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
Qualcomm might ditch the 'Elite' tag and go with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 for its next chip
No 'Elite' in sight A fresh leak reveals Snapdragon 8s Gen 4’s launch plans and how it one-ups its predecessor.
How can a tech giant 'build' a smartphone chip without its own foundry?
How its made Fabless design isn't a new idea but companies like Apple and Google are making it an art form.
Do we really need more powerful Android gaming handhelds?
New = $$$ I'm all for more power, but what's the point if we can't make use of it?
The first Snapdragon 8s Elite phones could launch next month, leaker claims
Upcoming launch Qualcomm's upcoming budget chip, the Snapdragon 8s Elite, could be hitting shelves in select smartphones starting in April 2025.
GDC 2025 brings about new Qualcomm chips and Android gaming handhelds
All about gaming Qualcomm announced a trio of new gaming processors, while we also got a glimpse at the handhelds these chips will be coming to.
AYANEO's next flagship gaming handheld is coming soon
Surprise launch AYANEO has been making waves with the number of premium gaming handhelds its been producing, and the company doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Qualcomm's new X85 modem blends AI and 5G for smarter, faster connections
AI meets 5G Qualcomm's X85 modem boasts a mix of AI and 5G, coming to your next flagship phone.
News Weekly: Pixel Watch 3 feature gets nod from FDA, Slack's massive outage, some Android phones get insane updates, and more
News Weekly This week saw the Pixel Watch 3 get FDA approval for loss of pulse, Slack's massive outage impacted workplaces globally, Clicks cases have landed on Android phones, and more.
Qualcomm and Google just announced a major update to Android updates
Updates galore Qualcomm is teaming up with Google to bring 8 years worth of updates to all Android devices with Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets.
Qualcomm unveils new Dragonwing brand for industrial IoT and cellular infrastructure
Dragonwing While Snapdragon is aimed at consumer products, the new Dragonwing includes products aimed at industries, cellular, and networking infrastructure.
Apple's C1 modem in the iPhone 16e is proof that we don't need Qualcomm for 5G
Shakeup It took Apple a big acquisition and many years, but it finally developed a modem worth replacing Qualcomm's with — what does that mean for Android?
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy vs. regular Snapdragon 8 Elite: Is there a difference?
Chip showdown I tested Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset against the new "for Galaxy" variant in the Samsung Galaxy S25 — here's what I learned.
Motorola reminds me that I don't need the best
Editor's Desk Motorola is the king of budget phones, but it's clear the company hasn't been resting on its laurels.
Qualcomm's new Snapdragon chip is about to make mid-range phones way better
looking bright Qualcomm's new Snapdragon processor will supercharge mid-range smartphones.
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.
