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 Comparison

Feature	IPQ9570	IPQ5424
Wi-Fi Support	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
CPU	Quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz	Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz
Process Node	14nm	14nm
Frequency Bands	2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz (Tri-band)	2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz (Tri-band)
Memory Support	DDR4 / DDR5	DDR4
Interfaces	10G Ethernet, PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0	2.5G Ethernet, PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0
Target Use Case	High-end enterprise APs, gateways, edge networking	Mid-to-high-end routers, mesh nodes
Expansion Capability	High	Moderate

---

2. 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

Criteria	IPQ9570	IPQ5424
Processing Power	High (A73 @ 2.2GHz)	Moderate (A53 @ 1.5GHz)
Network Throughput	10Gbps+	2.5Gbps
Power Consumption	Higher	Lower
Cost	Higher	Lower
Market Position	Enterprise, carrier, industrial	Consumer, prosumer, SMB

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.