The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona served as the unveiling platform for the latest breakthroughs in 5G modem technology by two titans of the industry: MediaTek and Qualcomm. These highly anticipated advancements highlight significant leaps in speed, efficiency, and new capabilities that are poised to redefine connectivity.
MediaTek’s M90 Modem: A Leap in Connectivity
Enhanced Speed and Carrier Aggregation
MediaTek introduced the M90 modem, surpassing its predecessor with a notable surge in speed. The M90, compliant with 3GPP Rel. 17 and forward-looking to R18 5G-Advanced specifications, achieves a peak throughput of 12 Gbps, considerably outpacing the M80’s 7 Gbps performance. This seismic upgrade in speed is complemented by advanced carrier aggregation capabilities, expanding from four bands in the M80 to six in the M90. By enhancing these carrier aggregation features, MediaTek ensures that users experience faster and more reliable connections, especially in densely populated urban areas where network congestion is a common challenge.
In addition to speed improvements, the M90 modem brings a 20% boost in uplink performance, which is crucial for applications that require high data uploads such as video calls, live streaming, and cloud-based activities. The enhanced uplink capabilities are expected to transform user experiences, particularly for those involved in data-intensive tasks. Moreover, the modem’s compliance with IoT-NR standards positions it as a versatile solution for various connectivity needs, from consumer electronics to industrial applications. These advances underscore MediaTek’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 5G technology.
Integration of Satellite Connectivity and AI
An outstanding feature of the M90 modem is its integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) satellite connectivity, branching into areas where traditional networks falter. This integration ensures that users in remote or underserved areas have access to reliable high-speed internet, thereby bridging the digital divide. The M90’s satellite capabilities are expected to play a pivotal role in disaster recovery scenarios, where terrestrial networks are often compromised. By providing an alternative communication channel, NTN satellite connectivity ensures continuous internet access in critical situations.
Furthermore, MediaTek’s second-generation AI for modems, known as Modem AI 2.0, ensures optimized performance through real-time adjustments tailored to device and network conditions. This AI-driven approach allows the modem to dynamically manage its resources, improving battery life and overall efficiency. The Modem AI 2.0 can predict network congestion and adjust parameters accordingly, ensuring a seamless user experience even during peak usage times. Additionally, the UltraSave 4.0 feature reduces average power usage by 18% and idle power usage by 15% compared to the M80, making the M90 an energy-efficient choice for next-generation devices. This combination of satellite connectivity and advanced AI marks a significant milestone in the evolution of 5G technologies.
Qualcomm’s X85 Modem: The New Speed King
Unprecedented Speed and AI Capabilities
Qualcomm’s X85 modem takes the crown as the fastest 5G modem with a peak speed of 12.5 Gbps. Supporting 5G Advanced (3GPP Rel. 18), the X85 is primed for applications primarily in Android smartphones. This new modem is designed to meet the growing demands for ultra-fast data transfers and low latency, making it ideal for emerging applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and real-time gaming. The X85’s speed is not just about breaking records; it’s about enabling new user experiences that were previously unattainable with older technologies.
Embedding a sophisticated AI tensor processor, the X85 boasts a 30% enhancement in inference task speed compared to its predecessor, thus improving performance, coverage, latency, and power efficiency. The AI tensor processor allows the modem to intelligently manage and optimize network resources in real-time, providing a more stable and efficient connection. This integration of AI into the modem’s core operations ensures that the device can handle complex tasks with ease, making it a robust solution for modern connectivity needs. Furthermore, the X85’s AI capabilities extend to predictive maintenance, where it can foresee potential issues and adjust operations to prevent downtime, ensuring a consistently reliable user experience.
Robust Carrier Aggregation and Global Band Support
The X85 excels in carrier aggregation, offering 400-megahertz downlink carrier aggregation in the sub-6-gigahertz spectrum and a 200-megahertz 4x Uplink CA. These advancements allow for more efficient use of available spectrum, resulting in faster data speeds and better network reliability. The enhanced carrier aggregation capabilities are particularly beneficial in urban environments, where network traffic is high and efficient spectrum use is crucial. By aggregating multiple carriers, the X85 can provide a more stable and faster connection, improving the overall user experience.
The modem’s capability is further enhanced by comprehensive global band support, encompassing 600 megahertz to 41 gigahertz across over 10,000 band configurations, solidifying its versatility and global applicability. This extensive band support ensures that devices equipped with the X85 modem can seamlessly roam across different regions and networks without compatibility issues. The addition of features such as 5G NTN support, 5G TSN (time-sensitive networking), and 5G Ethernet for industrial IoT applications further expands its use cases. Notably, Qualcomm has also targeted the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) to revolutionize connectivity on European trains. The X85 modem, therefore, not only sets new speed records but also lays the groundwork for the future of global connectivity, ensuring that it can meet the diverse needs of users and industries worldwide.
Driving Towards 6G
Evolution Beyond 5G
The launch of the M90 and X85 modems marks crucial strides in the 5G evolution, setting the stage for the transition to 5G Advanced and ultimately, 6G technology. These new modems embody the technological advancements necessary to support the increasingly sophisticated demands of modern communication systems. By integrating features that anticipate future network requirements, both MediaTek and Qualcomm are laying a strong foundation for the next generation of wireless technology. The journey from 5G to 6G promises to bring even higher data rates, lower latencies, and unprecedented connectivity solutions that will transform industries and everyday life.
Both MediaTek and Qualcomm have equipped these modems with cutting-edge features that underscore their commitment to innovation and future-proofing connectivity infrastructure. The move towards 6G not only represents an evolution in technology but also highlights a paradigm shift in how connectivity will be perceived and utilized. These advancements are expected to facilitate the implementation of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and advanced healthcare technologies, among other innovations. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, MediaTek and Qualcomm are setting the stage for a hyper-connected world where the internet of everything becomes a reality.
Operator Readiness and Market Impact
Operators worldwide are progressively discussing the rollout of 5G Advanced networks, highlighting the necessity for modems with advanced capabilities like those exhibited by MediaTek and Qualcomm. These discussions indicate a readiness in the market to adopt and implement the new technologies rapidly. The capabilities of the M90 and X85 modems are perfectly aligned with the requirements of operators looking to offer improved services and enhanced user experiences. The introduction of these modems is expected to accelerate the deployment of 5G Advanced networks, providing users with better connectivity and paving the way for the future implementation of 6G.
The market impact of these advancements is expected to be significant, as both consumer and industrial sectors will benefit from the improved performance and efficiency of the new modems. Enhanced connectivity options will enable new business models and revenue streams, particularly in areas such as smart manufacturing, telemedicine, and immersive media experiences. The ability of these modems to support a wide range of applications, from mobile devices to industrial IoT, reflects the broad impact they will have across various industries. The unveiling of the M90 and X85 modems at MWC 2025 is not just a technological milestone but a signal of the accelerating pace of innovation and adoption in the mobile industry.
Energy Efficiency and Diverse Applications
Power Efficiency Enhancements
MediaTek’s M90 modem integrates UltraSave 4.0, reducing average power usage by 18% and idle power usage by 15% in comparison to the M80. This significant improvement in power efficiency ensures longer battery life for devices using the M90 modem, making it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to extend the operational time of their products. The UltraSave 4.0 technology dynamically manages power consumption, adjusting based on the network conditions and usage patterns, thereby optimizing energy consumption without compromising performance. This balance between power efficiency and performance is crucial for modern devices that require high-speed connectivity while maintaining long battery life.
Qualcomm, meanwhile, leverages advanced AI to enhance the X85’s power efficiency, underscoring an industry-wide trend toward optimizing energy consumption in next-generation modems. The AI capabilities of the X85 modem allow it to intelligently allocate resources and manage energy usage, resulting in a 30% improvement in power efficiency compared to previous models. This AI-driven approach not only extends battery life but also reduces the environmental impact of devices, aligning with global sustainability goals. The focus on power efficiency by both MediaTek and Qualcomm highlights a broader industry trend towards creating more sustainable technology solutions that meet the needs of consumers and the planet.
Expanding the 5G Ecosystem
At the 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, MediaTek and Qualcomm, two giants of the tech industry, showcased their latest breakthroughs in 5G modem technology. These much-anticipated advancements promise to revolutionize connectivity by offering remarkable improvements in speed, efficiency, and capabilities.
Both companies have made significant strides forward. The new 5G modems are not just faster but are designed to be more efficient, potentially transforming how we interact with mobile devices and the internet. Enhanced performance means smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and more reliable connections, especially in densely populated areas.
MediaTek’s unveiling featured a 5G modem that claims to deliver unprecedented data rates and an energy-efficient design that could extend the battery life of devices significantly. Qualcomm, known for its cutting-edge technology, introduced a modem with advanced features poised to redefine user experiences, including improved signal strength and seamless connectivity across different environments.
These innovations are set to pave the way for new applications in various sectors, from smart cities to remote healthcare and beyond. As we edge closer to a fully connected world, the advancements presented at MWC 2025 highlight the importance of continual innovation in technology to meet future demands for higher speeds and more robust connections. The breakthroughs brought by MediaTek and Qualcomm signify a transformative era in the realm of digital communication.