Qualcomm is making a transition to 64 bit architecture based on ARMv8, but the transition is not expected to be drastic. At MWC 2014, Qualcomm has unveiled a 2.5 GHz 32 bit Snapdragon 801 quad core processor, which will be the next flagship processor we expect to see in next generation flagships.
The Snapdragon 801 is pin to pin compatible with Snapdragon 800 (OEMs can easily replace Snapdragon 800 with it). It still carries 4 krait 400 cores and Adreno 330 GPU. The memory interface also remains same at 2 x 32-bit LPDDR3. What has changed is the operating frequencies.
Apart from increase in CPU clock frequency to 2.5 GHz, the Adreno 330 is now clocked at 578 MHz (as compared to 450 MHz in MSM8974). The GPU gets a 28 percent boast which is substantial. The memory bandwidth too gets a boast of 16 percent. The chipset also adds support for Dual SIM dual Active connectivity. The eMMc 5.0 enables support for up to a 400MB/s interface.
These improvements will substantially improve the prowess of Snapdragon 801 SoC and even make them more appealing for emerging markets like India. The chipset has already made its way to Sony Xperia Z2 and Sony Xperia Z2 tablet. We expect to see a lot more of it in coming few weeks.
