Snapdragon 2024: Intelligence Unleashed—Connectivity Not Required

Tech
By 24matins.uk,  published 21 August 2025 at 19h31, updated on 21 August 2025 at 19h32.
Tech

At the 2024 edition of Snapdragon, Qualcomm showcased its latest advancements in artificial intelligence, highlighting technologies designed to operate seamlessly even when users are offline, signaling a new era of pervasive and independent AI capabilities across devices.

Tl;dr

  • Qualcomm unveils smarter, AI-powered mid-range smartphones.
  • Satellite SOS messaging arrives on new smartwatches.
  • Google Pixel Watch 4 launches with Snapdragon W5 Gen 2.

Smartphones Evolve: AI and Performance Gains

A wave of change is rolling through the world of mid-range smartphones in 2024, as Qualcomm introduces its latest Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor. For users, this means more than a simple upgrade. Over the past several months, the company has poured effort into embedding advanced artificial intelligence features across its affordable platforms—delivering not just wider displays and improved cameras but also a tangible boost in day-to-day performance. Both the GPU and CPU see a notable 7% increase in power, with the CPU now clocking speeds up to 2.7 GHz.

Previously, devices like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, Fairphone 6, and rugged Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro showcased earlier generations of this chipset—though their absence from the US market was notable. However, industry watchers expect things to shift soon. Rumours are swirling about possible launches from manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola, though the brand Nothing isn’t slated for an update until next year. The gap between the mainstream Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and its more premium sibling, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, is shrinking, leaving only minor distinctions in raw power and price.

Pioneering Satellite Technology for Wearables

Turning to wearables, innovation appears to be accelerating just as quickly. The wearable division at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has announced new chipsets—the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2. In what could be described as a landmark step for smartwatches, these are the first platforms to feature emergency satellite messaging support via NB-NTN technology—a product of collaboration with Skylo. This development opens up an invaluable safety net: if you’re hiking or travelling outside cellular coverage, sending an SOS directly from your watch is now a reality.

The technical upgrades accompanying these chipsets deserve mention:

  • The adoption of a sophisticated SoC architecture based on a 4 nm process has significantly lowered power consumption.
  • A low-power co-processor (exclusive to W5+) enhances energy efficiency even further.
  • The built-in GPS is up to 50% more accurate than before.
  • Slimmer designs paired with improved battery life become possible without compromise.

    • A New Era for Smartwatches: Google’s Move

    The first device confirmed to harness this technology will be the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 4, debuting with both the new chipset and the latest iteration of Wear OS. As Sandeep Waraich from Google put it: « The performance, efficiency and connectivity must remain flawless—now achievable through this platform coupled with Wear OS 6. The arrival of satellite emergency communications marks a new chapter in safety. »

    Tarun Gupta highlights this broader partnership with Skylo as « a revolution for NTN connectivity in wearables—offering independence, safety and never-seen-before features for everyday users. »

    A Sector on Fast Forward

    In sum, whether it’s cutting-edge hardware improvements on Android phones or unprecedented advances in wearable safety features, one thing is clear: Qualcomm‘s relentless pace continues to reshape the global tech landscape.