At #MWC25 in Barcelona, Qualcomm is introducing the X85 5G Modem-RF, its latest modem-to-antenna solution designed to enhance 5G Advanced performance in premium Android smartphones, PCs, fixed wireless access, and IoT devices. As Qualcomm’s eighth-generation 5G modem and fourth-generation AI-powered connectivity system, the X85 delivers faster speeds, improved network reliability, extended battery life, and enhanced location accuracy. It is optimized for hybrid and on-device AI experiences, meeting the growing demand for AI-driven mobile applications.
The Qualcomm X85 is engineered to optimize 5G performance in congested areas while supporting multi-gigabit downloads and uploads. Qualcomm states that major carriers, including China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, Google, KDDI, NTT DOCOMO, T-Mobile, and Verizon, have recognized its benefits for network performance and user experience. Alongside the X85, Qualcomm has introduced the X82 5G Modem-RF, a mainstream 5G solution designed for mobile broadband applications. Both modems are available in M.2 and LGA reference designs to accelerate development across CPEs, PCs, IoT, and mobile broadband devices.
Qualcomm is currently sampling the X85 and X82 5G modems to customers, with commercial devices expected in the second half of 2025. “Technology leadership has and will always be our focus,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager of technology planning and edge solutions at Qualcomm Technologies. “As we enter the era of on-device AI, our modem-RF innovations uniquely position us as the leader for the next generation of connected intelligence.”
Key specifications of Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF:
• Qualcomm 5G AI Processor with dedicated tensor accelerator for 5G and 5G Advanced, offering 30% faster AI inference
• AI-powered Data Traffic Engine for optimized user experience and network performance
• AI-enhanced gaming traffic prioritization for lower latency and smoother gameplay
• AI-enhanced OTT calling for improved voice and video call clarity
• Seamless Wi-Fi to cellular transfer for uninterrupted connectivity
• Qualcomm Advanced Modem-RF Software Suite with on-device, learning-based network selection
• 5G NR-based GNSS location for enhanced positioning accuracy
• 6Rx support for smartphones
• 6x Carrier Aggregation (CA) with 400MHz bandwidth
• 1024 QAM sub-6GHz support for higher spectral efficiency
• 12.5 Gbps peak 5G download speed
• Smart Transmit Plus with enhanced uplink capabilities
• Supports all global 5G bands from 0.6 GHz to 41 GHz
• Switched uplink with Rel-17 (FDD/TDD)
• Supplemental uplink support for China
• Uplink 4 Layer Carrier Aggregation (UL 4CA) with 200MHz bandwidth
• Qualcomm QTM565 mmWave module for improved mmWave performance
• Converged mmWave-Sub6 Transceiver for optimized signal reception
• 3GPP Release 18 support for advanced 5G features
• Qualcomm RF Downlink Boost for enhanced signal reception and throughput
• Turbo DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Active) with 3CC + 1CC carriers for higher downlink and uplink speeds
• Qualcomm 5G PowerSave for improved battery efficiency
