Qualcomm vs. Broadcom: Which Chip Giant is the Better Buy Now?

Qualcomm Technologies Inc. (QCOM) and Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) are two major players in the semiconductor industry, particularly in wireless communication technologies such as 5G and mobile processors. As AI continues to expand across sectors like smartphones, PCs, automotive, and IoT, both companies are strategically positioned to meet evolving enterprise demands.

Qualcomm’s Strengths and Strategy

Qualcomm is making strong strides beyond traditional mobile communication, transitioning into a connected processor company focused on the intelligent edge. Its product portfolio spans mobile devices, PCs, XR, automotive, wearables, robotics, and AI applications. A key strength lies in its vast IP portfolio covering 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies.

The company recently launched the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF, equipped with a dedicated 5G AI Processor. This solution is gaining traction among global network operators for its speed and battery efficiency.

In mobile chipsets, Qualcomm continues to innovate, expanding its Snapdragon G Series with next-gen gaming processors. Samsung has adopted the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for its flagship S25 series, further validating Qualcomm’s market relevance. Additionally, the company is actively investing in AI PCs and recently announced the acquisition of MovianAI to bolster foundational AI research.

Market Challenges

Despite its strong positioning, Qualcomm faces fierce competition. In the AI PC space, Intel remains a dominant player. In smartphones, Samsung's Exynos chips challenge Qualcomm in the premium tier, while MediaTek continues to grow in the mid-range and budget segments. Further competitive pressure comes from Broadcom and NVIDIA, especially as AI integration deepens across devices. Qualcomm’s exposure to China also makes it vulnerable to ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.