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
Frenemies with silicon Qualcomm and Arm are squaring off in a Delaware federal courtroom again, and this time the fight could cost billions.
Summit I spent a few days at Snapdragon Summit checking out the latest tech powered by Qualcomm's latest chips. Here are some of the coolest things I saw.
Samesies Qualcomm and MediaTek are both using 2nm designs this year, and they're more similar than you think.
Staying healthy Qualcomm, Global Health Connect found the "Personal AI Health Alliance" for wearable AI solutions that make all of our health data mean something.
Snapdragon Sound Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound advances with the Elite Gen 2, sporting adaptive ANC, personal AI, "context-aware" audio, and much more.
Qualcomm raises the bar Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme processor wants to run AI agents directly on your phone.
AI meets Snapdragon muscle Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite now powers the first Googlebook laptops, built around Gemini Intelligence.
Going Elite...? Moto's Signature 27 is on the way, and so is Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, where we'll see what's in store (Elite chip... maybe?).
2nm race is on MediaTek's first 2nm flagship chip is officially here.
Health is serious Ultrahuman receives major $70 million investments from Qualcomm Ventures and more to facilitate the future of health-focused human computing power.
Stronger. Faster. Qualcomm's Adreno 'Neural Fusion' GPU could be the exact graphical boom for gaming on phones that I've been waiting for, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
5GHz is happening Qualcomm's next chip can hit a whopping 5GHz clock speed.
Advancing We're a month away from getting 2nm chips from Qualcomm; however, reports say TSMC is striding toward 1.6nm for the near future.
Graphics, performance, etc. Qualcomm preps a pair of Snapdragon flagship chips in Summit 2026 teasers where "Dual 8 Elites" will be revealed.
Chips price increase The best time to buy a smartphone was yesterday.
One Chip to Rule Samsung and Qualcomm are going all-in, supercharging the new Galaxy foldables, watches, and smart glasses with next-gen Snapdragon chips.
Another boost? A rumor spins an interesting theory for Qualcomm's next budget Snapdragon 3 Gen 6 and its graphical performance.
On the way Qualcomm revealed the dates for its Snapdragon Summit, and all eyes are eagerly awaiting the next Snapdragon chip for flagships amid rumors.
