Qualcomm has quietly launched the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2, a chipset designed to extend the life of 4G devices in the entry-level and mid-range smartphone markets. Alongside it, the company also introduced the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, targeting similar segments but with 5G connectivity.
The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 features a Kryo CPU clocked up to 2.9GHz, delivering up to 51% faster performance than its Gen 1 predecessor. The integrated Adreno GPU, though unnamed, offers up to 20% improved graphics processing and supports 1080p+ displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz.
The chip is manufactured using a 6nm process—more advanced than the previous 11nm node used for Gen 1. It supports up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM running at speeds up to 2133MHz, paired with UFS 2.2 storage. Connectivity options include a USB port with USB 3.1 speeds and Quick Charge 3, capable of charging devices to 80% in 35 minutes (battery capacity unspecified by Qualcomm).
Camera support extends up to 108MP sensors, with a 12-bit triple ISP capable of handling configurations such as 13+13+5MP simultaneously or 16+16MP dual-camera setups with zero shutter lag. It supports capturing HEIC photos and HEVC videos, limited to 1080p at 60fps.
As indicated by its name, the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 includes a 4G LTE modem with maximum download speeds of 390Mbps and upload speeds of 150Mbps. Local connectivity remains modest with Wi-Fi 5 (dual-band, 802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.2 featuring aptX Adaptive audio support. For positioning, the chipset supports dual-band GPS along with GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and NavIC, enhanced by Qualcomm’s sensor-assisted positioning technology for improved accuracy when driving or walking.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, skipping a Gen 3 iteration, embraces 5G technology with a sub-6GHz Rel. 16 modem supporting both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes. This modem offers peak download speeds up to 2.5Gbps and upload speeds up to 900Mbps. However, it maintains Wi-Fi 5 (dual-band, 802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX audio support, while retaining the same positioning capabilities as the 6s 4G Gen 2.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is built on a more advanced 4nm manufacturing process. It includes two Kryo cores running up to 2.3GHz and six cores operating up to 2.0GHz. Its Adreno GPU supports 1080p+ displays at 120Hz refresh rates.
This chipset supports both LPDDR4X and faster LPDDR5 RAM (up to 3200MHz) as well as UFS 3.1 (2-lane) storage. It can be paired with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port and supports Quick Charge 4+, enabling 50% charging in just 15 minutes.
Camera capabilities reach up to 108MP sensors, but the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 has a dual ISP setup (16+16MP) with zero shutter lag. Video capture remains capped at 1080p at 60fps. Notably, neither chipset supports AV1 video decoding.
Devices featuring the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 are expected to launch next year.
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