Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has unveiled its latest extended reality (XR) chipset, the Snapdragon Reality Elite Platform, at the Augmented World Expo (AWE), marking a significant step forward in immersive spatial computing technology. The new platform is designed to power a wide range of XR devices, including high-performance all-in-one video-see-through (VST) headsets and lightweight tethered optical-see-through (OST) smart glasses.
According to Qualcomm, the platform is engineered to deliver advanced on-device artificial intelligence capabilities, enabling more immersive, intelligent, and power-efficient XR experiences. The Snapdragon Reality Elite Platform offers up to 48 TOPS of AI performance, supporting large language models (LLMs) and vision models that can power next-generation applications such as photorealistic avatars, AI-driven assistants, and real-time object generation within mixed-reality environments.
Speaking at the launch, Ziad Asghar, Senior Vice President and General Manager of XR, Wearables and Personal AI at Qualcomm, said XR adoption continues to gain momentum globally, with more than 60 million devices already in use. He noted that the new platform addresses growing demand for enhanced performance, intelligence, and battery efficiency in XR devices.
The chipset delivers substantial performance gains, including up to 60% higher GPU performance, 30% faster CPU performance, and 160% improved NPU performance compared to previous generations. These enhancements are expected to support richer graphics, faster interactions, and more complex mixed-reality applications while maintaining energy efficiency.
Snapdragon Reality Elite also supports visuals of up to 4.4K resolution per eye at 90 frames per second, offering sharper images and smoother motion. Qualcomm says improvements in video see-through technology reduce latency and enhance image quality, creating a more natural blend between digital content and the real world.
The platform promises up to 20% longer battery life and significantly cooler operation, enabling lighter and more comfortable XR devices. Qualcomm confirmed that the technology will power upcoming products such as XREAL Project Aura and a new immersive device from Play For Dream, with additional XR products expected to follow.