Qualcomm's 205 Mobile Platform brings 4G VoLTE support to cheaper handsets

Qualcomm recently announced that it will no longer call its Snapdragon SoC as processor, instead refer them as platforms. The company also said that the 400, 600 and 800 series, which delivers "premium mobile experience" will be associated with Snapdragon Mobile Platform brand, while the processors that fall in 200 series will have only Qualcomm Mobile Platform brand.  

That said, today, the chip maker announced the first chip carrying the 'Qualcomm Mobile Platform' branding.

Called Qualcomm 205 Mobile Platform, the new chip is designed for use in entry-level feature phone and is aimed at emerging markets like India, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The main highlight of Qualcomm 205 mobile platform is that it will bring 4G and VoLTE support to low-cost feature phones. This will allow users to switch from 3G/2G phone at 4G handsets at budget and let them browse internet in high-speed. The integrated 4G LTE modem on the Qualcomm 205 is capable of delivering up to 150Mbps download speeds and upload speeds of up to 50Mbps. 

Another highlight is that the chip is energy efficient and handset utilizing the chip promises to deliver up to 20 hours of talk time, up to 86 hours of music playback and up to 45 days of standby time.

Apart from the connectivity and exceptional battery life, the rest of the chip's features are mediocre. The Qualcomm 205 mobile platform is a 1.1GHz dual-core processor, and supports VGA displays (480p), 3MP front and rear camera, Linux based operating systems, HD video streaming, dual-SIMs, 2G/3G networks WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1 and FM Radio. 

Qualcomm 205 SoC features include:
LTE Cat 4 modem with up to 150 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload;
Support for 4G, 3G and 2G networks;
Support for 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, ANT+, FM radio;
Dual Core CPU at 1.1 GHz;
Qualcomm Adreno GPU;
3 megapixel rear camera,.3MP selfie camera
VGA display at 480p 60 frames per-second;
HD Video streaming;
Support for Linux based OS;
Support for dual SIMs;
Pin-compatible with Qualcomm Snapdragon 210/212

Some of Qualcomm's notable partners for the 205 mobile platform include Reliance Jio, Jio's LYF brand, Micromax and TCL. The Qualcomm 205 mobile platform is available starting today, but phones based on the new chip will hit the market before June. 

"Qualcomm Technologies is committed to the migration of users and networks from 2G, 2.5G, and 3G to 4G," said Kedar Kondap, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "Feature phones are a lifeline in many emerging countries and the Qualcomm 205 Mobile Platform allows us to bring 4G connectivity and services to the masses with devices at price points never seen before."