LG, Samsung set to debut new devices at Mobile World Congress
It appears Qualcomm is on the comeback trail. After a tough 2015, the chip maker’s new Snapdragon 820 processor has been chosen to power flagship devices for both Samsung and LG. The two device makers are set to debut their new smartphones at the upcoming Mobile World Congress event.
More good news for Qualcomm is Samsung will be using the company’s 14nm factories to build the new Snapdragon processors for the Galaxy S7. Qualcomm’s previous processing chip, the Snapdragon 810, underperformed due to issues such as overheating, leading to a rough year for the world’s largest chip maker. Samsung and LG last year both chose other chips for their flagship devices.
Qualcomm saw a steep decline in revenue in 2015, but new technologies such as connected cars, drones and connected home devices could provide a much needed boost. The rejuvenated Samsung partnership puts Qualcomm chips back in three of the five best selling smartphones makers in the world.
In early tests by PC Magazine, the Snapdragon 820 performed very well. LeTV’s Le Max Pro is the first device to use the chip. PC Mag says it is the fastest Android smartphone it has ever tested.
In July 2015, Qualcomm announced it planned to cut 4,500 jobs by September of this year as part of a massive restructuring. The company has faced increased competition from Chinese competitors as of late.
LG expects to debut its new smartphone Feb. 21 at MWC. Samsung has yet to announce a time for its unveiling.
