Qualcomm's New Midrange Chips Add Wi-Fi 7, Improve Gaming for Lower-Cost Phones - CNET

Qualcomm launched two new mid-range processors, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 5, designed for affordable smartphones on May 6, 2026. These chips aim to bring flagship phone features to m... Read original →

Qualcomm’s integration of Wi-Fi 7 into its Snapdragon 4 and 6 Gen 5 chips isn’t just feature inflation—it’s a strategic recalibration of the mid-tier SoC ecosystem. Technically, it pressures RF front-end and antenna module suppliers to slash costs while forcing MediaTek to fast-track Wi-Fi 7 into its Dimensity 6000/7000 lines. Regulatory risks loom: Wi-Fi 7’s 6GHz band remains restricted in key markets, compelling Qualcomm to absorb regional firmware customization costs—though its global certification infrastructure turns this into a supply-chain moat. Competitively, MediaTek may sacrifice margins to keep pace, while Unisoc risks further marginalization. Within 12–24 months, Wi-Fi 7 will become a baseline expectation even in sub-$200 smartphones, reshaping BOM structures and accelerating co-deployment of 5G-Advanced and Wi-Fi 7 in mass-market devices.