Qualcomm's new processor will bring about more affordable 5G smartphones

Processor news isn't always exciting - we get it, they get faster every year - but Qualcomm's latest chip is set to unleash a wave of cheaper 5G smartphones.

Qualcomm has officially announced a new midrange processor, the Snapdragon 765, which is its first chipset to feature an integrated 5G modem. Presently, all Snapdragon-powered 5G smartphones have had their modem as a separate part. That’s an extra component a manufacturer has to buy, design around, and power.

As a result, smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 765 should be smaller and more battery efficient. And since the chip is part of Qualcomm's mid-tier range, Snapdragon 765 devices will also be more affordable.

Locally, we've seen devices powered by 7-series processors, such as the Realme XT, start as low as $499. When you exclude discounts, 5G smartphones start at $1,049 for a more "affordable" device like the Samsung Galaxy A90. Otherwise, local 5G devices have ranged between $1,499 and $1,999 for the most part.

We'll start seeing devices powered by the Snapdragon 765 next year.

Qualcomm also revealed its new flagship processor, the Snapdragon 865. Unlike the Snapdragon 765, the Snapdragon 865 won't have an integrated 5G modem. This means smartphone manufacturers will still need to include a separate 5G modem in their Snapdragon 865 devices.

Many of next year's flagship phones to be powered by the Snapdragon 865.

Read more about 5G here.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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