Qualcomm recently introduced a fresh Snapdragon 8 series processor, labeled as the Snapdragon “8s” Gen 3. While the high-end market already features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, what sets this chipset apart? According to Qualcomm, the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 System on Chip (SoC) prioritizes specific Snapdragon features. To discern the disparities between Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, we’ve meticulously analyzed both processors, including their CPU configuration, graphics potential, modem speed, and additional aspects. With that said, let’s delve into the comparison of Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Comparison of Specifications
Here are the primary specifications compared between Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Take a quick look to grasp the distinctions between Qualcomm’s two premier chipsets.
| Type | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Node | TSMC 4nm | TSMC 4nm |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo CPU 1x 3.0GHz (Cortex-X4) 4x 2.8GHz (Cortex-A720 likely) 3x 2.0GHz (Cortex-A520 likely) | Octa-core Kryo CPU 1x 3.3GHz (Cortex-X4) 3x 3.2GHz (Cortex-A720) 2x 3.0GHz (Cortex-A720) 2x 2.3GHz (Cortex-A520) |
| GPU | Adreno 735 GPU (likely) HW Ray Tracing AFME 2.0 | Adreno 750 HW Ray Tracing with Global Illumination AFME 2.0 Unreal Engine 5 Lumen |
| NPU | Hexagon NPU Run AI models up to 10B parameters | Hexagon NPU Run AI models up to 10B parameters |
| Camera Support | Cognitive ISP, Triple 18-bit ISPs Up to 200MP photo capture 108MP ZSL, 64+36 ZSL, 36+36+36 ZSL 4K HDR video capture at 60 FPS | Cognitive ISP, Triple 18-bit ISPs Up to 200MP photo capture 108MP ZSL, 64+36 ZSL, 36+36+36 ZSL 8K HDR video capture at 30FPS Night Vision Video Capture with AI Noise Reduction |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LE | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LE |
| Modem | Snapdragon X70 5G Modem Peak Download Speed 5 Gbps Peak Upload Speed 3.5 Gbps | Snapdragon X75 5G modem Up to 10 Gbps Peak Download Up to 3.5 Gbps Peak Upload |
| Storage / RAM Support | UFS 4.0 LPDDR5X memory up to 4200MHz | UFS 4.0 LPDDR5X memory up to 4800MHz |
| AV1 Codec Support | HW-accelerated AV1 Decode only | HW-accelerated AV1 Decode only |
| NavIC Support | Yes | Yes |
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3: Processor (CPU)
Let’s begin by contrasting the CPU configurations of Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 8 Gen 3. Both chipsets incorporate eight Kryo CPU cores, albeit arranged differently.
In Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a single prime core, Cortex-X4, operates at 3.0 GHz. Additionally, there are 4x performance cores (Cortex-A720) running at 2.8 GHz and 3x efficiency cores (Cortex-A520) operating at 2.0 GHz.
Contrarily, the premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 showcases elevated clock rates across all cores. In the standard version, the Cortex-X4 core operates at 3.3GHz, outstripping the SD 8s Gen 3 by 300MHz. In the Galaxy variant, featuring a peak frequency of 3.4GHz, the Cortex-X4 core gains an extra 100MHz, widening the margin to 400MHz compared to the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
Regarding performance cores, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 integrates a total of five Cortex-A720 cores, while SD 8s Gen 3 houses four. It offers 3x Cortex-A720 cores clocked at 3.2GHz and 2x at a slightly lower 3.0GHz. Once again, compared to 8s Gen 3, the frequency disparity ranges from 200MHz to 400MHz.
Lastly, in terms of efficiency cores, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 incorporates only 2x Cortex-A520 cores (SD 8s Gen 3 has three), yet at a higher peak frequency of 2.3GHz, resulting in a difference of 300MHz.
While Qualcomm maintains consistent cores across both chipsets, the peak frequency has been diminished on the 8s Gen 3. Consequently, in terms of CPU performance, the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 would likely fall below the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and might struggle to surpass the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 from 2022. Nonetheless, its CPU performance is expected to outpace Snapdragon 7 series chipsets. I’m eager to test this new chipset and assess its performance firsthand.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3: Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Transitioning to the GPU aspect, Qualcomm has not yet disclosed specific information about the new Adreno GPU embedded within the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. However, leaks indicate that the 8s Gen 3 is equipped with the Adreno 735 GPU, slightly underclocked in comparison to the Adreno 750 GPU featured in the 8 Gen 3.
The Adreno 735 GPU in Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers support for most Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, such as Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing, Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0 (AFME), Super Resolution, HDR gaming, Shadow Denoiser, and more.
However, two prominent gaming features are absent from Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It lacks support for Unreal Engine 5 Lumen Global Illumination and Reflections System.
Although there is HW-accelerated Ray Tracing support, the absence of Global Illumination means that games won’t achieve the same level of realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows seen on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered devices.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3: Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
Regarding the Neural Processing Unit (NPU), Qualcomm asserts that the Hexagon NPU on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 matches the capabilities of the m8 Gen 3’s Hexagon AI Engine. Both chipsets can execute AI models with up to 10 billion parameters on-device and accommodate multi-modal models. Whether it’s photo enhancement or local AI image generation, both SoCs are proficient in handling various Generative AI tasks.
However, it’s worth noting that the AI performance of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s NPU won’t match the speed of the NPU in the SD 8 Gen 3. Considering that the SD 8s Gen 3 features relatively weaker CPU and GPU components, which are also utilized for AI tasks alongside the NPU, the overall performance is expected to be impacted.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 versus 8 Gen 3: Image Signal Processor (ISP)
Both ISPs share the same foundational elements. They feature Cognitive ISP with triple 18-bit ISPs and support real-time semantic segmentation with up to 12 layers for both photos and videos. Both chipsets offer identical photo-capturing capabilities. However, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 can record 8K HDR videos at 30 FPS, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s ISP is restricted to 4K HDR videos at 60 FPS.
In addition, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers the capability to record 4K videos at 120 FPS, slow-motion videos at 720p at 960 FPS, Night Vision RAW video capture at 4K 60 FPS with AI Noise Reduction, and supports the C2PA standard for distinguishing between real and AI-generated photos (Truepic).
In contrast, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 allows video recording up to 4K at 60 FPS and slow-motion 1080p videos at 240 FPS. It lacks support for AI-powered Night Vision, C2PA-compliant Truepic, the video object eraser feature, or Qualcomm’s Vlogger’s View feature, which enables simultaneous use of both selfie and rear cameras.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3: Connectivity and 5G
Both Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 8 Gen 3 are equipped with Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 system, ensuring consistent connectivity features. This includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Bluetooth LE Audio support on both chipsets.
However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is equipped with the older Snapdragon X70 5G modem (also found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), providing a peak download speed of up to 5 Gbps. In contrast, the newer Snapdragon X75 modem featured in the SD 8 Gen 3 can achieve a peak download speed of up to 10 Gbps. The upload speed remains consistent across both modems.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3: Storage and Memory
Although both Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offer support for UFS 4.0 storage and LPDDR5X memory, there’s a subtle distinction to note. The LPDDR5X memory on SD 8s Gen 3 operates at up to 4200MHz, whereas the memory channel on 8 Gen 3 can reach speeds of up to 4800MHz, resulting in slightly faster performance.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 versus 8 Gen 3: Final Verdict
In my view, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 appears to be a slightly toned-down iteration of the current flagship SoC, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm has incorporated all the flagship specifications into the 8s Gen 3 but tailored it to meet the needs of OEMs seeking to provide 8 series chips at a more accessible price point.
While lacking additional features like Global Illumination, video object eraser, or Truepic support may reduce Qualcomm’s licensing costs, it’s noteworthy that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 still offers commendable performance, albeit with slightly less powerful CPU and GPU compared to the 8 Gen 3. Nevertheless, it remains a capable chipset capable of delivering robust performance comparable to other flagship chipsets. In essence, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 maintains its stance within the domain of premium flagship chipsets.
What are your thoughts on Qualcomm’s new 8 series processor? Do you find the absence of certain features or the underclocked CPU/GPU to be a deal-breaker? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Source: Qualcomm
