Qualcomm expands next-generation Snapdragon line

New high-performance chips based on Krait core coming in 2012

Qualcomm has expanded its Snapdragon processor line-up for smartphones and tablets, adding eight new S4 class chipsets aimed at next-generation devices.

The new Snapdragon S4 processors are designed to offer leading-edge 3G and 4G wireless connectivity, and are based on Qualcomm's Krait next-generation CPU core, like the already announced dual-core MSM8960.

Krait is an ARM-based core designed for clock speeds up to 2.5GHz, while the S4 processor chips feature up to four of these cores plus an integrated Adreno GPU.

The MSM8660A, MSM8260A, MSM8630, MSM8230, MSM8627, and MSM8227 include built-in wireless technologies such as LTE, HSPA+ and Wi-Fi, while the APQ8060A and APQ8030 are applications processors without integrated modems.

Devices based on Snapdragon S4 processors are expected to appear in early 2012, according to Qualcomm.

The move follows Nvidia's introduction of the next-generation Tegra 3 processor last week, which is a quad-core ARM design with integrated GeForce GPU plus a fifth "companion" core used to save power when running less demanding applications.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm has also upgraded its Snapdragon S1 chips for entry-level smartphones, boosting the performance of the MSM7225A, MSM7625A, MSM7227A and MSM7627A processors.

Qualcomm will be hoping that its ARM-based chips hold their own in an increasingly crowded market.

Intel, in particular, has designs on the smartphone and tablet space, forging ahead with plans for 22nm tri-gate transistors designed with energy efficiency in mind, and putting its core i5 chips on a recent Windows 8 tablet prototype.