Qualcomm IPQ5424 vs. IPQ9570: Wi-Fi 7 SoC Comparison & Positioning

As Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) moves closer to real-world deployment, more device manufacturers are evaluating SoC solutions for next-generation wireless products. Among the most anticipated Wi-Fi 7 chipsets from Qualcomm are the IPQ9570 and IPQ5424. While both support the latest wireless standards, they differ significantly in architecture, performance, and target applications.

1. Core Specification Comparison2. IPQ9570: Built for High-Performance Wireless Networks

The IPQ9570 is a flagship SoC in Qualcomm’s Networking Pro series, designed for high throughput, dense environments, and advanced routing performance.

Key Features:

• Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 support (2.4G + 5G + 6G)

• High-performance Cortex-A73 quad-core CPU at 2.2GHz

• Supports multiple 10G Ethernet ports

• Works with QCN9274/QCN6274 NICs for up to 8×8 MIMO configurations

Ideal Applications:

• Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi 7 Access Points

• Carrier-grade home gateways

• Industrial/commercial repeaters

• Outdoor CPE and edge computing gateways

3. IPQ5424: Performance-Cost Balanced Wi-Fi 7 Platform

The IPQ5424 is a more cost-effective Wi-Fi 7 SoC offering, ideal for performance-conscious designs without overcommitting on hardware resources.

Key Features:

• Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 support for broad compatibility

• Cortex-A53 quad-core CPU at 1.5GHz for energy-efficient computing

• Supports 2.5G Ethernet and PCIe 3.0, fitting most mid-range network products

Ideal Applications:

• Wi-Fi 7 home routers

• Smart home hubs

• Mesh network nodes

• Embedded IoT edge devices

4. Side-by-Side Analysis

The IPQ9570 targets demanding environments that require maximum performance and capacity. In contrast, the IPQ5424 offers a more accessible path to Wi-Fi 7 for mid-range products, balancing cost, power, and performance.

5. Conclusion

If your goal is to build high-performance Wi-Fi 7 networking solutions—such as enterprise APs or next-gen gateways—the IPQ9570 stands out with its CPU performance and I/O bandwidth. On the other hand, the IPQ5424 is ideal for manufacturers seeking a cost-optimized yet capable SoC for smart routers or mesh systems.