2024.12.06

What are the equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm MSM8926?

The Qualcomm MSM8926 is a mobile SoC (System on Chip) designed for mid-range smartphones and consumer devices. It integrates a quad-core CPU (ARM Cortex-A7), a 1.2 GHz clock speed, Adreno 305 GPU for graphics, 4G LTE (Category 4), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other essential features for mobile connectivity and multimedia. This chip is primarily used in smartphones and tablets for mid-tier markets.


If you're looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm MSM8926, you're generally looking for mid-range SoCs from other manufacturers that provide similar levels of multicore processing, graphics capabilities, and mobile connectivity (including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth).


Equivalent ICs from Other Manufacturers

Here are some equivalent chips from other companies that are designed for mid-range smartphones, tablets, and consumer electronics:

1. MediaTek

  • MT6737: The MT6737 is a quad-core processor based on ARM Cortex-A53, which is similar to the Cortex-A7 cores of the MSM8926. It features LTE support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and integrates a Mali-T720 GPU for multimedia and gaming. The MT6737 is aimed at mid-range smartphones and similar applications.

  • MT6753: This is another quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores (up to 1.5 GHz) and features LTE support, a Mali-T720 GPU, and support for 1080p video playback. It’s a strong alternative to the MSM8926 for budget to mid-range devices.

  • MT6750: A octa-core SoC (4x Cortex-A53 and 4x Cortex-A53) with LTE support and a Mali-T860 GPU. While more advanced, it's still in the mid-range category and offers better performance than the MSM8926.


2. Samsung Exynos

  • Exynos 7570: The Exynos 7570 is a quad-core SoC with Cortex-A53 cores and features LTE connectivity (Cat 4), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It also integrates a Mali-T720 GPU for multimedia and gaming, similar to the Qualcomm MSM8926. This SoC is designed for entry-level to mid-range smartphones.

  • Exynos 7870: An octa-core SoC based on Cortex-A53 cores, the Exynos 7870 offers LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a Mali-T830 MP1 GPU. It provides slightly better performance and features than the MSM8926.


3. Spreadtrum (Unisoc)

  • SC9832A: The SC9832A is a quad-core SoC with ARM Cortex-A53 cores and features LTE Cat 4 support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an Mali-400 MP2 GPU. This chip is commonly used in entry-level to mid-range smartphones and is a direct competitor to the MSM8926.

  • SC9863A: This is a quad-core or octa-core SoC (depending on the configuration) based on Cortex-A55 cores with an Imagination PowerVR GPU. It offers 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and improved multimedia capabilities, providing an alternative to MSM8926 for more recent devices.


4. Qualcomm (Other SoCs in the Same Range)

  • MSM8939: A quad-core SoC from Qualcomm that is a slightly upgraded version of the MSM8926. The MSM8939 features Cortex-A53 cores, a more powerful Adreno 405 GPU, 4G LTE support, and similar features to the MSM8926. It is aimed at slightly higher-end devices but still in the mid-range market.

  • Snapdragon 410 (MSM8916): This is a quad-core SoC based on Cortex-A53 cores (similar to MSM8926) but with a slightly older Adreno 306 GPU. It supports LTE and is designed for entry-level smartphones.


5. HiSilicon (Huawei)

  • Kirin 620: The Kirin 620 is a quad-core SoC with Cortex-A53 cores, featuring LTE support and a Mali-450 GPU. It is similar in terms of performance and features to the MSM8926 and is used in mid-range Huawei devices.

  • Kirin 650: This is an octa-core SoC with Cortex-A53 cores, offering LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a Mali-T830 GPU. It provides slightly better performance than the MSM8926 and is found in mid-range Huawei devices.


6. Intel (Mobile Platforms)

  • Atom x3-C3200: Intel’s Atom x3 series chips, like the C3200, are aimed at entry-level smartphones and integrate a quad-core CPU based on ARM Cortex-A7 architecture. They support LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, making them a potential alternative to the MSM8926 for lower-end devices.


Key Considerations for Finding Equivalents:

When selecting an equivalent IC to the Qualcomm MSM8926, you should consider the following factors:

  • Connectivity Requirements: Ensure that the equivalent SoC supports the same 4G LTE (Cat 4), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

  • Graphics Performance: The MSM8926 integrates an Adreno 305 GPU for 3D graphics. You should select an equivalent with similar or better GPU performance for gaming and multimedia tasks.

  • Processor Performance: Look for an equivalent that matches or exceeds the 1.2 GHz clock speed of the MSM8926 with similar or more powerful Cortex-A53 cores or newer architectures.

  • Target Market: The MSM8926 is intended for mid-range smartphones. Ensure the replacement SoC is also targeted at the mid-range market, not too high-end (which might drive up costs) or too low-end (which might compromise features).


Conclusion:

The Qualcomm MSM8926 is a mid-range mobile SoC. When looking for alternatives, you’ll find MediaTek, Samsung Exynos, Spreadtrum (Unisoc), and HiSilicon (Huawei) provide SoCs that offer similar features like quad-core processors, 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Notable equivalents include the MediaTek MT6737, Exynos 7570, Spreadtrum SC9832A, and Kirin 620. The exact choice will depend on the specific application, performance requirements, and regional availability of the SoC.