Qualcomm’s new chipsets want to give budget phones a boost


Qualcomm has announced two new Snapdragon chipsets aimed at making cheaper smartphones feel a lot less… cheap.

The new Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 platforms promise smoother performance, faster app launches, improved gaming, and better battery life across mid-range and entry-level Android phones arriving in 2026.

Rather than chasing flagship-level specs, Qualcomm is focusing on the stuff budget phone users actually notice day-to-day: lag, stutter, app loading times, and battery drain. Both chips also introduce a new feature called Snapdragon Smooth Motion UI that’ll make navigation and animations feel more fluid across lower-cost devices.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is the more powerful of the two. This brings AI-enhanced camera features, Wi-Fi 7 support, and Qualcomm’s new Adaptive Performance Engine 4.0 for more stable gaming sessions. Moreover, Qualcomm says it delivers 20% faster app launches, 18% less screen stutter, and up to 21% better GPU performance compared to the previous generation.

Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 looks like a surprisingly big jump for cheaper handsets. Qualcomm claims the chip offers 77% better GPU performance and brings 90fps gaming to the Snapdragon 4 series for the first time. In addition, it supports Dual-SIM Dual-Active 5G, letting users stay connected to two networks simultaneously without dropping to slower connectivity.

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That could make a noticeable difference for affordable phones. This trend is especially clear as budget devices increasingly adopt features once reserved for premium models.

Qualcomm says it designed the platforms around “real-world experiences,” focusing on balancing performance, power efficiency, and connectivity instead of simply chasing benchmark scores. Xiaomi’s smartphone division has already confirmed upcoming devices using the new chips. Meanwhile, brands including Honor, Oppo, Realme, and Redmi are also on board.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 will first appear in devices from Honor and Redmi, while Oppo, Realme, and Redmi will use the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 in upcoming phones.

Manufacturers are expected to launch commercial devices powered by the new chipsets in the second half of 2026. If Qualcomm’s performance claims hold up, budget Android phones could end up feeling much closer to their flagship counterparts than before.



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A toolkit can go a long way toward helping you stock up on essentials. All of the major tool brands offer different kinds, including the longstanding power and hand tool favorite, Craftsman. Its products can be found in many online stores, and Amazon is currently holding a major sale. At the time of publication, a 262-piece Craftsman hand tool set is on a massive markdown of 40% off, saving you $100 at checkout.

The collection currently costs $149, which is still a lot of money, but is a big budgetary improvement over the $249 regular price. With the discount, you’re getting more for your dollar, and this kit includes 118 sockets, three ratchets to use them on, 24 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 specialty bits, and seven extra accessories. The set comes in a three-drawer, handled toolbox that’s part of the Craftsman VersaStack modular storage system. You’re also getting a full lifetime warranty.

While the price and quantity of tools may seem right, what is there to say about the quality of this Craftsman kit? According to most customers, it’s a worthwhile buy for any DIYer, even without a huge sale to sweeten the deal.

How online buyers feel about this Craftsman tool kit

On Amazon, the response to this specific Craftsman tool kit has been resoundingly positive. There are currently close to 300 reviews discussing this specific variant and over 10,000 for the overall product, and the vast majority gave it five stars. Most found the quality of the tools and sockets more than up to par, the VersaStack toolbox sturdy and great for organization and protection, and the price adequate. Still, it’s often said this is more of a beginner or around-the-house kind of kit, so if you want it for professional use, it’s not considered the strongest option on the market.

Elsewhere online, this kit has continued to garner largely positive press. On the Craftsman website itself, almost all of the 18 reviews gave it five stars. Some applauded the functionality of the VersaStack case and its ability to connect to other boxes in the line, while others praised the versatility of the tools within. Meanwhile, most of the 289 reviews on Lowe’s website are five-star and approve of the kit’s piece selection and durability.

There are a lot of great mechanic tool sets for anyone’s budget, and there could be a case to make that this Craftsman 262-piece set belongs alongside them. At its sale price or otherwise, it’s a hit across several retailers. Whether it’s the right set for you and your hand tool-related needs, though, is a question only you can answer. 





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