Qualcomm's New Processor to Bring AI to Affordable Phones

Qualcomm has introduced its latest processor, the Snapdragon 7S Gen 3, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of midrange smartphones by incorporating advanced features such as generative artificial intelligence. Announced on Tuesday, this new chip supports on-device AI functionalities, including language translation and noise cancellation, which have typically been reserved for high-end devices priced at $800 or more. The Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 is specifically designed for smartphones in the $500 to $600 range, potentially democratizing access to powerful AI features that were previously limited to premium models. The predecessor, Snapdragon 7S Gen 2, is currently utilized in the $550 Motorola Edge, suggesting that the new processor will likely find its way into similarly priced devices in the near future. Xiaomi is set to be the first manufacturer to launch a phone featuring the Snapdragon 7S Gen 3, with an announcement expected next month. Qualcomm's Director of Product Management, Akash Sharma, indicated that other brands, including Samsung, Sharp, and RealMe, are also planning to integrate this processor into their upcoming devices, which are anticipated to hit the market in 2025. This strategic move by Qualcomm could significantly impact the smartphone market, making advanced AI capabilities more accessible to consumers seeking affordable options without compromising on technology.