Qualcomm’s new S3 Gen 3 and S5 Gen 3 Sound platforms could make your next headphones smarter than ever.
Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. unveiled its newest, most powerful sound technology, the Qualcomm S3 Gen 3 and S5 Gen 3 Sound platforms.
The S3 Gen 3 is made for mid-range devices, promising a wide range of features and audiophile sound quality. Meanwhile, the S5 Gen 3 targets high-end devices with huge improvements in AI and audio processing power.
Dino Bekis, the Vice President and General Manager at Qualcomm, stated the company’s goal of upgrading audio experiences for all users.
These new platforms aim to bring a new level of audio performance and innovation to the market, setting new standards for what consumers can expect from their next audio devices.
Exploring the S3 Gen 3 Sound Platform
The S3 Gen 3 Sound Platform offers better flexibility and more customizable options. This makes it easier for manufacturers to add advanced features like hearing enhancement and spatial audio through the Qualcomm Voice and Music Extension Program.
Qualcomm’s S3 Gen 3 platform is designed to boost the quality of mid-range earbuds and speakers. It supports high-quality Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless 24-bit 48 kHz music streaming. The platform also has improved DAC performance.
With double its predecessor’s computing power, this platform provides more processing capabilities. It uses Bluetooth 5.4, blending the best features of LE Audio and classic Bluetooth. This includes support for LE Audio, and Auracast™ broadcast audio, which allows shared listening experiences in public spaces.
Vivo has announced its plans to launch the world’s first device powered by the S3 Gen 3 Sound Platform, promising audiophile-quality music listening for its customers.
Advancements in the S5 Gen 3 Sound Platform
The S5 Gen 3 Sound Platform introduces a new era in high-end audio devices, heavily focusing on its advanced AI features. Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- More Power and Smarter AI: It’s more powerful than its predecessor, with 3x the computing power, 2x the DSP power, 1.5x more memory, and 50x more on-device AI. This means better and more accurate responsiveness to real-world scenarios.
- Custom Sound for Every Situation: The AI automatically tailors your sound for any activity in any setting. This ensures top-notch music, clear calls, and latency-free gaming.
- Better Noise Control: The platform features 4th Generation Qualcomm Adaptive ANC for efficient multi-channel noise cancellation. It adjusts based on ear shape, user movement, and changes in ambient noise. It also switches to transparency mode as needed to let ambient sounds through.
- Hearing Enhancements with AI: Using on-device AI, the platform pairs with hearing technologies and adjusts audio in real-time to match user preferences throughout the day. This includes improving call clarity and tailoring sound for hearing impairments.
- High-Quality Sound and Connection: With the inclusion of the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, the platform employs Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive Audio for uncompromised lossless music streaming. It provides excellent sound quality, minimal gaming latency, and stable connectivity for seamless listening.
S3 Gen 3 vs. S5 Gen 3 Specifications
Here’s an overview of the specifications for both Qualcomm platforms:
| Feature | S3 Gen 3 | S5 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Clock Speed: Up to 80 MHz | Clock Speed: 200 MHz |
| DSP | Clock Speed: 2 x 240 MHz | Clock Speed: 350 MHz |
| Flash | Location: External | Location: Internal |
| Bluetooth | Specification Version: Bluetooth® 5.3, Bluetooth® 5.3 Qualified, Bluetooth® 5.4 Qualified, Bluetooth® 5.4 Connection Technology: Bluetooth® Classic, Dual-mode Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy Topologies: Qualcomm TrueWireless™ Mirroring technology Classic Data Rate: 3 MBps, 2 MBps, 1 MBps | Specification Version: Bluetooth® 5.4 Connection Technology: Bluetooth® Classic, Dual-mode Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy Topologies: Qualcomm TrueWireless™ Mirroring technology Classic Data Rate: 3 MBps, 2 MBps, 1 MBps Low Energy Data Rate: 1 MBps, 2 MBps Low Energy Features: Bluetooth® Auracast™ Broadcast Audio, Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio |
| Audio | Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive, Qualcomm® aptX™ Voice, Qualcomm® aptX™ Lossless, Qualcomm® aptX™ Audio Qualcomm® Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology support: Feedback, Feedforward, Hybrid Qualcomm® cVc™ Echo Canceling and Noise Suppression (ECNS) technology support: 1-mic Earbuds, 3-mic Earbuds, 2-mic Earbuds, 2-mic Headset, 1-mic Headset, 1-mic Speaker | Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive, Qualcomm® aptX™ Voice, Qualcomm® aptX™ Lossless, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, Qualcomm® aptX™ Audio Qualcomm® Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology support: Feedback, Adaptive, Feedforward, Hybrid, Adaptive Transparency Qualcomm® cVc™ Echo Canceling and Noise Suppression (ECNS) technology support: 1-mic Earbuds, 3-mic Earbuds, 2-mic Earbuds |
| Power Consumption | Music Streaming (A2DP): ~4 mA | Music Streaming (A2DP): ~4 mA |
| Audio Characteristics | Resolution: 24-bit | Resolution: 24-bit |
| Analog-To-Digital Converter (ADC) | Number of Channels: 4 | Number of Channels: 3 |
| Digital-To-Analog Converter (DAC) | Number of Interfaces: 1, 2 Amplifier Class: Class-AB, Class-D | Number of Interfaces: 2 Modes: Stereo Amplifier Class: Class-AB, Class-D |