Top-Tier Showdown: A Comprehensive Analysis of Qualcomm IPQ9570 vs. IPQ5424 — Which One Is Right for You?
As Wi-Fi 7 technology enters the application phase, Qualcomm’s two next-generation SoCs — IPQ9570 and IPQ5424 — are receiving increasing attention. But which one suits your needs better? Here’s a comprehensive and in-depth comparison to help you decide.
1. Chip Positioning
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IPQ9570 is positioned as a high-end enterprise/industrial Wi-Fi 7 platform, targeting applications like enterprise access points, industrial communications, and outdoor mesh nodes.
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IPQ5424 is designed as a mid-range enterprise and high-end residential Wi-Fi 7 platform, ideal for premium home routers and SMB wireless deployments.
Summary: IPQ9570 takes the high-performance, heavy-duty route, while IPQ5424 offers an optimized balance of performance and cost.
2. Core Hardware Specifications
| Item | IPQ9570 | IPQ5424 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | 14nm | 14nm |
| CPU Architecture | Cortex-A73 | Cortex-A53 |
| Cores | 4 cores | 4 cores |
| CPU Frequency | Up to 2.2GHz | Up to 1.5GHz |
Comment: Equipped with Cortex-A73 cores, the IPQ9570 delivers significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance compared to the IPQ5424 — crucial for handling high-concurrency scenarios.
3. Wireless Communication Capabilities
| Item | IPQ9570 | IPQ5424 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Supported Bands | 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz | 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz |
| MIMO Configuration | 4×4 MIMO | 2×2 MIMO |
| Single Band Max Rate | Up to 4804 Mbps | Up to 2402 Mbps |
Comment: With a 4×4 MIMO setup, the IPQ9570 offers double the wireless throughput, making it ideal for dense multi-user environments. The IPQ5424 fits well in standard home or small office setups.
4. Interface and Expansion Capabilities
| Item | IPQ9570 | IPQ5424 |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Interface | 2×10GbE | 2×1GbE |
| PCIe Expansion | PCIe 4.0 x2 / x1 | PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| USB Interface | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
Comment: The IPQ9570 offers abundant high-speed interfaces, particularly dual 10G Ethernet ports, ideal for enterprise-level LANs and module expansions. IPQ5424 strikes a good balance between cost and functionality.
5. Software and Open Source Ecosystem
Both chips are supported by Qualcomm’s official OVS SDK (based on the Yocto framework).
However, regarding open-source communities like OpenWRT/OpenWiFi:
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IPQ9570 and IPQ5424 are not yet fully supported (especially for the 6GHz band).
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OpenWRT is actively working on adaptation, but stable open-source support will require more time and development resources.
Tip: Projects requiring open-source integration should be prepared for additional software engineering efforts.
6. Market Pricing Trends
| Chip | Cost Level | Estimated Bare Board Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IPQ9570 | High | 120–120–120–160 |
| IPQ5424 | Medium | 60–60–60–90 |
Summary: If budget allows and top performance is the goal, choose IPQ9570;
for a balanced cost-effective solution, IPQ5424 is a very smart option.
7. Recommended Application Scenarios
| Solution | Recommended Applications |
|---|---|
| IPQ9570 | Enterprise-class APs, Industrial routers, Outdoor large-scale mesh systems, Hotel/campus Wi-Fi deployments |
| IPQ5424 | High-end residential routers, SMB access points, Light mesh networking setups |
Final Conclusion
If your goal is to build a high-throughput, high-concurrency, full-band enterprise network, the IPQ9570 is undoubtedly the first choice.
If you are aiming for high-speed Wi-Fi 7 performance on a reasonable budget, the IPQ5424 offers outstanding value.
As the Wi-Fi 7 ecosystem matures, both chips are set to play crucial roles in their respective markets.
Choosing the right platform is the first step towards building a successful product.
