Qualcomm has announced its second-generation 5G modem, the Snapdragon X55, just days before MWC 2019. The semiconductor manufacturer is gearing up for advances in the new connectivity standard before 5G smartphones have even begun releasing to market.

The Snapdragon X55 will bring 7-nanometer processing to connected devices with compatibility to all wireless connectivity between 5G and 2G. Coupled with the modem, the 5G mmWave (QTM525) antenna will support 5G NR mmWave and sub-6 GHz spectrum bands to allow for faster and more efficient support of 5G on the side of service providers. Qualcomm promises 7Gbps download speeds and  3Gbps upload speeds from the Snapdragon X55.

The Snapdragon X55 modem will power 5G in premium smartphones, mobile hotspots, Always Connected PCs, laptops, tablets, fixed wireless access points, extended reality devices, and automotive applications.

While 2019 has been dubbed the year of 5G, its initial rollout is sure to be overrun with challenges. Over 20 manufacturers are expected to release 5G devices in 2019, but these devices will feature the first-generation Snapdragon 50 modem, which was announced in 2016 and may not exactly hit widespread 5G speeds. To mitigate the foreseeable issues with the new technology, Qualcomm will have partners testing the Snapdragon X55 in early 2019 with devices featuring the modem slated to be announced starting in late 2019.

These devices, especially smartphones featuring the Snapdragon X55, will likely be 2020 flagships. They will likely be paired with Qualcomm’s next-generation premium chipset and will benefit from what companies learn from this year’s initial 5G rollout.