Qualcomm is preparing the Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 (model SM4875) for budget smartphones expected next year.
A leaked internal document provides an early look at its specifications, highlighting improvements in graphics, memory, and efficiency.
The chipset will be manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process.
The CPU configuration remains similar to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5: two Cortex-A78 performance cores with 256KB L2 cache each and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores with 64KB L2 each, sharing a 1MB L3 cache.
While not a radical redesign, it aims to improve daily performance and battery life.
GPU and Memory Upgrades
The most notable upgrade is the GPU, moving from the Adreno 4 series to the newer Adreno 6 series.
Given that the Gen 5 already delivered a reported 77% graphics boost over its predecessor, the Gen 6 could bring further gains in gaming, animations, and media playback on affordable phones.
Memory support now includes dual-channel LPDDR5 at 3200MHz, while retaining compatibility with LPDDR4X for flexible or cost-effective configurations.
This extra bandwidth should enhance multitasking and app loading speeds.
Connectivity options include either the WCN3998-2 (Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.2) or the premium WCN6750 with Wi-Fi 6 support, depending on manufacturer choices.
Security features encompass hardware-based ECC image certification, Widevine L1 for better streaming, and a new Trust Management Engine.
The chipset comes in a larger PSP917 package measuring 11.1 x 12.0 mm, likely to accommodate the added capabilities.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, launched earlier this year, already brought GPU improvements and stronger 5G on the same 4nm node.
The Gen 6 appears to be a natural evolution, refining existing features while adding better memory and graphics muscle.
Official confirmation and real-world benchmarks are still needed, but the leak suggests Qualcomm continues to advance its budget chipset lineup.
