The News: Qualcomm Technologies has announced that its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy is powering Samsung Electronics’ latest foldable smartphones, namely the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, along with the newest Galaxy Tab S9 Series devices. By introducing Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a new level of connected computing is established, providing new AI capabilities, desktop-level gaming functionalities, professional-grade photography, and a host of other exceptional features to cater to global consumers. Read more in the Qualcomm Press Release.
Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, and Galaxy Tab S9 Series
Analyst Take: Qualcomm Technologies has announced that its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy is driving Samsung Electronics’ latest foldable smartphones, namely the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, along with the newest Galaxy Tab S9 Series devices. By introducing Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a new level of connected computing provides new AI capabilities, desktop-level gaming functionalities, professional-grade photography, and other new features catering to global consumers. The collaboration aims to bring cutting-edge technology and performance to Samsung’s smartphones and tablets. The Snapdragon chipset is well-regarded for its high-speed processing, energy efficiency, and advanced features, enhancing the overall user experience. With this partnership, Samsung aims to deliver powerful and innovative devices to its customers worldwide.
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“Samsung is important to our mission to deliver the world’s best mobile experiences to consumers. They continue to set the pace for innovation and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy power the newest flagship Galaxy device lineup—the Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series,” said Alex Katouzian, senior vice president and general manager, mobile, compute, & XR businesses at Qualcomm Technologies.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 introduces technology enhancements for Samsung’s new Galaxy devices:
- Snapdragon Smart: Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices are powered by the fastest and most advanced Qualcomm AI Engine, seamlessly integrated across the entire platform. With an upgraded Qualcomm Hexagon Processor, micro tile inferencing accelerates complex AI models, resulting in improved AI performance. Additionally, the latest Qualcomm Sensing Hub with dual AI processors facilitates ultra-low power AI experiences, such as AI-based echo cancellation and noise reduction during video and phone calls.
- Snapdragon Sight: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 sets a new standard for professional-quality camera experiences. The Cognitive ISP enables real-time Semantic Segmentation, enhancing images, enabling ultra-low-light video capture, and multi-frame noise reduction.
- Snapdragon Gaming: This feature delivers lifelike light, reflections, and illuminations, while supporting the latest Vulkan APIs (version 1.3). This advancement empowers developers to transition desktop games to mobile devices more efficiently.
- Multi-Gigabit Connectivity: Samsung Galaxy devices now feature Qualcomm Technologies’ top-tier connectivity solutions, including the Snapdragon X70 Modem-RF System and Qualcomm FastConnect Mobile Connectivity Subsystem. These solutions provide high-speed and ultra-low latency Wi-Fi and incorporate the latest Bluetooth audio enhancements.
Inkang Song, vice president and head of technology strategy team, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is proud to feature the latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy inside the Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold5, and Galaxy Tab S9 Series. We’re excited to see how these devices will enable new possibilities for our users.”
Samsung’s latest foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, have gained significant popularity among business users due to their ability to enhance productivity regardless of location. These devices have been optimized for business use, offering an array of improved multitasking features, performance upgrades, and S Pen enhancements that elevate work capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers business users multitasking features, such as an upgraded Taskbar that can display up to four recent apps, two-handed drag-and-drop functionality, and the ability to view multiple apps simultaneously on its expansive screen. In addition, for users of the Galaxy Z Fold5, the S Pen Fold Edition is now slimmer and more compact, making real-time annotating and note-taking easier, while conveniently fitting in your pocket.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip5 boasts a significantly larger cover screen, approximately 3.78 times bigger than previous versions, making it the largest outside screen available on a Flip device. This innovation allows professionals to check their calendar or send messages without needing to open the device, reducing distractions during the workday.
In addition to these foldable devices, Samsung has also introduced three new tablet models: Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. These tablets are designed to maximize productivity and accommodate flexible work arrangements. They offer versatile features, such as digital notepad capabilities with the S Pen, a desktop-like experience with DeX Mode, and compatibility with various business apps, including the exclusive GoodNotes app for Galaxy users.
Furthermore, Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic cater to businesses looking to incorporate smartwatches into their corporate wellness plans or support unique employee use cases. Both smartwatches provide comprehensive health and wellness experiences, featuring sleep tracking, fitness coaching, and health insights. Additionally, these watches come equipped with advanced sensors that enable various industry-specific applications, for example, remote patient monitoring for healthcare organizations and workplace safety in factory environments.
The announcement by Qualcomm that its flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy is powering Samsung’s latest devices is positive news for today’s mobile workforce, and the new functionality is sure to resonate with many customers. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy offers new AI capabilities, desktop-level gaming functionalities, professional-grade photography, and other new features catering to global consumers.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
Clint brings over 20 years of market research and consulting experience, focused on emerging technology markets. He was co-founder and CEO of Dash Network, an integrated research and digital media firm focused on the CX market, which was acquired by The Futurum Group in 2022. He previously founded Tractica with a focus on human interaction with technology, including coverage of AI, user interface technologies, advanced computing, and other emerging sectors. Acquired by Informa Group, Clint served as Chief Research Officer for Informa’s research division, Omdia, with management and content strategy responsibility, formed by the combination of Tractica, Ovum, IHS Markit Technology, and Heavy Reading.
Clint was previously the founder and President of Pike Research, a leading market intelligence firm focused on the global clean technology industry, which was acquired by Navigant Consulting where he was Managing Director of the Navigant Research business.
Prior to Pike Research, Clint was Chief Research Officer at ABI Research, a New York-based industry analyst firm concentrating on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets.
Clint holds a Master of Business Administration in Telecommunications Management from the University of Dallas and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Washington & Lee University.
