With the launch of Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, Qualcomm intends to stretch the definition of mid-range smartphones. Compared to the other incremental upgrades, this chip boasts features that usually trickle down from flagship devices, making the premium experience more accessible than ever. Let's see what's under the hood of the new processor.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Chip
Performance Boost and Efficiency
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 delivers tangible and notable improvements compared to its predecessor in a few key aspects:
- CPU Speed: Expect an increase in processing speed of 11% for fluid multitasking and app performance.
- GPU Performance: An astonishing increase of 29% in graphics performance will definitely help in mobile gaming and visual applications.
- Power Efficiency: Thanks to the improved performance, the chip is also designed with power efficiency in mind and can save up to 12% of power, meaning users can potentially enjoy longer battery life with this chip.
Just keep in mind that this is still a mid-range chip. Qualcomm's, today, custom Oryon cores are the hallmark of the top-tier processors; for the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, it's using an octa-core Kryo CPU architecture. It is a pretty decent arrangement in which we have a Prime core operating at 2.3 GHz, three Performance cores at 2.2 GHz, and four Efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz for a sweet balance of power versus battery life.
Connectivity and Multimedia
For connectivity, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 has it all:
- 5G Ready: With mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G network support for high-speed downloads and uploads.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Providing high-speed and good Wi-Fi connectivity (though not the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard).
- Bluetooth 5.4: Incorporates lossless Bluetooth audio capability support under the latest Bluetooth standard to woo its potential buyers, especially audiophiles.
Camera and Imaging Prowess
Photography are so much in focus with Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. It features:
- 200 MP Camera Support: Incredible level of detailed pictures from mid-range phones, a feat previously reserved for the premium models.
- Triple 12-bit ISP: Efficient image processing with features such as zero shutter lag for fast action shots.
- Various Camera Configurations: Supports all types of multi-camera setups presenting options for single 64 MP, dual 32 MP + 16 MP, or trio of 16 MP cameras.
- 4K Video Recording: Capable of shooting video in 4K resolution.
Generative AI on the Mid-Range
Perhaps the most delightful feature of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is that it features an on-device generative AI. The Snapdragon 6 series is utilizing this capability for the first time, presenting opportunities to develop new AI-powered features right on mid-range smartphones.
Coming Soon on Major Brands' Phones
Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is expected to have its first appearance in smartphones within a couple of months. With this in mind, keep an eye out for new launches from Honor, OPPO, and Realme, as these manufacturers need to be among the first ones to use this latest chip.
The Mid-Range Gets a Premium Upgrade
Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is proving to be a great upgrade for mid-range smartphones by providing generative AI, 200 MP camera support, and high performance along with efficiency. Qualcomm now brings premium smartphone experiences to the masses. It will be interesting to see how manufacturers will implement this new chip in their upcoming products.
Source: Qualcomm Official Website