In a pioneering development, Qualcomm Technologies and Aramco Digital have unveiled the world’s first AI-enabled industrial 5G smartphone, designed to enhance connectivity for 5G IoT devices, edge computing, and industrial applications. The announcement was made at LEAP 2025, marking a significant step in advancing industrial connectivity.
Powered by Qualcomm’s QCM8550 and QCM6490 processors, the innovative device supports native 5G connectivity in the 450MHz spectrum. Eid Alharbi, Connectivity President at Aramco Digital, hailed the smartphone as a crucial milestone in empowering industries with next-generation connectivity. This collaboration aims to drive industrial transformation in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, benefiting both the kingdom and global industries.
According to data from the IndexBox platform, Saudi Arabia’s mobile phone export value reached USD 2.7 billion in 2023, with a significant increase expected in 2024 to USD 5.8 billion. On the import side, the country brought in USD 5.6 billion worth of mobile phones in 2023, with China, Vietnam, and India being the top exporters to Saudi Arabia.
The industrial smartphone, which was showcased at Aramco Digital’s stand at LEAP 2025, is part of the ongoing collaboration between Qualcomm and Aramco Digital to innovate in the industrial IoT sector. This follows the deployment of Aramco’s GenAI industrial IoT solutions. Nakul Duggal, Group GM at Qualcomm Technologies, emphasized the smartphone’s role in enhancing connectivity, efficiency, safety, and sustainability within industries.
