It has been a while since Mediatek took over the lead in the lower segment of entry level smartphones. Most of the cheap entry level phones are powered by a Mediatek CPU, be it a dual-core, quad-core or an octa-core. But that is about to change.
Qualcomm is coming up with an all new Snapdragon 210 with LTE enabled to recapture the entry level smartphone segment. Not wanting to fall behind, the release of the Snapdragon 210 is due in just a few months from now or perhaps earlier. Qualcomm is already in the lead with their high-end smartphone CPU such as the Snapdragon 800 (and above) as well as the older Snapdragon 600. Personally to me, Snapdragon powered smartphones are the best. Period. No octa-core from other makers can match it…yet (except Tegra, I think).
“The highlight of the Snapdragon 210 is LTE Category 4 connectivity, along with dual-LTE connectivity for dual-SIM handsets. The SoC features a quad CPU along with an Adreno 304 GPU, and supports 1080p displays with hardware HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding). The chip also supports up to 8 MP imaging sensors with Zero Shutter Lag, HDR, autofocus, auto white balance and auto exposure. Another feature on the Snapdragon 210 is Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology, through which you can charge your battery 75 percent faster.” – www.wpcentral.com
Having said that, in future we will be seeing more people making the shift into utilizing the full advantage of LTE network in Malaysia. LTE in Malaysia is relatively new. The coverage is still limited within and around the main cities in Klang Valley. I noticed one thing though, when I was using an LTE based phone a few months back, the LTE network signal at my office is on full bar as opposed to normal 3G network. The LTE signal band seems to cover a much wider spectrum hence why the coverage is good. So no worries my fellow Malaysians. When a new cheaper Snapdragon 210 LTE enabled smartphones arrives on our shores, you will have good coverage.
I have always been a fan to Snapdragon. It is very reliable and delivers good performance. But since Mediatek has been conquering the low-end market these past few months, there has been a dip in Qualcomm’s lower segment sales. According to IDC, Mediatek took 40% in the China’s smartphone market while Snapdragon only took 27%. Qualcomm need to pick up their pace. Hopefully with the launch of the new Snapdragon 210 with LTE soon, they will be able to regain their lead.
News source: www.wpcentral.com
