NR-Light is a new type of 5G pitched at moderate-bandwidth applications that fall between those like SIM-enabled broadband devices and, for example, the things of IoT systems. Qualcomm has just introduced the first modem and RF system specifically for it. The Snapdragon X35 may thus be found in next-gen, upgraded counterparts to current 4G/LTE smartwatches, AR glasses and perhaps even laptops.
5G NR-Light is a new sub-class of the up-to-date mobile connectivity standard that, according to Qualcomm, “fills the gap in between high-speed mobile broadband devices and extremely low-bandwidth NB-IoT devices”, and may also serve as an upgrade to anything with 4G/LTE CAT4+.
Accordingly, the OEM strongly hints that the Snapdragon X35 modem-RF system might be found in a first wave of 5G smartwatches, as well as upcoming extended-reality hardware, industrial-grade IoT or PCs.
The X35 is touted as optimally designed for the demands of “mid-tier” new radio (NR) applications, while allowing for next-gen devices with improved battery life and reduced latency in smaller, more efficient form-factors. It may do so thanks to features such as Qualcomm QET5100 Envelope Tracking; PowerSave Gen 4; 5G Ultra-Low Latency Suite and Smart Transmit Technology.
The X35 is backwards-compatible with older mobile data standard, and is apparently rated for all sub-6GHz, FDD, and TDD bands worldwide. Accordingly, Qualcomm pitches it and its more budget X32 sibling as the ideal RF system for all kinds of devices to the basic to the high-end.
Then again, they may not be here until 2024, as the OEM will only just start to issue samples to potential clients throughout the first half of 2023.
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Deirdre O’Donnell – Senior Tech Writer – 6000 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
I became a professional writer and editor shortly after graduation. My degrees are in biomedical sciences; however, they led to some experience in the biotech area, which convinced me of its potential to revolutionize our health, environment and lives in general. This developed into an all-consuming interest in more aspects of tech over time: I can never write enough on the latest electronics, gadgets and innovations. My other interests include imaging, astronomy, and streaming all the things. Oh, and coffee.
Deirdre O’Donnell, 2023-02- 8 (Update: 2023-02- 8)
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