Release 19-Ready 5G Modem Targets 6G Evolution

Qualcomm Technologies has unveiled the Qualcomm X105 5G Modem-RF system, positioned as the first modem platform ready for 3GPP Release 19. The architecture is designed to support 5G Advanced evolution while establishing a technical foundation for early 6G development and testing across smartphones, fixed wireless access (FWA), automotive and industrial IoT applications.

3GPP Release 19 and 5G Advanced Readiness
Release 19 marks the next phase of 5G Advanced standardization, introducing enhancements in spectral efficiency, uplink performance and AI-native air interface capabilities. The X105 platform incorporates a Release 19-ready architecture intended to accelerate ecosystem validation and commercial deployment as specifications mature.

The modem supports peak download speeds of 14.8 Gbps and peak uplink throughput of 4.2 Gbps. In sub-6 GHz bands, the platform achieves up to 13.2 Gbps, addressing growing uplink capacity requirements driven by video sharing, cloud gaming and AI-based applications.

Global operator support includes China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Telstra, T-Mobile and NTT DOCOMO, reflecting alignment across major markets.

6nm RF Transceiver and Power Efficiency
The X105 integrates the industry’s first 6nm RF transceiver, delivering up to 30% lower power consumption and a 15% smaller board footprint compared to the previous generation. The reduction in RF subsystem power contributes to improved battery life in mobile devices and supports thermal efficiency in compact form factors.

By combining advanced process technology with modem-RF co-design, the platform aims to optimize signal integrity, antenna performance and energy consumption across diverse deployment scenarios.

Quad-Band GNSS and Integrated NR-NTN
The modem introduces a quad-frequency GNSS engine supporting L1, L2, L5 and L6 bands with multi-constellation compatibility. Multi-frequency GNSS improves positioning accuracy and resilience against multipath interference, which is particularly relevant in dense urban environments and automotive applications.

Integrated NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network) support enables satellite-based connectivity for video, data, voice and messaging services. This capability extends coverage beyond terrestrial networks, supporting use cases such as emergency communication, remote-area connectivity and hybrid terrestrial-satellite deployments.

AI-Enhanced Modem Architecture
The platform incorporates a fifth-generation AI processor embedded within the modem subsystem. The AI engine uses agentic AI techniques to detect and classify traffic types in real time, dynamically optimizing modem parameters based on user scenarios.

Traffic-aware optimization can prioritize latency-sensitive workloads such as gaming or video calling while managing throughput and power efficiency for background data. Embedding AI directly in the modem reduces reliance on higher-layer software processing and enables faster adaptation to changing radio conditions.

Ecosystem and Commercial Availability
The Qualcomm X105 Modem-RF system is currently sampling to customers, with commercial devices expected in the second half of the year. Demonstrations are being conducted at MWC Barcelona at Qualcomm’s booth in Hall 3.

By combining Release 19 readiness, 6nm RF integration, multi-frequency GNSS and native NR-NTN support, the X105 platform is positioned to support the transition from 5G Advanced toward early 6G experimentation across mobile and connected device categories.