5G connectivity is not just for phones. Qualcomm is trying to make sure that its upcoming always-connected laptops are equipped with more powerful 5G chipsets.

The chipmaker announced the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 today (September 3) during its IFA 2020 keynote. This is the latest version of the mobile processing platform that Qualcomm produces for premium ultra-thin laptops. [According to Qualcomm, laptops powered by the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 are expected to begin appearing in the second half of 2020.

The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 should deliver a nice performance punch to the laptops that will be powered by it. Qualcomm promises an 18% increase in overall system performance compared to Intel's 10th generation Core i5 processor. Compared to the hybrid Core i5, performance will be up to 51% better. [According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 delivers up to 39% better performance per watt than the 10th generation Core i5 and 58% better than the hybrid version of the same processor. In fact, laptops equipped with the 8cx Gen 2 should be able to achieve several days of battery life, with up to 25+ hours of continuous operation.

The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 includes a Qualcomm X55 5G modem and an X24 LTE modem to keep you connected when 5G networks are unavailable. the Qualcomm FastConnect 6800 subsystem provides Wi-Fi 6 connection support for faster and more efficient wireless networking.

With these specifications, Qualcomm believes that laptops powered by the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 are well suited for work and home study in the reality of the coronavirus pandemic. Miguel Nunes, senior director of product management at Qualcomm, noted that the ability to be always connected via LTE or 5G means that IT managers can ensure that data stored on laptops is secure and that updates can be easily performed This kind of always-on connectivity is a key element of the LTE or 5G system. Such always-on connectivity will also help students who are trying to learn remotely, he added. [This is not the only feature that Qualcomm is touting in the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2. The system-on-chip includes Qualcomm's AI Engine, which uses features such as eye contact correction to make it appear as if you are making eye contact with the laptop's built-in camera, even when your eyes are down on the information on the screen. The AI engine can also create realistic avatars for videoconferencing, which Qualcomm is working on with a company called Loom.ai.

Additional features of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 include an image signal processor capable of supporting up to 4K HDR and support for a built-in camera of up to 32 megapixels. The compute platform can also support dual 4K displays via a Type C cable to the dock.

Qualcomm's IFA presentation featured two laptop makers that plan to include the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 in future machines; according to Acer, the new chip will be in the future Spin 7, the first Acer PC to offer 5G connectivity 5G connectivity.

HP is also working with Qualcomm to develop a new business-oriented device powered by the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2.

As for Qualcomm's other mobile chips, 5G connectivity will be added to its 4-series chips for low-cost smartphones, and the first devices with 5G will appear in the first three months of next year. the move to bring 5G to phones under $200 is a continuation of Qualcomm's move to bring 5G to budget phones The Snapdragon 690 was announced in June and should be in phones soon.