Qualcomm believes its newest X85 5G modem will set a “enormous delta” between the efficiency of high-end Android gadgets and Apple gadgets, largely because of its AI-powered options.
Introduced at this 12 months’s ongoing Cell World Convention 2025 in Barcelona, Qualcomm’s next-generation X85 modem helps 5G mmWave, 400MHz obtain bandwidth within the Sub-6GHz spectrum with 1024-QAM modulation for higher knowledge speeds, and Satellite tv for pc connectivity.
The X85 can ship peak obtain speeds of as much as 12.5Gbps and peak add speeds of as much as 3.7Gbps, in line with Qualcomm. As well as, the modem can mix a number of frequencies from totally different carriers to ship higher efficiency.
When it comes to AI options, its AI-powered Knowledge Site visitors Engine is claimed to have the ability to cut back latency and enhance pace and effectivity.
“It is the primary modem that has a lot AI, it truly will increase the vary of efficiency of the modem so the modem can take care of weaker alerts,” Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon instructed CNBC.
“What that can do will set an enormous delta between the efficiency of premium Android gadgets, and iOS gadgets, if you examine what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing.”
Apple claims its new C1 modem, which lately debuted within the entry-level iPhone 16e, is essentially the most power-efficient iPhone modem ever, contributing to the iPhone 16e having the longest battery lifetime of any 6.1-inch iPhone ever. The corporate additionally says the C1 is as much as 25% extra energy environment friendly than Qualcomm modems in different iPhones. Third-party scientific testing seems to again up Apple’s claims.
The C1 modem lacks assist for ultra-fast mmWave 5G know-how. This implies customers will not have entry to the exceptionally quick speeds that mmWave know-how can present in particular areas reminiscent of stadiums, airports, and dense city areas. Nevertheless, Apple says the C1 is simply the “begin” and that it’ll hold enhancing the know-how with every successive technology. Apple provide chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has mentioned the iPhone 17 Air will even be outfitted with the C1 modem.
Expertise the following stage of 5G connectivity with the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF. Unequalled connectivity and adaptability, even when your RF sign isn’t the strongest. pic.twitter.com/Ke6c3u62Yu
— Qualcomm (@Qualcomm) March 3, 2025
Apple’s present settlement with Qualcomm extends by way of 2026, giving Apple ample time to excellent its modem know-how whereas it has entry to Qualcomm’s modems for its premium iPhone fashions. The Qualcomm X85 5G modem is more likely to debut on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip, which is predicted to reach in October 2025.
