Why Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 Does Not Support Dual VoLTE, While 450 Does

When discussing mobile cellular modems and their capabilities, one frequently asked question revolves around why certain processors, like the Snapdragon 625, do not support dual VoLTE (Voice over LTE), whereas newer models like the Snapdragon 450 do. This article aims to unravel the mystery behind this phenomenon and explain the underlying factors.

Cellular Modem and VoLTE Capability

To begin with, it's important to understand that the mobile processor alone is not the sole determinant of VoLTE support. The cellular modem, which is typically integrated into the system on a chip (SoC), works in tandem with the modem hardware installed on the motherboard. The modem hardware primarily includes antennas and possibly other supporting hardware and software that enable the device to connect to cellular networks.

Hardware vs. Software

While both the Snapdragon 625 and 450 processors are capable of supporting dual VoLTE, the actual VoLTE capability largely depends on the manufacturer’s hardware setup. If a device has a motherboard equipped with two 4G antennas, it can support dual VoLTE. In contrast, if only one 4G antenna and one 3G/2G antenna are present, dual VoLTE will not be supported.

The responsibility of the modem hardware, such as the antennas, lies with the device manufacturer, not the processor. Therefore, the limitation in dual VoLTE support is not due to a fault in the processors, but rather the choice of hardware implementation by the manufacturer.

Historical Context and Market Trends

The Snapdragon 625, released two years ago, was on the market during a time when 4G was just starting to gain traction. At that point, manufacturers were still grappling with the logistics and cost implications of integrating multiple 4G antennas into their devices. As a result, many devices from that era were equipped with a single 4G antenna to ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability.

Fast forward to the present day, and the landscape has shifted. The widespread adoption of 4G networks has made it more feasible and even expected for manufacturers to include multiple antennas for better signal quality and redundancy. The Snapdragon 450, being released in a more mature 4G market, naturally came with the advantages of having multiple antennas and the capability to support dual VoLTE.

Conclusion

The difference in dual VoLTE support between the Snapdragon 625 and 450 processors highlights the interplay between hardware and software in the development of mobile technology. While both processors are capable of supporting dual VoLTE, the actual implementation depends on the manufacturer’s hardware choices and the market context at the time of release.

For users desiring dual VoLTE, it is crucial to consider the specific model and the manufacturer's hardware configuration. As the market continues to evolve, we can expect more capable and standardized hardware implementations, ensuring better user experiences across a range of devices.

Keywords: Qualcomm Snapdragon, VoLTE, cellular modem, dual VoLTE