Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 platform, designed to provide Gigabit 5G connectivity for budget smartphones priced under $100.

Xiaomi is set to be one of the first manufacturers to utilize this new chipset, aiming to make 5G accessible to approximately 2.8 billion smartphone users globally.

The first device featuring the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will be released by Xiaomi in India before the end of this year.

This platform enhances the mobile experience with improved CPU performance for multitasking, AI-enhanced audio, and better gaming capabilities.

In addition to gigabit 5G connectivity, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 offers robust power efficiency for all-day battery life and enhanced camera features.

The chipset boasts a powerful camera system with dual 12-bit ISPs, enabling users to capture up to 84MP photos and record 1080p video at 60 FPS.

Equipped with a Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF radio block, the platform supports sub-6 GHz 5G Standalone with maximum downlink speeds of 1 Gbps.

However, it is important to note that the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 only supports standalone 5G deployment, lacking compatibility with the more common non-standalone mode.

Qualcomm aims to assist users currently experiencing slow internet access by providing an affordable upgrade path through this new chipset.

Overall, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is positioned to redefine the entry-level mobile experience and increase 5G accessibility in select regions.

Despite the introduction of more affordable 5G chipsets, many smartphones priced at $150 or less continue to be launched without 5G connectivity.