Qualcomm & Samsung Tie Up For Latest Snapdragon Chipset

Leading wireless chipset manufacturer Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is set to launch a new version of the Snapdragon mobile processor. Recently, Qualcomm’s subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI), and Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) Co., Ltd. entered into a strategic alliance to manufacture a premium Snapdragon processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, using the latter’s 10-nanometer (nm) FinFET process technology.

This launch reflects Qualcomm’s vision to expand beyond its traditional market of smartphones into the IoT market.

Qualcomm’s Take

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor is best known for its versatility in IoT applications. The latest launch will help the company provide additional support and durability to a broader range of customers.

This October, Samsung announced that it is the first in the industry to enter into mass production of 10nm FinFET technology. Compared to its 14nm FinFET predecessors, Samsung’s 10nm technology allows up to a 30% increase in area efficiency with 27% higher performance or up to 40% lower power consumption. The new 10nm process node is expected to enable Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 processor deliver better and improved performance with more efficiency and add-on capabilities, a more advanced chip design which in a way will help save battery and thus improve their user experience for the next-generation mobile devices.

The Snapdragon 835 mobile processor is in the stage of production and is expected to be commercially available in the first half of 2017. The chipset follows the Snapdragon 820/21 processor, which has over 200 designs in development.

5G Developments

Recently, Qualcomm Technologies announced the launch of the 5G New Radio (NR) spectrum sharing prototype system and trial platform.

In Oct 2016, Qualcomm Technologies announced the launch of the world’s first 5G modem Snapdragon X50 and gigabit modem Snapdragon X16 LTE.

In Sep 2016, Qualcomm, along with other mobile telecommunication companies – Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) , Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) and Nokia (HE:NOKIA) Corporation (NYSE:NOK) – announced a 5G Automotive partnership with German car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Daimler. The main motive behind this alliance is to dealwith the society's connected mobility and road safety needs byupgrading the infrastructure with the help of LTE and 5G advancements.

Qualcomm currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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