a long time.

Snapdragon 888 provides various security measures to protect the privacy of user data stored on the device. This is the Qualcomm Secure Processing Unit, the Qualcomm Trusted Execution Environment, and support for Qualcomm Wireless Edge Services, with which Snapdragon interacts so that applications and services can measure the security level of devices and their wireless connections in real time. The Snapdragon 888-based Type-1 Hypervisor uses a different way to protect and isolate data from applications and different operating systems on the same device. In addition, Truepic technology implemented on the Snapdragon 888 allows you to put cryptographic printing on photos in accordance with the open standard Content Authority Initiative.

Devices based on Snapdragon 888 are expected to go on commercial sale in the first quarter of 2021^[3]

Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G Mobile Platform

On September 23, 2020, the company Qualcomm Technologies announced the 5G 700-series Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G Mobile Platform mobile platform.

According to the company, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G Modem-RF System integrated into the Snapdragon 750G platform supports mmWave and sub-6 bands, autonomous and non-autonomous modes (SA and NSA), temporary (TDD) and frequency (FDD) separation with dynamic spectrum expansion (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, DSS), as well as global roaming and multi-SIM technology. This end-to-end modem-antenna solution allows Snapdragon 750G-based devices to support gigabit connections with proper download and upload speeds. Snapdragon 750G offers Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming functionality, which provides smooth gameplay and short latency. Qualcomm Adreno 619 GPU powered by Snapdragon 750G accelerates graphics rendering by 10% compared to Snapdragon 730G. In addition, players will be able to take advantage of 5G connectivity in multiplayer games and to stream games directly to smartphones via cloud-based 5G gaming platforms.

The artificial intelligence 5th generation Qualcomm AI Engine system based on the Snapdragon 750G platform provides intuitive interaction and allows you to realize the intelligent capabilities of photo and video shooting, voice translation, and image processing using AI. With a performance of up to 4 trillion operations per second (TOPS), the Qualcomm AI Engine is 20% more powerful than the Snapdragon 730G. Central processor Qualcomm Kryo 570 powered by Snapdragon 750G platform. The Snapdragon 750G platform also has a permanently enabled Qualcomm Sensing Hub, which processes many threads data for context use: the low-power Qualcomm AI Engine system performs background noise suppression and echo compensation, improving the quality of speech in games, ensuring continuity of voice communication and support for constantly enabled voice assistants. Thanks to Qualcomm Technologies' built-in AI for audio and speech processing in the Snapdragon 750G, users hear a clear and clear voice regardless of the presence of various background noises, such as barking dogs, screaming children or the rumble of construction work.

The commercial availability of devices based on Snapdragon 750G is planned for the end of 2020. The Snapdragon 750G platform is compatible in terms of pins and software with the Snapdragon 690 5G Mobile Platform^[4]

Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G mobile platform

Qualcomm Technologies has announced the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G mobile platform, which is a continuation of the Snapdragon 730G. This became known on September 1, 2020. Snapdragon 732G provides a high degree of immersion in the gameplay thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) with more advanced and accelerated logic, and increased hardware performance compared to the previous generation of devices, achieved by modernized graphics and central processors.

{{quote 'Snapdragon 732G will give you an unforgettable gaming experience multiplied by the capabilities of built-in AI combined with performance, "says Kedar Kondap, vice president of product management at Qualcomm Technologies. - We are pleased to partner with POCO to create a POCO smartphone based on the improved global Snapdragon 732G platform. }}

Snapdragon 732G provides the following advantages when comparing performance with Snapdragon 730G: the clock speed of the main core of the Qualcomm Kryo 470 processor up to 2.3 GHz; improved Qualcomm Adreno 618 GPU with better graphics processing.

In addition to the mentioned increase in performance, Snapdragon 732G provides good gaming capabilities for Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming using billions of colors and ultra-realistic immersion of users in the gameplay. Built using the 4th generation Qualcomm AI Engine, the Snapdragon 732G ensures intuitive and clear user experience through the use of distributed intelligent logic twice the efficiency of previous generations, thereby increasing energy efficiency and extending battery life. Snapdragon 732G works in conjunction with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X15 LTE modem and offers outstanding download and download speeds on LTE networks along with high Wi-Fi performance.

We are pleased with the upcoming release of the POCO smartphone and cooperation with Qualcomm Technologies, which allowed us to introduce a device based on the Snapdragon 732G mobile platform to the market, "commented Sam Jiang, Head of Products at POCO Global. - We are confident that this device will become the benchmark in the mid-price category and will lead to a complete rethinking of the relationship between the cost of the phone and its functionality[5].

Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G Mobile Platform

On May 11, 2020, the company Qualcomm Technologies unveiled mobile communication the Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G Mobile Platform, a modification of the Snapdragon 765G platform. Snapdragon 768G is the next level of performance, which, together with the integration of global support, 5G technologies (), artificial intelligence AI gaming functions Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming, allows you to implement smart immersive games.

According to the company, the following performance improvements have been implemented on the Snapdragon 768G platform (compared to the Snapdragon 765G):

• The clock speed of the Qualcomm Kryo 475 central processor is increased from 2.4 to 2.8 GHz;
• processor Qualcomm Adreno 620 graphics performance is 15% higher;
• Supports the Adreno Updateable GPU driver update feature.

In addition to these improvements, the Snapdragon 768G platform offers good gaming performance, 5G support, multi-camera intelligence and extended battery life. The Snapdragon 768G platform is compatible with the Snapdragon 765 and 765G in contact and software.

• Immersive games. Snapdragon 768G with Snapdragon Elite Gaming functionality for special game extensions and optimizers makes the gameplay smoother, improves detail and colors with support for 10-bit HDR, in other words, provides high quality gaming on mobile devices. This is the first platform of the 7th series with the Adreno Updateable driver update function, which allows gamers to monitor updates and maintain peak screen regeneration speeds in order to get the best picture in games. The combination of improved rendering performance of the Adreno 620 GPU (15% higher than the Snapdragon 765G) and 120Hz refresh rate allows you to get realistic images and maximum performance per unit power.
• Global 5G support. Designed like its predecessor to provide global multi-mode 5G connectivity, the Snapdragon 768G platform combined with the X52 5G Modem-RF System supports all key regions and bands, including 5G mmWave and sub-6, 5G SA and NSA, temporary (TDD) and frequency (FDD) separation with dynamic spectrum separation (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, DSS) and global 5G roaming support . Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G Modem-RF System peak download and upload speeds of 3.7 and 1.6 Gbps, respectively, providing the necessary coverage for users worldwide and autonomous operation throughout the day.
• The 5th generation Qualcomm AI Engine AI system combined with the X52 5G Modem-RF System improves the quality of all mobile applications, allowing you to get an experience from shooting, listening to audio and games. The Snapdragon 768G AI Engine AI system expands the scope of mobile devices, supporting applications such as real-time translation and AI-based superfloor filters for social applications. In addition, the low-power Qualcomm Sensing Hub will allow the doctor's device to recognize voice commands when using a voice assistant, as well as automatically identify musical works played nearby the user with minimal battery power consumption.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 662 and 460 mobile communication platforms

On January 21, 2020, Qualcomm Technologies announced the release of three mobile communication platforms: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 662 and 460. The presented platforms with Qualcomm FastConnect 6 subsystems support high 4G speeds, key Wi-Fi 6 functions, integrated Bluetooth 5.1 communication with advanced audio parameters and a dual-frequency (L1 and L5 bands) GNSS location system with high reliability and coordinate accuracy. These are single-chip solutions with support for the regional navigation system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). The Qualcomm AI Engine and Qualcomm Sensing Hub function modules are designed to realize wide capabilities and increase user comfort when taking photos, working with voice assistants and almost constant connection to maintain the relevance of the surrounding context.

"Amid the accelerated adoption of 5G around the world, we are seeing a phenomenal surge in 4G broadband among consumers in India. In India, 4G technology remains a key communication technology and it does not leave Qualcomm Technologies' focus. Our goal is to enable partners to continue to create solutions that consistently provide seamless access and high mobile application comfort. " noted Rajen Vagadia, Vice President and President of Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd.

According to the developer, the Qualcomm Location Suite module implemented on the mobile platform simultaneously supports up to seven satellite constellations, including the existing NavIC satellites. This ensures high location accuracy, reduced time-to-first-fix (TTFF), and stability of services using location data.

"We are deeply satisfied with Qualcomm Inc.'s work to include NavIC support and encourage OEMs to take advantage of it for upcoming Indian mobile phones. The availability of NavIC on different mobile platforms will improve the geolocation functions of smartphones in the region and give Indian consumers the opportunity to take full advantage of this distinctive solution every day. " noted Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, Indian National Space Agency ISRO

As noted in Qualcomm, Snapdragon 662 is the advanced shooting and artificial intelligence capabilities implemented on the 6th series platforms. The Qualcomm Spectra 340T module supports three cameras and provides smooth switching between them. The upgraded signal processor allows you to take high-quality HEIF images with half the file size. The 3rd generation Qualcomm AI Engine AI solution, combined with Hexagon Vector Extensions technology and Qualcomm Spectra 340T module, supports AI functionality such as avatars, night photography and voice and facial geometry authentication. The built-in Snapdragon X11 LTE modem (dual carrier aggregation, 2x2 MIMO, 256-QAM modulation, peak speed in the downstream channel up to 390 Mbps and in the upstream channel up to 150 Mbps) provides comfortable browsing of sites and social networks.

Designed for the mainstream smartphones , the Snapdragon 460 platform differs from all 4th series processors in improved performance and improvements in AI, communications and shooting features. High-performance cores CPU and an upgraded GPU have improved performance by 70 and 60%, respectively, Qualcomm emphasized. Overall system performance doubled compared to the previous generation. The Hexagon processor and Qualcomm Hexagon Vector eXtensions (HVX) technology also appeared, which made it possible to implement the 3rd generation Qualcomm AI Engine AI solution and the Qualcomm Sensing Hub module, which provide AI functionality in the process of photography and working with voice assistants. There is also a Qualcomm Spectra 340 ISP signal processor designed to improve photo quality and support three cameras. The built-in Snapdragon X11 LTE modem supports peak speeds of up to 390Mbps in the downstream channel and up to 150Mbps in the upstream channel.

Devices based on Snapdragon 720G are expected to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2020, devices based on Snapdragon 662 and 460 - at the end of 2020.

2019

Snapdragon 865 mobile platform

Qualcomm Technologies, a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, unveiled the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 platform on December 5, 2019. It is an advanced mobile platform built to deliver high speed and performance for next-generation flagship devices, and features the 5G Modem-RF System.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System with a peak speed of up to 7.5 Gbps overtakes many wired connections and qualitatively transforms the process. mobile communication The AI 5th generation Qualcomm Engine and Qualcomm Sensing Hub raise levels (artificial intelligence AI) and personalization. Part of the Snapdragon 865 processor Qualcomm Spectra 480 Image Signal Processor (ISP) with up to 2 gigapixels per second, it expands mobile photography and video. Snapdragon is also suitable for advanced gamers who are offered functionality with ultra-realistic graphics and gaming capabilities at the desktop level by Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming. The next generation Qualcomm Kryo 585 CPU has increased performance by 25%, and the Qualcomm Adreno 650 GPU graphics accelerator improves overall performance by 25% compared to the previous generation, which increases the computing power of the next generation flagship devices.

By supporting advanced 5G technology and features, the Snapdragon 865 raises the bar on our ideas about what a mobile device should be like. This platform was the culmination of our achievements and innovations in 30 years of wireless technology. Alex Katouzian, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Communications, Qualcomm Technologies

The Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System, installed on the Snapdragon 865 mobile platform, is a 5G commercial solution in which the combination of modem and antenna has achieved consistently high speed in any situation, with peak speeds reaching 7.5 Gbps. The Modem-RF System, combined with technologies such as Qualcomm 5G PowerSave, Qualcomm Smart Transmit, Qualcomm Wideband Envelope Tracking and Qualcomm Signal Boost, has helped provide extensive coverage and high speeds, with accumulator enough full-time charging. This 5G solution is designed to work in all key regions and supports many bands, including mmWave and sub-6 with time (TDD) and frequency (FDD) division. In addition, NSA and SA modes, Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), global 5G roaming and multi- technology are supported. SIM The Snapdragon 865 not only delivers 5G connectivity, but - with Qualcomm's FastConnect 6800 subsystem - boosts 6 performance Wi-Fi and audio over. Bluetooth Thanks to innovative developments in Wi-Fi 6, users get speeds approaching 1.8 Gbps and latency, which is especially important at public events when many devices compete for network resources. The FastConnect 6800 subsystem was marked Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The technology Qualcomm aptX Voice has made the Snapdragon 865 a mobile platform with wireless support for the Super Wide Band (SWB) over Bluetooth. Combined with aptX Adaptive and Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Plus technologies, this made it possible to achieve clear sound, reduce latency, increase battery life and increase the stability of the communication channel with wireless headphones.

The 5th generation Qualcomm AI Engine and AI tools improve performance by delivering a vivid gaming, camera, and audio experience. AI performance reaches 15 trillion operations per second (TOPS), which is twice the figure of its predecessor. The heart of the Qualcomm AI Engine is the improved Qualcomm Hexagon Tensor Accelerator, which quadrupled the previous Tensor Accelerator in TOPS, with 35% higher energy efficiency. AI allows you to make a translation in real time - the phone can translate the user's speech into a foreign language, issuing a translation in both voice and text format. In addition to the Qualcomm AI Engine, the Qualcomm Sensing Hub will allow the device to take into account the context of the environment while minimizing power consumption. A high-fidelity voice detection system provides clear command transmission to a preferred voice assistant, and advanced sensors and intelligent sound recognition system bring the capabilities of context AI to a higher level. The updated Qualcomm Neural Processing SDK, Hexagon NN Direct and Qualcomm AI Model Enhancer tools give developers the freedom and flexibility to build faster, smarter applications.

The Snapdragon 865-integrated ISP processor operates at 2 gigapixels per second and offers additional features and shooting capabilities. You can shoot 4K video in HDR mode with more than a billion colors, 8K video, take photos with a resolution of 200 megapixels. Gigapixel processing speed allows unlimited slow motion with speed of 960 personnel/sec., capturing every high-resolution millisecond. And for the first time on a mobile platform, Dolby Vision shooting technology allows you to shoot beautiful HDR video ready to be shown on the big screen. In conjunction with the Qualcomm AI Engine, a gigapixel ISP processor can quickly identify and separately process images of backgrounds, people and objects, helping to be truly creative in the photography process.

Snapdragon 865 with Snapdragon Elite Gaming technology offers mobile functionality that offers users a smooth picture and high quality graphics. Snapdragon 865 is a mobile Android platform with support for Desktop Forward Rendering technology, which allows developers to use lighting effects and post-processing with quality at the desktop level, bringing mobile games to a higher level of realism. In addition, the Adreno Updateable function has appeared on the mobile device, which allows you to download GPU drivers directly from the application store as soon as they are posted by OEM developers. Players will be able to independently update graphics drivers and set GPU parameters to achieve maximum performance in top games. Mobile HDR games entered the top echelon in image quality and naturalness. This was due to the 144Hz refresh rate implemented on mobile devices and Game Color Plus technology, which improves picture quality, increasing detail and color saturation and using local tonal compression. The gameplay is optimized to a microsecond level: Snapdragon Game Performance Engine technology provides adaptive and predictive real-time system tuning to support stable performance for a longer time. The Adreno 650 GPU offers various hardware features, such as the Adreno HDR Fast Blend, to enhance game scenes with color transitions, often found in particle systems with complex effects. It also allows you to get a double increase in performance in certain operations.

Snapdragon 865-based devices are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2020.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 и 765G

On December 4, 2019, Qualcomm Technologies unveiled the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 7- series mobile platform to help expand the range of users of advanced 5G technology. The Snapdragon 765 and 765G platforms combine the 2nd generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF System and the 5th generation Qualcomm Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engine.

According to the company, the advantages of the Snapdragon 765 are the following:

• End-to-end 5G communications. The Snapdragon 765, combined with the Snapdragon X52 Modem-RF System, is an important milestone towards global commercialization of 5G. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G Modem-RF System provides a threefold of high-speed loading and unloading at peak speeds of 3.7 and 1.6 Gbps, respectively. The use of the Modem-RF System combined with technologies such as Qualcomm 5G PowerSave, Qualcomm Smart Transmit, Qualcomm Wideband Envelope Tracking and Qualcomm Signal Boost helped to realize these wide possibilities. Specifically designed to build 5G communication networks globally, the Snapdragon 765 platform is designed to operate in all key regions and supports all bands including mmWave and sub-6, 5G SA and NSA modes, temporary (TDD) and frequency (FDD) separation, dynamic spectrum separation Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), global 5G roaming and multi-SIM technology.
• Qualcomm's 5th generation AI Engine solution combined with the 5G Modem-RF System for December 2019 improves the quality of almost all mobile applications, including camera, audio, voice and games. For seamless service of mobile applications, the Snapdragon 765 AI Engine uses the Qualcomm Hexagon Tensor accelerator, which has twice the performance of its predecessor. The Qualcomm Sensing Hub allows the device to allocate voice commands from the surrounding context without undue load on the battery.
• Intelligent multi-camera shooting. On the Snapdragon 765 platform, you can choose a TV, wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lens and get bright pictures without any additional equipment. The Snapdragon 765 can also shoot 4K HDR video with support for more than a billion shades of colors.
• Quality spectacles. Snapdragon 765 delivers vibrant, multimedia content at 5G speeds, delivering ultra-fast downloads and seamless 4K HDR video streaming. It takes a few minutes to get the latest movie or TV show in good quality. And in offline mode, on the device, "smart" processing of a standard quality video sequence using Artificial Intelligence will be able to transform it into a bright video, not inferior to 4K. Support for video and audio synchronization and speech matching with lip movements is provided by Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive Audio solution by automatically switching between high-resolution and low-latency modes.
• Improved performance. The Qualcomm Kryo 475 processor with a clock speed of 2.3 GHz and the modern Qualcomm Adreno 620 GPU graphics accelerator give a 10% performance gain, providing seamless gameplay, video rendering, etc. In addition to a good battery life, the built-in AI monitors its condition, maintaining peak efficiency throughout the day and ensuring more consistent operation of all components. Qualcomm Quick Charge AI fast charging technology extends battery life by 200 days and allows you to charge the device as quickly as possible, making it possible to return to full use without delay.

To achieve maximum gaming performance on the Snapdragon 765G platform, 5G and AI capabilities are combined with Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming features. The Snapdragon 765G platform, based on the Snapdragon 765, supports up to 5.5 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of the AI subsystem, and the Adreno GPU speeds up graphics rendering by 10%. The next level Snapdragon Elite Gaming functionality implements special extensions and game optimizers, makes the gameplay smoother, improves detail and colors thanks to support for 10-bit HDR, in other words, provides high quality gameplay on mobile devices.

Snapdragon 765 and 765G devices are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2020.

Vulnerabilities that allow Android to be hacked wirelessly

On August 6, 2019, it became known that security researchers from the Tencent Blade group discovered WLAN Qualcomm two dangerous vulnerabilities in the firmware of the Snapdragon-based system, the exploitation of which could allow an attacker to hack the modem over the kernel Android wireless network.

Vulnerabilities affect Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and 845 WLAN components. Tests were carried out on Google Pixel 2 and 3 devices, however, any non-updated phone with one of the two systems mentioned on the crystal is vulnerable to hacking.

Exploitation of the first highly rated vulnerability (CVE-2019-10538) allows attackers to compromise the wireless LAN and modem of the chip wirelessly. The second problem is related to a buffer overflow (CVE-2019-10540) and received a critical severity assessment, since its operation allows you to hack the Android kernel from the WLAN component.

The researchers told Google and Qualcomm about the vulnerabilities found. Android users are advised to update devices to the latest version for security^[6].

Snapdragon 855 Plus mobile platform

On July 15, 2019, Qualcomm Technologies unveiled the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus mobile platform, an updated version of the flagship Snapdragon 855 model. The July 2019 platform is already available to OEMs around the world and will provide their devices with high performance, support for multi-gigabit 5G networks and ample capabilities in gaming, AI tools and advanced reality (XR) applications. In addition to game performance gains, the platform supports Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming technologies that will help take the gaming experience to a higher level, especially in games using 5G networks, the developer claims.

According to Qualcomm Technologies, thanks to the Snapdragon X24 multi-gigabit 4G modem and X50 5G modem, as well as Qualcomm Technologies RFFE solutions, the Snapdragon 855 Plus platform supports fifth-generation networks and provides modern mobile devices with high communication quality and data transfer speed, good coverage and long battery life. The platform also offers the following improvements over the Snapdragon 855:

• Qualcomm Kryo 485 processor with a core speed of up to 2.96 GHz,
• Qualcomm Adreno 640 GPU with 15% increased performance.

According to the manufacturer, Snapdragon 855 Plus supports many modern technologies and functions developed by Qualcomm Technologies specifically for mobile games, working with AI and XR, so that users get the most performance and pleasure, no matter what they decide to do:

• Games: Snapdragon 855 Plus provides high performance in games and gives users ample gaming options. Snapdragon Elite Gaming Experience technologies will help you win with a range of hardware and software capabilities for mobile games, including the Vulkan 1.1 graphics driver with 20% lower power consumption than the Open GL ES. Snapdragon Elite Gaming Experience offers special gaming software such as Game Jank Reducer, Game Fast Loader and Game Anti-Cheat Extensions.
• AI: The 4th generation Qualcomm AI Engine multi-core processor with a performance of over 7 trillion operations per second and a combination of dedicated and programmable acceleration of AI applications are responsible for the high speed of game response to user actions
• XR: Full immersion in XR (virtual/augmented reality) with XR glasses connected to a Snapdragon 855 Plus-powered mobile device with an X50 5G modem that delivers high data speeds and smooth applications.

Commercial devices powered by Snapdragon 855 Plus are expected on the market in the second half of 2019.

Snapdragon 8cx 5G is the first 5G chip for Windows 10 computers

At MWC 2019 in February, Qualcomm announced what it claims is the first 5G chip for laptops and hybrid laptops running Windows 10.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx 5G platform includes a 7nm Snapdragon 8cx octa-core processor with Adreno 680 graphics accelerator and Snapdragon X55 modem with support for fifth generation (5G) networks and the ability to transmit data at speeds up to 7 Gbps. For comparison, the Snapdragon X50 has a 4.5 Gbps limit on the 5G network. At the same time, Snapdragon X55 also supports connection to LTE, 3G and 2G networks.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx chip is compatible with LPDDR4x-2133 RAM SSD , NVMe and UFS 3.0 solid state drives Wi-Fi , 802.11ad, 802.11ac Wave 2, 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n wireless communications, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has a built-in module of satellite navigation systems///and GPSGLONASS-BeiDouGalileo chip. NFC

The Snapdragon 8cx processor includes 10MB cache, Hexagon 690 signal processor , eight-channel RAM controller and Spectra 390 image processor. At the Snapdragon 8cx presentation in December 2018, Qualcomm said that this single-chip system is 3.5 times faster in performance than the Snapdragon 835, being 60% more energy efficient than the Snapdragon 850.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx 5G devices can use Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 + fast charging technology, Aqstic audio solutions and the ability to play 4K HDR video at 120 fps.

By the time the Snapdragon 8cx 5G was announced, Qualcomm had already begun limited deliveries of the product to its customers, including Lenovo. The first devices to use the chips are expected to go on sale in 2019.

Qualcomm addresses Snapdragon 8cx 5G to Always Connected PCs that combine ARM processor performance, long battery life and high-speed mobile networks.^[7]

2018

Snapdragon 855 is the first 5G-enabled commercial mobile platform

On December 4, 2018, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, announced the Snapdragon 855, the first commercial mobile platform with support for AI, XR (advanced reality) and 5G technologies for next-generation commercial networks and mobile devices that are entering the market in 2019.

According to Alex Katouzian, senior vice president and general manager of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., thanks to the 4th generation Qualcomm AI Engine multi-core processor, built-in AI technologies on devices with Snapdragon 855 are three times faster than the previous generation of the platform. The Snapdragon 855 is also equipped with the world's first processor image processing with support (machine vision CV, image recognition technology), which made it possible to implement advanced photo and video shooting functions, and a set of Snapdragon Elite Gaming technologies to support the most demanding mobile games, Alex Katuzyan emphasized.

For his part, Justin Denison, senior vice president of mobile product strategy and marketing Samsung Electronics at America, revealed that the first smartphone Samsung flagship with support, 5G due in the USA first half of 2019, is powered by the Snapdragon 855 mobile platform with an X50 5G modem.

According to Qualcomm Technologies, the company will promote 5G networks with the Snapdragon 855 mobile platform, Snapdragon X50 line of 5G modems and Qualcomm QTM052 millimeter radio modules with built-in radio frequency transceiver, interface and antenna elements. Thanks to these technologies and solutions, OEMs will be able to cope with the ever-growing complexity of the design of mobile devices required to work with the 5G millimeter band and the band up to 6 GHz, Qualcomm is convinced.

Snapdragon 850 is Qualcomm's first processor for Windows computers

In early June 2018, the company Qualcomm introduced the first in its range processor designed for personal computers under control. Windows A chip called Snapdragon 850 is on display at Computex 2018 in Taipei.

The Snapdragon 850 clocks up to 2.96 GHz and is 30% faster than the Snapdragon 835 model. Both processors are based on a 10nm process.

The Snapdragon 850 uses a graphics accelerator and eight Qualcomm Kyro 385 computing cores. The chip supports HDR displays and 4K video shooting from the built-in camera. Devices on this single-chip system can be equipped with a dual camera with 16-megapixel sensors or a single camera with a sensor up to 32 megapixels.

The X20 LTE modem provides data transfer at speeds up to 1.2 Gbps. There are wireless modules Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2 MU-MIMO (2.4/5 GHz) and Wi-Fi 802.11ad, Bluetooth 5, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo.

According to the developers, computers with a hardware base from Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 can work without recharging for up to 25 hours. Moreover, the devices will be able to quickly charge thanks to the implementation of Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 + charging technology in the chip. It is claimed that the processor will allow you to create "Always Connected PCs." The Engadget portal clarifies that the Snapdragon 850 is designed specifically for Windows electronics.

Qualcomm promises the first Snapdragon 850 devices at the base during 2018. Several manufacturers, including Samsung, have already expressed a desire to produce equipment using this processor. Samsung intends to create hybrid laptops based on Snapdragon 850, but did not name the exact release date for the products.^[8]

Snapdragon XR1 - the world's first special VR chip

At the end of May 2018, Qualcomm announced, according to the company, the world's first separate processor for augmented, virtual and mixed reality devices. The American chipmaker classifies such technologies as Extended Reality (XR).

The single-chip system called Snapdragon XR1 is based on a heterogeneous processor architecture that involves the use of an ARM central processor, vector chip, GPU and Qualcomm AI Engine. The latter can be used to run energy-efficient machine learning applications based on computer vision algorithms.

The Adreno GPU provides 4K image display at a frame rate of up to 60 GHz and supports two displays, 3D overlays and leading APIs, including OpenGL, OpenCL and Vulkan.

As for audio technologies, Snapdragon XR1 announced support for the developed Qualcomm 3D Audio Suite, Aqstic Audio Technologies and aptX Audio, which allow you to play a voluminous sound picture and ensure the operation of voice assistants.

In addition, the platform includes a set of sensors that allow you to track movements with high accuracy in three and six degrees of freedom (DoF). The processor can connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks, as well as provide devices with constant readiness to receive voice commands.

As noted by TechCrunch, the Snapdragon 845 processor, which also supports virtual and augmented reality, is focused on working with headsets connected to computers. And XR1 is addressed to the creation of cheap devices.

The first companies to start building hardware powered by the Snapdragon XR1 processor were Meta, VIVE, Vuzix and Picoare. At the same time, it is not specified when their glasses and helmets will appear on the mass market.^[9]

2017

Snapdragon 845

On December 7, 2017, Qualcomm announced the release of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 mobile processor for smartphones of the flagship lines. He received an AI coprocessor and Gigabit LTE, learned to shoot 4K HDR video.

Snapdragon 845 is focused on working smartphones in the upper price segment, autonomous virtual reality helmets and other mobile devices.

The processor was released on production lines in accordance with the process standards of the 10 nm LPP FinFET process technology. The architecture of the chip has become more complicated, mainly due to the use of computing cores, a more powerful graphics core, the Gigabit LTE chipset and an artificial intelligence coprocessor. A full-fledged path for recording and playing video in 4K HDR format is also implemented.

The processor architecture has received a number of improvements in performance, data protection and power consumption.

The Snapdragon 845 has eight Kryo 385 processor cores that run as "fours" in high-performance and cost-effective use cases: four cores run at up to 2.8 GHz, the other four - up to 1.8 GHz.

The processor received a fully graphical subsystem Adreno 630. It supports screens with 4K Ultra HD resolution and refresh rate up to 60 frames per second, or two screens with resolution up to 2400 × 2400 pixels and refresh rate up to 120 frames per second - which is relevant for 3D virtual reality helmets.

The graphics path of the chip is equipped with an additional image signal processor (ISP), Qualcomm Spectra 280. It supports two cameras with a resolution of up to 16 MP or an ode camera with a resolution of up to 32 MP, with hybrid autofocus, depth of field control and face detection.

For virtual, augmented and extended (XR - Extended Reality) systems, the Snapdragon 845 processor offers a built-in six degree of freedom (6-DoF) positioning system similar to the HTC Vive VR helmet.

Support for artificial intelligence technologies is implemented in the third generation Snapdragon 845 processor powered by a digital signal processor (DSP, Digital Signal Processor) Hexagon 685 (the first was implemented in the Snapdragon 820 chip), which includes the Hexagon Vector DSP (HVX) vector operations module for AI, the Qualcomm All-Ways Aware Sensor Hub and Hexagon DSP for audio track. According to company representatives, the performance of the new chip in AI and machine learning operations has tripled compared to its predecessor.

Support for a list of AI frameworks has been announced for the Snapdragon 845 chip: Google TensorFlow, Facebook Caffe 2 and Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX).

The Snapdragon 845 processor received a separate Secure Processing Unit hardware module to ensure data security, including storage and protection of biometric information.

The Snapdragon X20 LTE cellular modem is integrated into the processor. It provides download speeds up to 1.2 Gbps, transfer speeds up to 150 Mbps. The modem supports Dual SIM-Dual VoLTE mode.

Processor Interface List:

• Wi-Fi 802.11ac 2x2 MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi 802.11ad,
• Bluetooth 5,
• navigation:
• * GPS,
  • GLONASS,

• * Beidou,
• * Galileo,
  • QZSS
  • SBAS.

Qualcomm Quick Charge 4/4 + battery fast charging technology is supported: 50% battery charge is restored in about 15 minutes.

As of December 7, 2017, deliveries of trial batches of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor to the company's closest partners began. The first mobile devices based on this chip are expected on the market in early 2018^[1].

Snapdragon 636

On October 17, 2017, Qualcomm Technologies introduced the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 mobile platform. Its purpose is to increase the performance of devices, support graphics technologies.

The Snapdragon 636 mobile platform is equipped with a Qualcomm Kryo 260 CPU. It delivers a 40% increase in device performance over the Snapdragon 630. Snapdragon 636 supports FHD + displays and Qualcomm's Assertive^[10] technology^[10].

Snapdragon 636 is based on the 14nm FinFet process technology with full interface and software compatibility with Snapdragon 660 and 630 mobile platforms. An Kh12 LTE modem is integrated into the platform, with a peak data download speed of up to 600 Mbps. As part of the platform:

• Qualcomm Spectra 160 ISP 14-bit processor - supports up to 24 megapixels of zero shutter latency image with smooth zoom support, fast autofocus and realistic color reproduction for high image quality,
• Qualcomm Aqstic Audio codec with support for Hi-Fi audio on the go and lossless (lossless compression) audio files (up to 192 kHz/24 bits), low distortion and extended dynamic range.

The Snapdragon 636 mobile platform is expected to enter the consumer market in November 2017.

First Snapdragon 835 PC processor

In late May 2017, Qualcomm announced its first processor for personal computers. A chip called Snapdragon 835 has several advantages over Intel solutions that dominate the PC industry.

At Computex 2017 in Taipei, Qualcomm showed a prototype motherboard equipped with a Snapdragon 835 processor. The area of ​ ​ this board is 50.4 square meters. cm, while the comparable "motherboard" for the x86 processor architecture is about 98.1 square meters. cm

A prototype desktop PC based on Snapdragon 835 was also presented, to which a 46-inch monitor is connected, as well as a wireless mouse and keyboard.

The Snapdragon 835 allows devices to run 50% longer without recharging compared to conventional computers, and in the case of standby mode, the difference can be four- or even fivefold. This will be achieved not only due to lower processor consumption with ARM architecture, which is at the heart of Qualcomm platforms, but also due to the fact that the Snapdragon 835-based motherboard will take up less space in the device body, leaving room for a larger battery capacity. In addition, a single-chip system will allow manufacturers not to use fans to cool internal electronics.

In addition, the computer version of the Snapdragon 835 will receive a new LTE X16 modem capable of receiving data in 4G mobile networks at speeds up to 1 Gbps. Thanks to the cellular chip, some updates (for example, incoming emails or notifications) will be carried out in the "sleep" mode of the computer.

The first laptops based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processors will be released by ASUS, HP Inc. and Lenovo. Their software base will be a special operating system Windows 10 ARM, which supports "classic computer programs like Microsoft Office and Photoshop.^[11]

Snapdragon 210

On February 27, 2017, Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 210 SoC with support for the Android Things operating system.

The chipset includes a quad-core Cortex-A7 and GPU Adreno 304. Snapdragon 210 is made using a 28-nm process technology, operates at 1.1 GHz, supports Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi 802.11n protocols, screens up to 720p and an 8-megapixel^[12] camera^[12]

A feature of the chip is the built-in X5 LTE modem with a data transfer rate of up to 150 Mbps. The company announced it as the first chipset for Android Things to support fourth-generation networks.

Snapdragon 210 can be used in remote video surveillance, navigation tracking, payment systems, vending machines, digital storefronts, in production, in household appliances. Through LTE communication, developers will also be able to leverage the capabilities of the Google Cloud platform and Google services. By being integrated into the chip, Chromecast Audio technology will allow you to create music devices.

According to the manufacturer, the performance of the Snapdragon 210 is sufficient for working with natural language, database requests, data processing, image analysis and video. Processing this data on the device itself, not only in the cloud, will reduce the amount of data transmitted, increase security and privacy.

Snapdragon 835

On January 4, 2017, Qualcomm announced the flagship processor for premium Snapdragon 835 gadgets. The manufacturer calls this product the first mobile platform manufactured at the commercial level using the 10nm FinFET process technology, which provides high performance and energy efficiency.

The single-chip system includes eight 64-bit Kryo 280 cores, divided into two clusters: one includes four cores with a clock speed of up to 2.45 GHz, the other - cores with a frequency of up to 1.9 GHz. Cores can operate in a variety of configurations, disabling and adjusting the frequency based on the complexity of the current task.

Responsible for the graphics component is the Adreno 540 accelerator, which, according to the developers, is about 30% faster than the Adreno 530 unit used in the Snapdragon 820 and 821. Support for the software interfaces OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan and DirectX12 is announced.

In general, the Snapdragon 835 is 20% more productive than the previous generation processors, as well as 25% more energy efficient and 35% smaller in size, which will allow device manufacturers to create thin devices with high-capacity batteries.

In addition, fast charging speed also increased by 20% thanks to Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 technology. The chip supports the following wireless technologies: LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ad and 2x2 802.11ac Wave-2.

The processor has a Qualcomm Haven security module that provides hardware support for a fingerprint scanner and whole retinal or face user authentication. Haven is also responsible for creating tokens used to pay for purchases using the phone, as well as checking application signatures and securely loading the system.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 is focused on premium consumer and enterprise devices, including smartphones, virtual/augmented reality helmets, IP cameras, tablets, mobile computers and various gadgets based on Android and Windows 10.

Samsung Electronics has been chosen as the contract manufacturer for the new Qualcomm processor. The first devices based on Snapdragon 835 will appear on the market in the first half of 2017.^[13]

Notes