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 Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Everything you need to know
Now this is fast The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 uses the same 3nm node as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but it still somehow manages to deliver huge upgrades across the board.
Why aren't more headphones and earbuds using Wi-Fi for audio?
Android Audio Wi-Fi is the natural solution to ending range anxiety and improving audio quality for wireless headphones and earbuds, so what's holding up adoption?
Google and Qualcomm finally realize what AI is for
Editor's Desk Qualcomm's latest chip will help enable a new evolution of personalized agentic AI.
I can't shake the feeling that ChromeOS is nearing the end, or is it a new beginning?
Beyond the Alphabet Potentially lost in the wave of new announcements from Qualcomm, we might have just learned that ChromeOS is on its way out, set to be replaced by a hybrid OS solution.
Xiaomi 17 launches first with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and a 'Dynamic Back Display'
Xiaomi leads the pack Xiaomi launched its 17 series for its consumers in China, and its Pro series rocks a major secondary screen on its back.
The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 promises smarter, more proactive AI and better video recording
Unleash the dragon The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 takes AI to another level with enhanced on-device agentic capabilities, allowing phones to become more proactive and helpful.
Qualcomm reveals Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: What to expect from the upcoming flagship chip
New chip, new name Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will launch officially at the Snapdragon Summit on September 23, 2025.
Qualcomm's new Quick Charge 5+ tech promises blazing speeds without the heat
Same speed, less heat Qualcomm's new charging tech wants to pushes 100W+ speeds without the usual trade-offs.
If this rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite name change is true, we're going to be confused
Small change? A rumor claimed Qualcomm could swap the name of its second-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 brings Elite Gaming features to mid-range phones
A chip for gamers The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 offers flagship-level gaming features, AI upgrades, and better efficiency for mid-range devices.
News Weekly: Samsung's trifold lands this year, Ray-Ban Meta glasses sales soar, massive Pixel 10 leak, and more
News Weekly Samsung confirms that its XR headset and trifold will launch this year, Meta's Q2 earnings soar, Qualcomm says Xiaomi will be the first to get its next Elite chipset, and more.
Qualcomm reports $10.4B in revenue, says Xiaomi will be the 'first OEM to launch with our next Snapdragon 8 Elite chip'
Trending up Qualcomm's FYQ3 financial earnings show low double-digit growth overall, thanks to strong chipset sales.
Qualcomm allegedly working on new Snapdragon chip to supercharge Wear OS
Paying more attention A report claimed Qualcomm had started testing an all-new Snapdragon chip for Wear OS watches that could supercharge them.
Alleged Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 test results claim next-gen phones will be stronger
Striving for more Qualcomm's next Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC reportedly scored higher than the first in its early performance test.
Xiaomi and Qualcomm power into the future together, strengthening their partnership
Next 15 Years Both companies plan on collaborating more across smartphones, wearables, and AR/VR.
Qualcomm's next powerful chip gets a launch date in September
Snapdragon Summit Snapdragon confirms that its yearly summit will take place between September 23 and September 25 in Hawaii.
Qualcomm launches the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with improved AI performance and connectivity
Big upgrades Qualcomm is refreshing the Snapdragon 7 chip with drastically-improved AI performance, faster Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and a whole lot more.
Qualcomm's Q2 earnings 'exceed expectations' with a 15% revenue increase
Qualcomm earnings Qualcomm saw a great second quarter with its revenue up by 15%, totalling 10.8 billion.
