Qualcomm is a mobile technology and processor manufacturer best known in the Android world for its vast lineup of "Snapdragon" system-on-a-chip components used primarily in smartphones and tablets. Snapdragon processors have gained popularity for having a wide range of different prices and power levels for devices of all price points, while in any case being extremely efficient with mobile data traffic because of Qualcomm's involvement in the development of 3G and 4G standards.
Though processor production may be its bread and butter as smartphone adoption has taken off, Qualcomm is also known for pushing technologies in various other areas. Qualcomm has been one of the leading developers of 3G and 4G networks since their first emerging popularity, partnering tightly with carriers around the world and holding various important patents on 3G and 4G networking. Patent licensing to other companies for mobile device processors remains a large portion of Qualcomm's business.
It has also developed a lesser-known display technology called Mirasol, which bridges the gap between efficient but black and white e-ink displays and colorful but power-hungry LCD and AMOLED displays. Mirasol has primarily lived as a technology demonstration, but in late 2013 Qualcomm also released its Toq smartwatch as an example of the display tech in real-world use.
Qualcomm has been a player in the mobile space in one way or another since the early days, and with its continued development of mobile-focused technology it is sure to be at the front of everyone's minds going forward.
Latest about Qualcomm
Galaxy S25 phones help drive record Qualcomm Q1 2025 revenue to $11.6 billion
Qualcomm earnings Qualcomm's earnings call was optimistic about smart glasses and automotive AI, but warned about flagging Android phone sales hurting business in 2025.
Qualcomm expands Snapdragon 8 Elite lineup with new 7-core variant
New chip The lower-tier offering comes as Qualcomm is rumored to be working on midrange and overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite variants.
Qualcomm's 'Snapdragon 8s Elite' might be a toned-down version of the flagship chip
Going affordable A tipster may have leaked Qualcomm's next flagship chip variant core setup.
Qualcomm seemingly confirms the Galaxy S25 series will have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip
Blazing fast It has been long rumored that the Samsung Galaxy S25 series will exclusively use Qualcomm processors, and that's now all but confirmed.
Qualcomm secures key victory despite mistrial, Arm to seek retrial over custom Snapdragon chips
Huge decision Although it ended in a mistrial, the jury sided with Qualcomm on one of the lawsuit's most important questions.
A MediaTek modem could make or break the Pixel 10 — Google can’t screw this up
Risky move The latest reports indicate that Google could be switching from Samsung to MediaTek modems — here’s what that will mean for the Pixel 10.
Qualcomm's next flagship SoC could see a 'significant' price hike
Going up A report alleges that Qualcomm's next flagship chip could get even pricier.
Rumors surface about Qualcomm's 'Snapdragon 8s Elite' and its power level
Power Shift Rumors began to swirl about the potential power changes for the "Snapdragon 8s Elite."
Qualcomm reports $10.2B in FY Q4 revenue thanks to strong headset sales, automotive push
Earnings Qualcomm's yearly revenue has increased by 9%, closing in on $40 billion.
Arm is giving Qualcomm the wake-up call it needs
All that and a bag of chips Qualcomm and Arm will surely settle but Arm is going to play hardball.
Arm is pulling the plug on Qualcomm's chip design license
a major blow Arm's unexpected move is a major blow to Qualcomm.
Qualcomm has intense AI plans for your next car with Cockpit Elite, and not just self-driving tech
Qualcomm Summit 2024 Cockpit Elite's Oryon CPU, 12X-boosted NPU, and ray-tracing graphics bring flagship mobile specs to "software-defined vehicles."
Snapdragon 8 Elite offers a dramatic power boost for 2025 flagship Android phones
Flagship power Qualcomm's new 3nm chip offers "Elite" performance growth over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Qualcomm confirms 'targeted' zero-day chip exploit in numerous Android phones
Cause for concern Qualcomm confirmed that a zero-day exploit affected its chips, but the problem was seemingly "targeted."
New Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 leak reveals specs ahead of launch
Shine a light A recent leak illuminated all that Qualcomm might have in store for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ahead of its launch.
The Galaxy S25 could suffer from higher prices thanks to Qualcomm and MediaTek
Take caution Rumors have supposedly detailed the potential price hike for Qualcomm's next flagship SoC.
It's time for a new wave of Chromebooks
Beyond the Alphabet Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips have been available on Windows laptops for a few months, but we're wondering whether Chromebooks will be able to join in the fun.
Qualcomm is chasing Google when it comes to AI and your battery will be the victim
Dead by sundown When phone makers want everything to be thin and chipmakers want even more power you're left buying a battery pack.
