Chipmaker Qualcomm has launched a new ‘Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3’ built on a 5-nm process, packed with features such as 5G connectivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities for Windows mobile PCs.
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 succeeds the 8cx Gen 2 launched last year.
Qualcomm claims that the “Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 delivers an up to 85% generational performance uplift and up to 60% greater performance per watt over the competitive x86 platform”. Its Adreno GPU is 60% improved over its predecessor and supports gaming at full HD (up to 120 FPS).
The new Qualcomm Spectra ISP is said to offer improved camera start-up time with features such as Auto Focus, Auto White Balance, and Auto Exposure for video calls.
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 comes with Qualcomm Noise and Echo Cancellation technology – part of the Qualcomm Voice Suite, paired with AI acceleration.
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 also supports upto 4K HDR camera quality and up to 4 cameras for new use cases.
The 8cx Gen 3 is integrated with chip-to-cloud security.
“For managed systems in the Enterprise or Education segments, the Qualcomm Secure Processing Unit (SPU) implements Microsoft Pluton Security Solution for Windows 11 and can help to securely store sensitive data such as credentials, personal data, and encryption keys directly on the SoC,” Qualcomm said in a statement.
The new chip for mobile PCs supports Windows Hello login and is integrated with a dedicated computer vision processor for continuous authentication.
The 8cx Gen 3 chip’s support for Snapdragon X55, X62, or X65 5G Modem-RF allows devices powered by the chip to achieve speeds of upto 10Gbps, the statement added.
8cx Gen 3 also features Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 for Wi-Fi 6/6E – with Wi-Fi Dual Station, developed in collaboration with Microsoft for Windows 11.
“As we look forward, we will continue to see the PC play a central role in people’s lives. Together, we have a shared vision of redefining computing to deliver a more mobile, connected experience combining the best features of the smartphone with the power and performance people expect in a Windows PC,” said Panos Panay, executive vice president, chief product officer, Microsoft.
Alongside, Qualcomm also launched the 6nm-process based Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 for mobile Windows PCs and Chromebooks with 5G connectivity, AI, and Wi-Fi 6/6E.
The 7c+ Gen 3 offers 5G connectivity courtesy of the integrated Snapdragon X53 5G Modem-RF system that supports 5G sub-6 and mmWave.
Devices powered by new Snapdragon chips are expected to launch in 1H22.
