The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are two mobile chip models in Qualcomm’s product hierarchy. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 sits just below the Snapdragon 8 Elite and is part of a layered mobile chip lineup that shows a clear progression in features and performance. This article explains the differences between these two chip models in a clear and direct manner. The focus is on the design, performance, and features of each chip, making it easier for readers to understand what sets them apart.
Looking back at the evolution of Snapdragon chips, it is important to see how each generation has built upon the previous one. Comparing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 shows the step-by-step improvements that have been made in performance, AI capabilities, camera functions, connectivity, and multimedia features.
Overview of Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and 8s Gen 3
Both the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are positioned as upper-midrange solutions within Qualcomm’s mobile chip lineup. They both use TSMC’s 4nm process and rely on standard ARM designs, which is a key similarity that shows they share the same manufacturing technology. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 stands out by sitting just below the high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite, and its design shows a targeted refinement over its predecessor.
There are clear differences in branding and platform-level changes between the two chip models. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 does not use Qualcomm’s in-house Oryon CPU cores, a feature reserved for the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Instead, it continues with ARM-based cores similar to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. However, the Gen 4 offers improvements such as a higher clocked prime core and a complete lineup of Cortex-A720 cores. These changes bring better performance and efficiency.
Technical Specifications
The architectural framework of both chip models is based on a 4nm process with ARM-based cores, which plays a significant role in their overall performance and power efficiency. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 uses an octa-core setup that includes one Cortex-X4 prime core running at 3.2GHz, and several Cortex-A720 cores running at different speeds. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 shows a significant performance boost compared to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. With a higher clock speed for its prime core and the replacement of Cortex-A520 cores by a full lineup of Cortex-A720 cores, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 delivers up to 31% better CPU performance while using 39% less power.
AI and Imaging
The role of artificial intelligence in mobile processors is very important, and both chip models offer AI capabilities that enhance everyday functions. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 improves AI performance by 44% compared to its predecessor. It also includes an expanded shared memory pool that helps speed up the interaction with language and vision models.
These upgrades allow the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 to process AI tasks faster and more efficiently. The imaging system has also received an upgrade in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Both chips use a Triple 18-bit Cognitive/Spectra ISP, but the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 supports a higher photo capture resolution of up to 320MP compared to 200MP in the older model. It also offers enhanced video capabilities such as slow-motion recording that doubles from 240fps to 480fps. With these upgrades, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 provides clearer images and smoother videos.
Connectivity and Multimedia
Connectivity features are an important part of modern mobile devices, and both the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 support advanced 5G and Wi-Fi standards. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 comes with an integrated 5G modem that supports peak download speeds up to 4.2Gbps. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 uses the Snapdragon X70 modem that can reach speeds of up to 6.5Gbps.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities are also compared between the two chip models. Both chips support Wi-Fi 7 with peak speeds of 5.8Gbps using Qualcomm’s FastConnect system. However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 benefits from an upgrade to Bluetooth 6.0, while the 8s Gen 3 still runs on Bluetooth 5.4.
Audio, Display, and Storage
Both chip models support advanced audio capabilities with features like Snapdragon Sound and spatial audio, which provide a high-quality sound experience. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 includes Qualcomm XPAN that uses Wi-Fi to extend audio coverage, offering a broader range of sound features. This feature ensures that audio playback is clear and covers more area.
In terms of display and storage, both the 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 support high-resolution displays such as WQHD+ with refresh rates up to 144Hz and external displays up to 4K at 60Hz. They also both support UFS 4.0 for storage and use LPDDR5X memory running at 4800MHz. These features contribute to smooth visual performance and fast data processing.
Market Impact
The market position of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is that of a refined update rather than a complete revolution. It is aimed at premium Android devices that need strong performance and enhanced AI features without the need for flagship-level components. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is designed to deliver improved power efficiency and advanced imaging capabilities, which many users find appealing.
The improvements brought by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 have a direct effect on the everyday experience of users. For example, the upgraded AI performance and imaging capabilities can make mobile photography and video recording more efficient. The refined connectivity and multimedia features mean that users can expect reliable network performance and good sound quality.
Overall Comparison
The 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 show several key differences that are important to note. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 stands out with its improved CPU architecture, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core at 3.2GHz and a full lineup of Cortex-A720 cores, while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 uses a mix of Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A520 cores with a slightly lower prime core clock speed. This leads to better performance and lower power usage in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.
On the other hand, there are areas where the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has an advantage, such as its modem performance that supports higher peak download speeds. Despite this, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 makes up for it with improvements in AI processing, camera resolution, and overall power efficiency. The balanced view presented here explains that each chip has its strengths, with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 offering clear benefits in many everyday functions.
Ranking Comparison of Key Features
This section ranks the two chip models based on key features such as CPU/GPU performance, AI capabilities, camera quality, and connectivity. The criteria used for the ranking include the clock speeds, architectural enhancements, and the overall efficiency of each chi. The ranking is based on clear performance metrics and practical benefits that each chip brings to everyday use.
A preview of the ranking summary shows that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 performs better in most categories, including CPU performance, AI speed, imaging resolution, and energy efficiency. While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 retains some strengths in modem performance, the overall evaluation favors the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. The ranking is solely based on these technical criteria and real-world applications that directly affect user experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are clear in several important areas. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 offers a refined architecture with a higher clock speed, better energy efficiency, improved AI processing, and enhanced camera features. These improvements are contrasted with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s capabilities, which include a modem with higher peak download speeds. The article has compared the two chips in a straightforward manner, showing that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 brings many benefits to everyday mobile device performance. The repeated mention of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 underlines its significance in this generation of chips.