Qualcomm has officially introduced its latest mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, the successor to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. This new chipset is engineered to deliver flagship-level performance at a more affordable price, making it a perfect fit for “flagship killer” devices and premium mid-range smartphones. Let’s dive deep into the specifications, features, and advancements of this cutting-edge System-on-Chip (SoC).
Key Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Kryo architecture with ARM Cortex cores: – 1x Cortex-X4 Prime Core @ 3.2 GHz – 3x Cortex-A720 Performance Cores @ 3.0 GHz – 2x Cortex-A720 Efficiency Cores @ 2.8 GHz – 2x Cortex-A720 Efficiency Cores @ 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 825 with a 49% performance boost over its predecessor |
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC N4P (4nm) |
| AI Engine | Hexagon NPU with a 44% improvement in AI tasks |
| ISP | Spectra 18-bit Triple Image Signal Processor (ISP) |
| Connectivity | Snapdragon X75 modem with sub-6GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
| Storage & Memory | UFS 4.0 storage, LPDDR5X RAM |
| Power Efficiency | Consumes 39% less power compared to Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
Performance Improvements
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 brings major enhancements in processing speed, gaming, AI, and power efficiency:
- 31% Faster CPU Performance: The Kryo CPU architecture enhances multitasking and improves overall processing speed.
- 49% Better GPU Performance: The Adreno 825 GPU introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing and global illumination for realistic gaming visuals.
- 44% Improved AI Capabilities: The Hexagon NPU enables advanced on-device AI tasks, such as real-time object recognition and generative AI models.
- 39% Power Efficiency Gain: Thanks to the TSMC N4P process, power consumption is significantly reduced without compromising performance.
Gaming Features
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a game-changer for mobile gaming:
- Ray Tracing Support: Real-time ray tracing enhances lighting, shadows, and reflections.
- Snapdragon Elite Gaming Suite: Features like Game Super Resolution 2.0 and Adreno Frame Motion Engine ensure high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Global Illumination: This feature improves visual fidelity by simulating realistic lighting conditions.
Camera and Imaging
Qualcomm has equipped the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with an advanced Spectra ISP, offering:
- Support for a single 320MP camera sensor or triple cameras up to 36MP each.
- 4K60fps HDR video recording, along with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.
- Night Vision 2.0 for enhanced low-light photography and real-time skin tone corrections.
AI Advancements
The Hexagon NPU powers several AI-driven features:
- Multimodal and multilingual generative AI capabilities.
- Real-time object recognition for over 250 objects simultaneously, enhancing photography and AR experiences.
- On-device support for large language models (LLMs) and vision models (LVMs).
Connectivity Options
The Snapdragon X75 modem ensures superior connectivity:
- Sub-6GHz 5G with download speeds up to 4.2 Gbps.
- Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast wireless speeds up to 5.8 Gbps.
- Bluetooth 6.0 for seamless pairing with accessories like earbuds and wearables.
Energy Efficiency
Built on TSMC’s N4P (4nm) process, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 delivers outstanding power efficiency:
- Consumes 39% less power, making it ideal for prolonged gaming sessions and power-intensive applications.
- Optimized thermal management ensures devices stay cool even under heavy workloads.
Target Market and Applications
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is positioned as an affordable alternative to Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon Elite series, making it ideal for:
- Flagship Killers: Devices like the iQOO Z10 Turbo are expected to debut with this chipset, offering premium features at competitive prices.
- Gaming Phones: Enhanced GPU capabilities make it a great choice for gaming-centric smartphones.
- Premium Mid-range Devices: Brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Meizu are likely to adopt this chip for their upcoming models.
Comparison with Snapdragon Elite Series
While the Snapdragon Elite series features Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 relies on ARM’s reference cores. This makes it slightly less powerful but significantly more cost-effective:
| Feature | Snapdragon Elite Series | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| CPU Architecture | Custom Oryon Cores | ARM Cortex Reference Cores |
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC N3 (3nm) | TSMC N4P (4nm) |
| Target Market | Ultra-premium smartphones | Affordable flagships |
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 strikes a perfect balance between performance, efficiency, and affordability. With substantial improvements in CPU, GPU, AI processing, and energy efficiency, it is set to redefine the premium mid-range smartphone segment in 2025. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or everyday user, this chipset promises a seamless experience without breaking the bank.
As devices powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 hit the market later this year, it will be exciting to see how manufacturers leverage its capabilities to deliver innovative features at competitive price points.
