Qualcomm launches the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 SoC giving a major power boost to mid-range smartphones

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, bringing improved performance, better power efficiency, and AI-driven enhancements to mid-range smartphones. Designed to offer flagship-like features at a more affordable price point, the new chipset promises faster gaming, better photography, and longer battery life.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 aims to redefine how we think of everyday smartphone experiences with up to 11% better CPU performance, a 29% improvement in GPU power, and 12% lower power consumption compared to its predecessor. With first-in-series support for on-device AI, ultra-fast 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and lossless audio, the new SoC is expected to power upcoming devices from brands like realme, OPPO, and Honor in the coming months.

Deepu John, Senior Director of Product Management at Qualcomm, highlighted the platform’s importance, stating: “Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 will drive the next leap forward for smartphones in the mid-tier thanks to significant advancements in AI, gaming and photography. This platform brings a new level of performance and power efficiency for users to enjoy virtually anywhere.”

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Performance boost: Faster, smoother, and more efficient

At the heart of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is Qualcomm’s Kryo CPU, offering 11% better performance than its predecessor. The Adreno GPU sees an even bigger boost, with 29% higher graphics power, enabling smoother gameplay, better visuals, and improved scrolling and streaming experiences.

One of the biggest improvements comes in power efficiency, with Qualcomm claiming 12% lower power consumption. This means longer battery life for users, making it easier to game, work, or stream without constantly worrying about charging.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is built on an efficient 4nm process, further enhancing performance while keeping power consumption in check.

Gaming Features: A more immersive experience

For gaming enthusiasts, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 introduces several upgrades that make mobile gaming more immersive and enjoyable. Qualcomm has added Snapdragon Game Super Resolution, a feature that intelligently upscales graphics to 4K resolution. This ensures sharper visuals without putting too much strain on battery life.

Another key improvement is the Adreno Frame Motion Engine, which doubles frame rates for smoother gameplay without draining extra power. The Adreno HDR Fast Blend technology also helps render complex gaming scenes up to twice as fast.

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These enhancements make the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 a strong contender for gamers who want high-quality visuals and seamless performance, even in the mid-range smartphone segment.

Camera upgrades: Capture stunning photos and videos

Photography lovers will appreciate the Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP (Image Signal Processor), which enables simultaneous photo and video capture. With 200MP photo support, 4K HDR video recording, and Snapdragon Low-Light Vision (LLV), users can take clearer pictures even in low-light conditions.

The Multi-Frame Noise Reduction (MFNR) feature reduces image noise, ensuring crisper, more detailed shots. Meanwhile, AI-powered enhancements improve facial recognition, auto-focus, and exposure adjustments for professional-grade photography.

AI enhancements: Smarter and more efficient

For the first time in the Snapdragon 6 series, Qualcomm has introduced on-device AI capabilities. The Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) supports INT4 precision, making AI functions faster and more efficient.

This AI support enables better virtual assistants, real-time background noise cancellation during calls, and automated content summarisation for tasks like email drafting. AI-powered app suggestions and battery optimisation also enhance the overall user experience.

Connectivity: Faster 5G and Wi-Fi 6E

Staying connected is now even easier with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. The chipset features the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF System, offering faster 5G speeds and better global network compatibility than its predecessor.

For Wi-Fi, Qualcomm’s FastConnect system supports Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring faster, more stable connections with lower latency—perfect for gaming, streaming, or video calls. The chipset also introduces Triple Frequency Location Support (L1/L5/L2), making GPS navigation more accurate.

With these upgrades, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 ensures users stay connected with high-speed internet and precise location tracking, no matter where they are.

Lossless audio and entertainment

For music lovers and movie enthusiasts, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 supports Qualcomm aptX Lossless Audio, delivering high-quality sound over Bluetooth. The Snapdragon Sound suite also ensures lag-free listening and immersive audio for gaming and streaming.

Additionally, LE Audio support allows users to broadcast audio across multiple devices, making it easier to share music with friends or switch between different speakers and headphones.

What this means for mid-range smartphones

With the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, Qualcomm is bringing flagship-like features to mid-range smartphones. The performance boost, AI enhancements, improved gaming experience, and better camera capabilities make it an attractive option for both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

Smartphone brands like realme, OPPO, and Honor are expected to launch new devices powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 in the coming months. As Qualcomm continues to refine its Snapdragon 6 series, the gap between mid-range and flagship devices is getting smaller, giving users more powerful, feature-packed smartphones at an affordable price.