Qualcomm has announced two flagship smartphone processors, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, with a strong focus on enabling more advanced AI-powered features.
At its annual Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm said the new chips can improve personalisation for AI agents. The processors feature new sensing hubs capable of running small models with up to 200 million parameters. This technology allows smartphones to run a personal scribe locally, distinguish between different speakers and build a memory based on user behaviour to provide better suggestions for automating tasks. Qualcomm also said the new chip can run a complete voice-in and voice-out AI agent.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 includes a new accelerator designed to run AI models more efficiently. The higher-end Extreme version can run a 30-billion-parameter mixture-of-experts (MoE) model locally. Although the overall model contains 30 billion parameters, an MoE system activates only a subset of those parameters for a specific task.
For comparison, Apple released a 20-billion-parameter mixture-of-experts model at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. The model was described as the most advanced of the company’s third generation of foundation models.
The new Qualcomm CPU also provides pixel-level camera control to support more professional photography and video experiences, alongside improved image stabilisation and motion understanding. The Extreme version supports video recording at 8K 60fps and 4K 240fps for ultra-high-definition slow-motion footage. It also introduces support for Qualcomm’s Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for professional recording.
Both processors can also use AI to enhance vocals and reduce background noise. Qualcomm has additionally introduced its voice bubble technology, which is designed to isolate a user’s voice from surrounding noise during calls.
At the event, Motorola announced its Motorola Signature 27 smartphone, which will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. The device is expected to become generally available later this year.
