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
Bad news for your wallet: Qualcomm's chip prices are going up, and your next phone will cost more
Chips price increase The best time to buy a smartphone was yesterday.
Samsung's new Galaxy devices double down on Snapdragon-powered AI
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.
Leaked Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 specs suggest an upgrade in the graphics department
Another boost? A rumor spins an interesting theory for Qualcomm's next budget Snapdragon 3 Gen 6 and its graphical performance.
Reach the Summit: Qualcomm's Snapdragon event is set for September
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.
Android XR's biggest hurdle may finally have a solution
Built for the future Qualcomm's latest XR chip is designed to power the Android XR ecosystem.
Googlebook won’t be locked to Intel as Qualcomm and MediaTek join the AI laptop push
Silicon diversity Qualcomm has confirmed that its Arm-based chips will power Googlebooks, breaking years of Windows exclusivity.
Qualcomm unveils a pair of chips: Snapdragon 6, 4 series to improve the features you actually use
Grab some chips Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 6 and Snapdragon 4 series chips emerge for launch, and they pack sweet upgrades for gamers and everyday phone users.
Qualcomm FY Q2 2026 earnings highlight a mobile industry under pressure from the memory shortage
Qualcomm's FY Q2 earnings report shows $10.6 billion in revenue, driven by Automotive and IoT, while headset sales struggle amid the ongoing RAM crisis.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 CPU rumors join the 'powerful' 6 Pro in this early report
Elite, Pro, hello! Thinking of going Pro? Early Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 rumors throw its alleged CPU to the forefront.
6G is coming, and these are 3 things you'll be able to do with it
5G → 6G 6G will be here before you know it, and Qualcomm and Nvidia have already shared their plans for the new connectivity tech. Here's what you need to know.
4 ways Snapdragon Wear Elite will make your next wearable more useful
How To Your next smartwatch might use Snapdragon Wear Elite for on-device AI processing — here's how you'll actually benefit from the new features.
Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite wants to make AI wearables actually smart
Smarter watches ahead Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite brings powerful on-device AI, faster performance, and improved battery life to next-gen smartwatches and wearables.
Qualcomm's Wi-Fi 8 chips are here, and they actually fix the stuff that annoys you
all-in-one connectivity chip Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 8 upgrade brings 11.6Gbps speeds, smarter AI-powered routers, and stronger multi-device connections, built to handle the growing strain of generative AI.
Qualcomm's X105 modem will keep you connected in elevators and parking garages
Faster speeds Qualcomm's latest cellular modem, the Qualcomm X105, is here with better satellite connectivity and improved coverage in parking garages and elevators.
MWC 2026: What we expect to see at Mobile World Congress this year
What's coming next MWC 2026 begins in Barcelona on March 2, with smart glasses, AI tools, and new phones likely to lead the headlines.
Qualcomm reports record earnings, but things aren't looking good
Earnings Qualcomm reports its FY Q1 2026 financial results, posting record total revenue but offering a cautious outlook amid the ongoing memory shortage.
Qualcomm's next 'Elite' Snapdragon could go Pro for this year's flagships
Elite... is also Pro? New Qualcomm rumors claim the company is preparing a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 "Pro" addition to its 2026 lineup.
I'm extremely excited (and even more worried) about what changes might be on the way in 2026 for Chromebooks and tablets
Calm before the storm? Chromebooks and tablets continued to grow in popularity over the course of 2025, but with major changes on the horizon, we could be in for an exciting year, or a disappointing one.
