2.5GHz/core Snapdragon claims integrates GPU, LTE

Qualcomm Inc. has released information about the mobile processor architecture for the coming additions to the Snapdragon family, code-named Krait. The chipsets are designed to offer speeds of up to 2.5GHz per core and deliver 150 percent higher overall performance, and 65 percent lower power use than currently available ARM-based CPU cores. They will be available in single-, dual- and quad-core versions and include a new Adreno GPU series with up to four 3D cores, and integrated multimode LTE modem.

The latest family of Snapdragon chipsets will include the single-core MSM8930, the dual-core MSM8960 and the quad-core APQ8064. All chipsets in the family will integrate a quad-combo of connectivity solutions—WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and FM—and include support for NFC, stereoscopic 3D (S3D) video, and photo capture and playback. Support for every major OS, across all tiers of products, comes standard on all Snapdragon chipsets.

The software compatible chipset family will share the same 28nm technology and new, purpose-built CPUs and GPUs for the best mobile performance at the lowest power consumption. The latest Adreno GPUs will also be included in the family, allowing developers to continue to use Adreno graphics capabilities to drive gaming and improve user experiences across all device tiers. The Adreno GPU has the largest mobile graphics ecosystems with hundreds of games for Android, Windows Phone 7 Xbox gaming, and PlayStation Certified gaming.

At the high end, the Adreno 320 quad-core GPU will deliver up to 15 times the performance of the original Adreno to drive the latest games and S3D video on larger-screen devices. Adreno 320 delivers similar graphics performance to today's latest game consoles, but for mobile devices. In addition, the chipset family will support 3D and S3D games, capture and playback of S3D photos and videos, and output in full HD to a 1,080P flat panel display over HDMI.

The single-core MSM8930 integrates an LTE modem designed to take LTE to mass market smart phones. It will include the new Adreno 305 GPU.