In a report from Digitimes, Qualcomm's new 4G chip, intended to compete with MediaTek's new 4G chip solution, is expected to drive smartphone pricing down to below US$100 in 1H 2015. The report indicates that 4G smartphones have already dipped below US$200, largely on the strength and cost of MediaTek's solution according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 210 is Qualcomm's recently announced entry-level 3G/4G LTE SoC designed to compete in China and India as well as other high-growth, price-sensitive markets. The SoC also supports Dual SIM/Dual Standby support, something deemed essential in the Indian market. Interestingly, it is designed to be used for 4G LTE in a number of markets, ideal for exporters. It is expected to be in commercial devices in 1H2015. While 3G is still dominant in many emerging markets like Russia, Latin America and Africa, the Chinese market in particular is a target for the chip.

The movement towards LTE has been prevalent on mid- to high-end phones for some time, however, low-end phones retailing for less than US$150 has been left behind. Between MediaTek’s solution and now Qualcomm's, sub-US$100 LTE phones will soon be on the market.

See a comparison table of 4G smartphone suppliers on GlobalSources.com