Qualcomm has followed Apple into the 64-bit processing territory, but opted for a different strategy to the Cupertino-based tech outfit. The company’s newly unveiled Snapdragon 410 system-on-chipset (SoC) is a 28 nm, 64-bit chipset, but unlike the Snapdragon 600 and 800 before it, it is not destined for high-end devices such as the Galaxy S4 Active (quick review).    

The new Snapdragon 410 chipsets will do duty in low- and midrange mobile devices targeted mostly at the emerging market. Onboard the Snapdragon 410 CPU is integrated LTE (4G) connectivity; enhanced graphics abilities courtesy of an Adreno 306 GPU, and 1080p video playback. This while it can work with devices packing dual- or even triple SIMs, and also offering support for cameras with image sensors up to 13 megapixels.

Thanks to sporting Qualcomm’s RF360 front end solution, the Snapdragon 410 further boasts support for a plethora of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM Radio, NFC functionality, GPS, GLONASS, and China’s new BeiDou functionality, which helps deliver enhanced accuracy as well as speed of location data to Snapdragon-enabled handsets. In terms of operating systems (OSs), the Snapdragon 410 chipset works with most of the major platforms including Android, Windows Phone and Firefox mobile OS.

Bringing 64-bit & LTE to mass market, high-volume devices

Qualcomm stated that sample units of the Snapdragon 410 processor will begin making its way to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) during the first half of 2014. The first devices powered by this new SoC are expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2014.

Jeff Lorbeck, senior VP and COO of Qualcomm Technologies, China said: “We are excited to bring 4G LTE to highly affordable smartphones at a sub $150 [R1 550] price point with the introduction of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor. The Snapdragon 410 chipset will also be the first of many 64-bit capable processors as Qualcomm Technologies helps lead the transition of the mobile ecosystem to 64-bit processing.”

In other processor related news, IHS recently revealed that the global processor market will show strong growth throughout 2013, thanks to a year-on-year increase in CPU shipments to smartphone, tablet, PCs and server OEMs.