Today, the technology media outlet Notebookcheck revealed leaked internal specifications of Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 chipset (model SM4875). Expected to launch next year, this new SoC continues to target mid-range device segments and brings notable upgrades such as an enhanced Adreno 6 series GPU and LPDDR5 memory support while retaining the efficient TSMC 4nm manufacturing process.
Key Technical Details and Architecture
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 maintains the Kryo CPU setup introduced in its predecessor, Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, featuring a total of 8 cores: 2 Kryo Gold performance cores based on ARM Cortex-A78 architecture, each with 256KB L2 cache, and 6 Kryo Silver efficiency cores derived from Cortex-A55, each with 64KB L2 cache. All cores share a unified 1MB L3 cache to optimize communication and data throughput.
Despite no change in the fabrication technology—still utilizing TSMC’s 4nm node—Qualcomm focuses on other critical improvements. Most prominently, the GPU is upgraded from the Adreno 4 series to the more powerful Adreno 6 series, building upon the 77% graphical performance gain seen in the previous generation. This suggests visibly better gaming and multimedia experience for devices equipped with Snapdragon 4 Gen 6.
Memory support advances from dual-channel LPDDR4X to dual-channel LPDDR5 operating at 3200MHz, an important upgrade enabling higher bandwidth and power efficiency. Manufacturers can also choose to implement LPDDR4X, allowing cost optimization on budget devices.
Wireless Connectivity and Security Enhancements
The chip’s wireless modules offer flexibility for OEMs. It supports either the WCN3998-2, enabling Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2×2 MU-MIMO and Bluetooth 5.2, or the more advanced WCN6750 module, providing Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with similar Bluetooth support. This adaptability will help manufacturers tailor devices for different market needs and price points.
Security features have been bolstered with a hardware-based ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) image authentication mechanism and support for Widevine L1 DRM, ensuring robust content protection for premium streaming services. Additionally, the new Trust Management Engine enhances the device’s security framework. The chipset comes in the larger PSP917 package measuring 11.1 by 12.0 mm.
Affected Devices and Expected Software Versions
- Upcoming Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 (SM4875) powered smartphones, expected mid-range models in 2025
- OEM configurations will vary on wireless and memory modules
- Devices will run Android 14 or newer with customized manufacturer ROMs, potentially Xiaomi HyperOS in Xiaomi/POCO/REDMI models
Impact on Mid-Range Smartphone Market
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 will offer a strong performance uplift primarily in GPU and memory handling, which is crucial as mid-range devices increasingly target casual gamers and power users seeking efficient multitasking. The inclusion of LPDDR5 memory and Adreno 6 GPU signifies Qualcomm’s intent to close the gap between premium and mid-tier smartphones without shifting fabrication nodes, helping manufacturers balance cost and capability effectively.
With Wi-Fi 6 compatibility and enhanced security modules, the new SoC promises improved connectivity stability and data protection, vital for users in markets with growing demand for multimedia streaming and secure mobile services.
This chipset will likely power Xiaomi and POCO’s next wave of devices positioned below Snapdragon 7 series tiers, optimizing affordability and performance.
Reader Questions Answered
- Will Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 devices support 5G? Most likely yes, as Qualcomm typically integrates 5G modems in their Gen 4 and above SoCs, though the exact modem model is not confirmed yet.
- What is the expected release timeline? Devices featuring this chipset are anticipated to launch in the first half of 2025.
- How much better is the Adreno 6 GPU? Building upon a 77% performance uplift from Gen 4 to Gen 5 GPUs, the Adreno 6 series is expected to deliver even stronger graphical rendering and energy efficiency improvements.
- Will Xiaomi’s HyperOS be optimized for this chipset? Given Xiaomi’s tight integration and focus on mid-range device upgrades, HyperOS updates tailored for the Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 are likely.
- Does the chip support dual LPDDR5 configurations on all devices? Support exists, but OEMs may choose either LPDDR5 or LPDDR4X depending on cost considerations.
Source: ithome.com
