MWC 2025

Qualcomm unleashes Snapdragon X85 modem-RF rated for extra-fast 3.7Gb/s 5G uploads

Qualcomm asserts that its latest Snapdragon X85 modem-RF platform can drive new all-time highs in terms of bandwidth and upload speeds. It integrates a new AI processor touted to boost its signal strength and speed with reduced power use. The OEM backs X85 and its new X82 sibling to deliver next-gen 5G to industry-grade devices as well as smartphones and other consumer-level products.

Qualcomm has unveiled its latest flagship 5G modem-RF as the first of its kind to support a bandwidth of 400 megahertz (MHz), thanks to cutting-edge 6x carrier aggregation (CA) technology.

The Snapdragon X85 is also packed with features such as Qualcomm Smart Transmit Plus technology, downlink CA and 1024 QAM for sub-6GHz. They will apparently contribute to download speeds of up to 12.5 gigabits per second (Gb/s) and uploads of up to 3.7Gb/s, compared to 10Gb/s and 3.5Gb/s respectively in its predecessor.

The X85 is powered by the latest 5G AI processor from Qualcomm, rated for generational speed gains of up to 30% in inference with the goal of 'smartly' boosting power efficiency and coverage while reducing latency in the new modem.

The platform also features a new "converged" transceiver for the mmWave type of 5G as well as sub-6GHz, and also supports up-to-date satellite connectivity.

Accordingly, Qualcomm backs the Snapdragon X85 to handle the demands of industrial internet-of-things (IoT) arrays as well as that of next-gen consumer premises equipment (CPE) for wireless broadband and, of course, smartphones.

Alternatively, the X82 has also just debuted as a potentially more cost-effective source of the same.

In the meantime, the OEM is demonstrating both new solutions as part of its MWC 2025 showcase, currently to be found at the Qualcomm Booth (#3E10) in Hall 3 of Barcelona's Fira Gran Via venue.

Qualcomm Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite Platform debuts with AI and 5G Advanced

Qualcomm insists that FWA is an increasingly viable alternative to a service such as fiber-optic broadband, especially for customers who live out of the range of such networks. To that end, the fourth-gen Dragonwing platform for the equipment required has been unveiled as having upgraded to Elite status at MWC 2025.

It is rated to support mmWave signals from up to 14 kilometers (~9 miles) away and for downlink speeds of up to 12.5Gb/s, thanks to the new QTM567 antenna and the new Snapdragon X85 platform for 5G connections respectively. 

Accordingly, the FWA Gen 4 Elite also benefits from the X85's AI processor with its up to 40 trillion operation per second (TOPS) NPU for inference speeds of up to 30% faster than the previous generation and AI-Powered On-Device Smart Network Selection.

On that note, Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite-powered routers might be able to use 2 SIMs at once to boost their signal thanks to Dual-SIM Dual Active (DSDA) technology and support "world-first" 5G Advanced connections.

They might also be able to fully support connected devices with tri-band Wi-Fi 7 as well as those with up-to-10Gb Ethernet ports.

Qualcomm is already shipping the Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite Platform to clients, meaning that routers and CPEs powered by the next-gen solution might be here relatively soon.

mundophone