At the ongoing MWC, Qualcomm unveiled its new X85 5G modem, which uses on-device AI to manage traffic more smoothly. So, yeah, AI is definitely in the spotlight. Right now, the Galaxy S25 series uses the Snapdragon X80 modem, still one of the top performers out there. But when the Galaxy S26 series releases, it will make a big jump with the latest Qualcomm X85 modem.
Galaxy S26 series’s Qualcomm X85 will be quite an upgrade
The Snapdragon X85 modem brings a bunch of upgrades compared to the predecessor. One of the biggest is the AI-powered Data Traffic Engine, which manages data way more efficiently. It can quickly adjust depending on what you’re doing, be it a video call or gaming. So, everything runs smoother. The AI can also even figure out which apps need more bandwidth.
Now, let’s talk the figures. Qualcomm X85 modem offers download speeds of up to 12.5Gbps and upload speeds of 3.7Gbps. It also supports carrier aggregation, meaning it combines multiple 5G channels for even quicker speeds. So, the Galaxy S26 series will see a leap in downloading, streaming, or gaming a lot smoother, with less lag and interruptions.
“Qualcomm X85, the world’s most advanced modem-to-antenna system, is set to provide the best 5G experiences,” Durga Malladi, Qualcomm’s SVP and General Manager was quoted in a press release. “For smartphones, it enables levels of speeds, power-efficiency and reliability that will only be available on premium Android devices.”
On top of that, the X85 modem brings satellite connectivity, so you can stay connected even in the most remote spots. It also supports FRMCS bands, which will make communication way better on trains, especially in Europe. In addition, it also supports dual-SIM dual-active (Turbo DSDA), which means you can use two 5G SIM cards at once for faster and more reliable connections.
