Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Apple’s cheaper iPhone could use ‘a less powerful lower-end Snapdragon’ processor

Updated Jan 25th, 2013 11:17AM EST
Apple Qualcomm Cheap iPhone

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

So how will Apple (AAPL) release a cheaper version of its iPhone while still maintaining the desirability and high margins of its standard model? Forbes points us to some analysis from research firm Detwiler Fenton that suggests Apple could look outside its own hardware to build a lower-cost smartphone. More specifically, the firm believes Apple could use “a less powerful lower-end Snapdragon” processor from Qualcomm (QCOM) that would deliver inferior computing and graphics capabilities than standard iPhones that use Apple’s in-house A6 processor. The reason for this, Detwiler Fenton writes, is that Apple “would not want a value priced iPhone to offer the same kind of graphics and video support, processing power etc. that its premium priced device would, therefore a less powerful lower-end Snapdragon integrated solution would help segment the product.”

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.