Qualcomm has introduced an affordable smartphone SoC tailored for India, the world's second-largest smartphone market. This move comes as more Indian consumers opt for premium phones, while Qualcomm's main competitor targets the country's growing automotive chip sector.
According to PTI, Mint, and Business Standard, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 chipset, specifically designed to make 5G technology more accessible to the Indian market, aiming to reduce the price of 5G smartphones to under INR8,000 (US$99).
By targeting entry-level devices, Qualcomm aims to reach over 600 million potential smartphone users in India. The company plans to introduce GenAI capabilities to lower-tier devices within a year.
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 boasts an octa-core CPU with powerful Kryo Prime cores for demanding tasks and energy-efficient Kryo efficiency cores for everyday use. Built on the same 4nm process as the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, the chipset delivers impressive speed and efficiency.
In addition to its powerful CPU, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 supports smooth visuals with FHD+ displays capable of up to 90Hz refresh rates. For seamless connectivity, the chip includes gigabit 5G capabilities and dual-frequency GNSS, including India's NavIC for precise location services.
Qualcomm announced that OEMs such as Xiaomi and its subsidiaries are developing devices utilizing the new SoC. The company is also in talks with other established and emerging OEMs, with further partnerships to be unveiled in the near future.
The launch comes as the entry-level segment in India's smartphone market has been shrinking due to consumers opting for higher-priced smartphones. Qualcomm's focus on this segment marks a departure from its recent strategy of prioritizing the premium market. IDC data shows that MediaTek smartphone AP had a 50% market share in India in 2023.
PC and automobile markets
Qualcomm also unveiled the Snapdragon X Series compute lineup for India, which includes the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus. The company anticipates significant growth in the Indian PC market over the next two years, driven by factors such as the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade, the refresh cycle of laptops purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing adoption of AI-powered PCs.
The chipmaker has partnered with major PC manufacturers, including Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, to bring these AI-powered devices to Indian consumers.
Following MediaTek's partnership with Jio for the electric two-wheeler (E2W) market in late July, Qualcomm is expanding its presence in the Indian automotive sector. It aims to provide chipsets and platforms for both electric and traditional vehicles.
To bolster its position in India, Qualcomm is emphasizing local development and support. Engineering teams based in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru work directly with Indian automakers. Qualcomm plans to increase its investment in India by expanding its workforce and developing local capabilities to support global operations.
