Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and 6s Gen 4: How Qualcomm Is Reshaping Mobile Performance for Tablets and Budget Phones

Qualcomm’s Dual-Faced Push: Tablets and Budget Phones Get a Big Boost

In the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, Qualcomm’s latest moves are sending ripples across two critical segments: mid-range tablets and budget-friendly smartphones. With the release of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 for tablets like the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro, and the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 for affordable phones, the company is strategically democratizing high-end features for a broader audience.

Snapdragon 7s Gen 4: Powering the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Pro stands out not just for its sleek interface and thoughtful design, but for what’s under the hood. It’s the first device to showcase Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, a 4nm chip that marks a subtle yet meaningful upgrade over its predecessor.

With a 1+3+4 Kryo architecture, the chip features one Prime Cortex-A720 core at 2.7GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores at 2.4GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8GHz. The Adreno 810 GPU brings Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, including Adaptive Performance Engine 3.0 and Game Super Resolution—making this tablet a viable option for both gaming and productivity. Benchmarks reveal roughly a 30% performance jump over the previous generation, an impressive leap for a €300 device (GSMArena).

AI is front and center: The Hexagon NPU supports Llama 1B and Qwen 1B, enabling real-time translation and smarter gallery tools. Google Gemini is built-in, allowing users to generate images, remove objects from photos, and more. Features like Circle to Search and deep integration with other Xiaomi devices through HyperOS 2.0 make the experience seamless, with multi-tasking options like split-screen and pop-up windows enhancing productivity.

Importantly, the chip maintains over 95% CPU and 99% GPU performance under stress, showing remarkable stability. For users who need a reliable device for work or play, this means fewer interruptions and smoother operation, even during demanding tasks.

Snapdragon 6s Gen 4: Redefining Budget Phones

While the Redmi Pad 2 Pro caters to tablet enthusiasts, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 is poised to shake up the budget smartphone market. Built on the same 4nm process, this chip delivers a 36% increase in CPU performance and a 59% boost in GPU capability over its predecessor (WebProNews).

Why does this matter? For millions of users in emerging markets and for those who prefer not to splurge on flagship devices, performance has often come at the cost of affordability. The new chipset aims to change that. It supports up to 200MP camera sensors and 4K video recording, pushing sub-$300 phones into premium territory for imaging. High-refresh-rate displays, AI-driven features for photography and voice recognition, and reliable 5G connectivity are now within reach for budget phone users.

Manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola, along with rising Asian brands, can now offer phones that rival more expensive competitors. This could spark a wave of new releases in 2026, making advanced mobile experiences accessible without driving up costs (MobileSyrup).

AI enhancements mean smarter battery management and personalized user experiences, while Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 keep users connected. The chip also supports aptX Lossless and Adaptive audio codecs, ensuring crisp sound whether you’re gaming, streaming, or on a call.

The Broader Impact: What’s Next for Users and the Industry?

Qualcomm’s timing is notable. As high-end smartphone sales slow and consumers keep devices longer, the budget and mid-range segments are gaining importance. In regions like India and Southeast Asia, the demand for feature-rich yet affordable phones is surging. By enabling manufacturers to build capable devices at lower price points, Qualcomm is betting on volume rather than incremental upgrades at the top end (Digital Trends).

But there are hurdles. Supply chain challenges and the need for OEMs to optimize software for these new chips mean that real-world performance will depend on effective collaboration. Analysts warn that while the 6s Gen 4 is a leap forward, its true potential will be measured by adoption rates and practical efficiency.

Long-term, this could mean a reshaping of pricing strategies. As budget devices gain features once exclusive to flagships, premium brands may be forced to differentiate through design, ecosystem, and services. The convergence of mobile computing—where even entry-level phones handle tasks like augmented reality and cloud gaming—may not be far off.

Snapdragon Stadium: An Unrelated Namesake

Interestingly, the name «Snapdragon» also appears elsewhere, but in an entirely different context. For fans of Major League Soccer, Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego is the venue for high-stakes playoff matches, like the recent Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC game. While the stadium shares its name with Qualcomm’s famous chips, the connection is mostly symbolic—a nod to the company’s local presence in San Diego rather than a direct technological link (Timbers.com).

Still, it’s a reminder of how deeply the Snapdragon brand has embedded itself not only in mobile technology but in the broader cultural landscape.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Price and Performance

With Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and 6s Gen 4, Qualcomm is rewriting the rules for what users can expect from mid-range tablets and affordable smartphones. The technology is not just about speed—it’s about making advanced features accessible to more people, everywhere. As manufacturers move quickly to adopt these chips, and as users begin to demand more from their devices without stretching their budgets, the impact on the mobile industry could be profound.

Qualcomm’s dual release signals a turning point, where the boundaries between flagship and budget devices blur—ushering in a new era of digital inclusion and performance for all.