Table of Contents
In the fast-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, chipmaker Qualcomm has thrown its latest offering into the ring—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Set to dominate the flagship Android phone market from late 2023 well into 2024, this System-on-Chip (SoC) boasts impressive upgrades over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Let’s dive into the specifications, improvements, and how it stands against its forerunner.
Performance Boost: Real-world Benchmarks
Qualcomm’s claims of enhanced performance in the Gen 3 are substantiated by real-world benchmarks. In GeekBench 6 testing, the Gen 3 exhibits a remarkable 40% increase in multi-core and an 18% improvement in single-core performance compared to its predecessor. The new CPU’s clock speed bumps across all cores contribute to this uplift without compromising power efficiency, with the Gen 3 touted to be 20% more efficient.
On the GPU front, the Gen 3 outshines the Gen 2 with a 40% lead in 3DMark Wild Life scores, aligning with Qualcomm’s promise of a 25% increase in GPU speed and efficiency. However, some concerns arise regarding sustained performance, especially evident in the 3DMark Wildlife Stress Test, where Gen 3 experiences a significant drop in performance after repeated runs.
AI and Additional Features: Beyond the Numbers
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 places a significant emphasis on AI capabilities. Its Hexagon NPU offers almost double the performance compared to the Gen 2, boasting a 40% increase in efficiency. The chip supports large language models on-device, exemplified by a chatbot demo powered by Meta’s Llama 2 language model. The introduction of multi-modal models enables the handling of text, images, and speech locally.
In the realm of image processing, the Gen 3’s Night Vision Video captures usable footage in extremely dark conditions. The Photo Expansion feature, utilizing generative AI, extends images beyond their original boundaries, adding a creative touch to photography.
Spec Showdown: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 arrives with a promise of substantial performance and efficiency enhancements. A detailed look at the specifications reveals key differences from the previous generation:
| Specifications | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Model Name | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SM8650 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SM8550-AB |
| CPU | 1 Arm Cortex X4 prime core @ 3.2 GHz 5 Arm Cortex-A720 @ 3.0 GHz 2 Arm Cortex-A520 @ 2.0 GHz | 1x Prime core ARM Cortex-X3 @ 3.2GHz 4x Performance cores ARM Cortex-A715 @ 2.8GHz 3x Efficiency cores ARM Cortex-A510 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Andreno 740 |
| Core | Octa-core 64-bit Architecture | Octa-core 64-bit Architecture |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5x |
| Storage Type | 256GB UFS 4.1 | UFS 3.1 UFS 4.0 |
| Display Type | Full HD+ | 4K at 60 Hz QHD+ at 144Hz Dolby Vision HDR10+ HLG |
| Geekbench Store(Single Core) | 2563 | 1485 |
| Geekbench Store(Multi Core) | 7256 | 4745 |
| Charging | Fast Charging Support | Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 |
| Bluetooth | Upcoming | 5.3 |
Phones and the Bottom Line: Choosing the Future
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has already found its way into devices, with Xiaomi leading the charge. Expected to grace numerous high-end smartphones in 2024, including Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, it marks a step forward in mobile processing power.
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has been a powerhouse in 2023’s top Android smartphones, it’s not fading away just yet. Qualcomm’s tradition of reusing previous-gen SoCs in mid-range and sub-flagship devices ensures its continued relevance.
In the showdown between Gen 3 and Gen 2, the former emerges victorious with its significant performance boost. However, the decision may hinge on factors like discounts on devices featuring the Gen 2. As you contemplate your next smartphone upgrade, weighing the performance gains against potential savings becomes crucial.
Final Talk:
In the rapidly advancing realm of mobile technology, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 stands as a testament to relentless innovation, promising an enriched user experience in the upcoming generation of flagship Android devices. The choice between Gen 3 and Gen 2 becomes a nuanced decision, balancing the allure of cutting-edge performance with practical considerations. Stay tuned as the smartphone landscape continues to evolve, driven by the engine of Qualcomm’s latest and greatest.
Also Read: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs MediaTek Dimensity 9000: Full Comparison
