While Qualcomm has focused its attention on the mid-tier and the high-end segments, MediaTek has managed to grab a significant chunk of the market share in the entry-level market. With the introduction of the LTE-enabled Snapdragon 210, Qualcomm is looking to remedy that and take the fight to MediaTek in the budget smartphone segment.
The highlight of the Snapdragon 210 is LTE Category 4 connectivity, along with dual-LTE connectivity for dual-SIM handsets. The SoC features a quad CPU along with an Adreno 304 GPU, and supports 720p displays along with 1080p playback and hardware HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding). The chip also supports up to 8 MP imaging sensors with Zero Shutter Lag, HDR, autofocus, auto white balance and auto exposure. Another feature on the Snapdragon 210 is Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 technology, through which you can charge your battery 75 percent faster.
The most affordable LTE-enabled WP handset to date is the Snapdragon 400 toting Lumia 635, and with the launch of the Snapdragon 210, the stage is set for even more affordable WP handsets with LTE connectivity, especially in emerging markets like India and China. Expect to see smartphones carrying the SoC sometime in the first half of 2015.
