Qualcomm has just launched its Snapdragon 780G 5G processor, which might not sound all that thrilling, but could offer a serious boost to more affordable Android smartphones set to launch this year. The 7-series chipsets already power many popular mid-range handsets and that trend is likely to continue with the latest model.

These more affordable phones should benefit from numerous performance gains, including faster processing speeds and boosted camera features when fitted with the 780G. In fact, Qualcomm claims its 780G is the first 7-series platform to include a triple Image Signal Processor.

As you might be aware, most new phones now ship with at least three cameras on the rear case (usually some combination of main, ultra-wide, telephoto, or macro depending on the manufacturer) and the triple Image Signal Processor technology allows images to be shot using all three lenses simultaneously.

Qualcomm says its feature delivers three different images captured by zoom, wide, and ultra-wide lenses at once. That will allow users to get more choice after pressing the shutter button once.

This technology has been available in Qualcomm’s priciest chipsets for a little while now, but has been something those who avoid coughing up £1,000+ for a new phone will have missed out on.

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“Since introducing the Snapdragon 7-series three years ago, more than 350 devices have launched based on 7-series mobile platforms. Today, we are continuing this momentum by introducing the Snapdragon 780G 5G Mobile Platform,” said Kedar Kondap, Vice President of Product Management “Snapdragon 780G was designed to bring in-demand, premium experiences to more users around the world.”

So when will see the first 780G 5G-powered phones in shops? Qualcomm says that the first commercial devices based on Snapdragon 780G are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2021. So, you should be able to pick-up a 780G-equipped phone this summer.