Qualcomm has unveiled its latest mobile platform, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, designed to make 5G technology more accessible and affordable.
This new chipset aims to make using some of the best budget phones even better, offering improved performance, extended battery life and excellent camera capabilities without the usual extra cost.
Here’s a detailed look at the launch timeline, the phones that will feature this new chipset and the specs and features it brings to the table.
When will the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 launch?
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 was officially unveiled by Qualcomm on 30 July 2024.
Although an exact release date has not been revealed, we can expect that the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will be widely available soon.
So, when will we see the first Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 phones? Qualcomm is vague about this, but says commercial devices featuring this chipset are “expected to be announced before the end of this year”.
Which phones will use the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2?
Qualcomm has confirmed that Xiaomi will be the first major company to adopt the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 in its device. Other brands under Xiaomi’s umbrella, such as Poco and Redmi, are also expected to feature this chipset in their upcoming devices.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Besides that, we don’t currently know of any other brands that will unveil phones with this chip.
However, any phone maker that makes budget phones and uses Snapdragon chipsets in its phones could realistically use the 4s Gen 2. Samsung tends to opt for its own Exynos chips in cheaper handsets, though, so don’t expect a Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Galaxy.
What are the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 specs and features?
Performance
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is built on a 4nm process node, which significantly enhances power efficiency and performance compared to 5nm or 7nm processors.
The CPU, a Qualcomm Kryo, supposedly reaches peak speeds of 2 GHz, with a blend of two performance cores and six efficiency cores.
According to Qualcomm, users can expect all-day battery life with Quick Charge 4+ technology, which is capable of charging phone batteries up to 50% in just 15 minutes.
The processor also supports UFS 3.1 storage for faster data processing and app performance, along with fast LPDDR4X memory.
Connectivity
The most exciting thing about the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is its 5G capabilities. This chip integrates the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF System, supporting up to 1Gbps download speeds via mobile data.
Additional connectivity features include Qualcomm Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with support for dual-frequency bands, Bluetooth 5.1 technology for enhanced wireless communication and dual-frequency GNSS (L1 + L5) and NavIC for improved location accuracy.
Qualcomm
Cameras
According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 also offers advanced camera and multimedia capabilities to enhance user experiences.
The Qualcomm Spectra 12-bit dual ISP supports up to 84Mp photo capture, 1080p video capture at 60fps and various advanced features like Multi-Frame Noise Reduction and Video Image Stabilization.
It supports FHD+ displays at 90fps for smooth gaming and media consumption. Audio is enhanced with Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec and aptX Adaptive audio to ensure high-fidelity sound reproduction and voice clarity.
AI features
Lastly, AI enhancements in the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 supposedly enable smarter interactions and improved security.
AI-powered voice activation allows for voice commands with improved noise cancellation. The chipset also includes Qualcomm Trusted Execution Environment and other security services to protect user data and privacy.
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 sounds good on paper, but will it end up “redefining the entry-level mobile experience” in the way Qualcomm hopes? Time will tell, but it could significantly improve the performance of some of the cheapest smartphones around.
More interested in Qualcomm flagships? See our separate articles on the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.