Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Arrives: Premium Features, Accessible Price
Qualcomm just pulled the blankets off its new smartphone chip, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is still the top tier, but this latest silicon is designed for more budget-friendly top-line phones. It aims to deliver flagship-level performance and features without the absolute highest price.
Flagship Features, Smart Design
Interestingly, Qualcomm did not use their new Oryon cores in this chip. The 8s Gen 4 continues with the Kryo CPU design. However, Qualcomm is announcing significant performance improvements over the previous generation.
Significant Performance Gains
What performance improvements can we expect? Qualcomm states the graphics performance (GPU) is significantly improved. It is potentially 49% faster than the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The CPU also sees a notable boost, reportedly up to 31% faster, and around 39% more efficient. This is substantial progress, even while utilizing the 4nm process technology (likely TSMC's N4P node) instead of the most advanced process used in the 8 Elite.
The CPU configuration is an intelligent '1+3+2+2' setup. This includes one main powerhouse core at 3.20GHz, three performance cores at 3.00GHz, and four efficiency cores for lighter tasks.
Packed with Modern Functionality
Beyond raw speed, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 includes many features found in modern high-end chips:
- Swift Connectivity: A fast 5G modem (sub-6GHz for broader coverage, sacrificing mmWave bands) with download speeds up to 4.2Gbps.
- New Wireless Standards: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 are supported.
- Rapid Memory and Storage: Compatible with fast LPDDR5X RAM (up to 4800MHz) and UFS 4.0 storage.
Enhanced AI and Camera Capabilities
Artificial intelligence is a key focus. The chip features a new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with up to 44% improved on-device AI performance. This enhances language translation, photo editing, and other smart features directly on the phone.
For cameras, the Image Signal Processor (ISP) is highly capable. It supports a single camera sensor up to 320 megapixels. Video capabilities are also robust, with 8K HDR playback at 60fps and 4K HDR video recording at 60fps.
Looking Ahead
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 blends powerful performance, advanced features, and a more accessible price point compared to top-tier chips. Expect it to power a new wave of flagship smartphones, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, in the latter half of this year. This offering provides partners and consumers with a high-performance, feature-rich option within the premium segment.
