Qualcomm Launches Mid-Range SoC Snapdragon 7 Gen 1

Qualcomm has unveiled the mid-range SoC Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 with some compelling features. The chipset is built using Samsung’s 4nm process and brings superior performance to its predecessor Snapdragon 778G.

The S7G1 is also the company’s first-ever non-premium smartphone SoC after launching the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 last year for high-end devices. So, it also hints at a strategic shift from Qualcomm to also focus on the mid-range smartphone market too.

Just like its predecessor, the latest Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 implements a 1+3+4 core setup. But there are two types of core configuration – high-performance Cortex-A710 and high-efficiency Cortex-A510. The superior core clocks at 2.4 GHz. The remaining 3 clocks are slightly lower at 2.36 GHz. The remaining cores clocked at 1.8 GHz.

Similarly, there is a slight variation in the memory department too. The S7G1 comes with LPDDR5. It can support up to LPDDR5-6400 data rates just like the S8G1. This allows it to access 25.6 GB per second of memory bandwidth.

Crucially, the S7G1 has mmWave support and can achieve download speeds up to 4.4 Gbps.

Faster GPU, and improved performance

In the GPU department, Qualcomm has not assigned any model number to identify it but simply calls it ‘Adreno’. So, we can’t readily speak about its architecture. But still, the company says the new GPU brings 20% faster performance than its last year’s sibling 778G.

And like the flagship S8G1, the S7G1 also comes with Qualcomm’s 7th gen AI engine. The company says it brings up to a 30% performance boost compared to the 6th gen AI engine.

Likewise, the S7G1 includes a Spectra Triple 14-bit image signal processor (ISP), the Snapdragon X62 5G modem-RF system, a dedicated Trust Management Engine, and Android Ready SE for the car keys and IDs.

Fr the optics, Qualcomm is using the triple ISP that can handle 3 cameras. Although the throughput is lower, the ISP can render images up to 200 MP in size. Besides, it comes with the support for a 14-bit imaging pipeline ISP which is said to be as good as the 780G.

For connectivity, it comes with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Also read: Qualcomm, ZTE Unveil The World’s First 5G NR-DC

Devices that will come with the S7G1

As stated, the mid-range S7G1 SoC will fit into upper mid-range smartphones and will be a great fit for gaming. Qualcomm says many leading smartphone OEMs will place the chipset underneath their hood. The list includes brands such as Honor, OPPO, and Xiaomi. As for the timeline, these companies could launch their upcoming devices with the S7G1 starting from Q2 2022 which is before the end of next month.

Which SoC power your smartphone? Are you satisfied with its gaming and overall performance? Do share in the comments below.