Qualcomm’s much-anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the flagship mobile chipset, made its grand debut at the annual Snapdragon Summit 2023. Expected to power the upcoming wave of top-tier Android smartphones in 2024, it has generated considerable excitement. But what lies beneath the hood of this chipset, and does it introduce the long-awaited Nuvia-designed cores to the Android ecosystem? To answer these questions and more, we’ll delve into the comprehensive details of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Specifications
CPU: Octa-core, Kryo CPU CPU Cores: 1x 3.3GHz (Cortex-X4), 3x 3.2GHz (Cortex-A720), 2x 3.0GHz (Cortex-A720), 2x 2.3GHz (Cortex-A520) Process Technology: TSMC’s 4nm process
GPU: New Adreno GPU Memory Support: LPDDR5X, up to 4.8GHz
Machine Learning and AI: New Hexagon AI Engine, generates up to 20 tokens per second, runs on-device AI models
ISP: New Cognitive ISP, camera capability includes semantic segmentation up to 12 layers, dual camera experience, Dolby HDR capture
Video Capability: Night Vision for darker scenes
Modem: Snapdragon X75 5G modem, up to 10 Gbps peak download, up to 3.5 Gbps peak upload
Wi-Fi Support: Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4, LE Audio, aptX Lossless
Other Features: AV1 Codec Support, NavIC Support, Snapdragon Seamless
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: CPU
The CPU configuration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 sticks to a traditional octa-core setup, featuring Kryo cores rather than the Nuvia-designed Oryon cores found in the Snapdragon X Elite. Nonetheless, Qualcomm has harnessed the latest ARM cores for this chipset, which is fabricated on TSMC’s advanced 4nm process node.
The CPU comprises a single prime core, the Cortex-X4, boasting a maximum clock speed of 3.3GHz. Accompanying it are 3x Cortex-A720 cores, clocked at 3.2GHz, and 2x Cortex-A720 cores running slightly lower at 3.0GHz. Additionally, 2x Cortex-A520 cores are clocked at 2.3GHz. An intriguing aspect of this design is the use of Cortex-A720 performance cores at two different clock frequencies – 3.2GHz and 3.0GHz, a unique approach that promises strong multi-core performance.
This configuration results in a 1+(3+2)+2 core layout, with Qualcomm decisively discontinuing support for the 32-bit architecture. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 boasts a notable 30% performance improvement and a 20% increase in efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 doesn’t quite match the single-core performance of Apple’s latest A-series chips, its overall CPU performance is commendable. The prospect of future Nuvia cores holds promise for potentially closing this performance gap.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Geekbench Score (Leaked)
A leaked Geekbench 6 score for the Xiaomi 14, the first smartphone to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, has already created a buzz. The single-core score stands at an impressive 2207, with the multi-core score soaring to a remarkable 7494 points. These numbers indicate promising multi-core performance, but further tests will be needed to validate these results.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Adreno GPU
In the realm of GPUs, Qualcomm aims to continue its dominance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The previous generation’s Adreno 740 GPU set the standard as the best mobile GPU across the ecosystem. This year, Qualcomm is poised to redefine both GPU performance and efficiency with the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
While it retains the name “Adreno GPU” without specific branding like “Adreno 750,” this GPU presents significant enhancements. It delivers a remarkable 25% increase in performance while simultaneously achieving a 25% improvement in power efficiency. Running at a clock speed of 903MHz, it stands as a testament to efficiency gains. The new Adreno GPU also introduces support for 240FPS gaming, catering to 240Hz displays.
Notably, the Adreno Frame Motion Engine has been upgraded to 2.0 (AFME 2.0), offering real-time frame rate adjustments from 60FPS to 120FPS. Qualcomm, in partnership with Unreal Engine, has incorporated the Unreal Engine 5 Lumen system with Global Illumination support. This addition promises a visual experience on par with console-level graphics, making gaming even more immersive.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: AI and ML
Qualcomm has aptly designated the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as the embodiment of on-device AI for this year. Collaborating with Meta, Qualcomm aims to provide users with a private, on-device AI experience through the Llama 2 model. This empowers users to run AI models locally on their Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered devices. The chipset accommodates the execution of AI models ranging from 3 billion to 13 billion parameters.
The Hexagon AI Engine, a core component of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, is a powerhouse, offering a remarkable 98% increase in speed and a 40% boost in efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This engine is capable of generating images in less than one second, an impressive feat for a smartphone SoC.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the first mobile SoC to support multi-modality, effectively combining the capabilities of the CPU, NPU, GPU, LPDDR5X memory, and Qualcomm Sensing Hub to process text, images, and speech. This provides users with a comprehensive AI experience, including personalized AI assistance and a broad spectrum of applications.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: ISP
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s Image Signal Processor (ISP) has received a substantial upgrade, thanks to seamless integration with AI units. Building upon the triple-ISP architecture introduced the previous year, Qualcomm has taken the Cognitive ISP architecture to new heights. It now enables real-time semantic segmentation up to 12 layers, allowing for the precise isolation of different image components for color adjustments.
Moreover, the new ISP possesses the capability to remove objects from recorded videos, greatly enhancing the video editing experience. It also provides the ability to expand captured photos, change image backgrounds, and apply real-time AI-based enhancements to darker videos. Qualcomm’s introduction of “Night Vision” for video capture further elevates low-light videography, offering the opportunity to process videos up to 4K at 30FPS.
The ISP facilitates the concurrent use of dual cameras and introduces a “Vlogger’s view,” enabling content creators to leverage both front and back cameras for a seamless vlogging experience. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 extends support for Dolby HDR capture, characterized by over 1 billion shades of color and 10-bit color depth, far surpassing the capabilities of JPEG.
In an era where AI-driven image manipulation is prevalent, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 aims to maintain transparency and authenticity. It complies with the Content Authenticity Initiative (C2PA) and can securely attach metadata to images that have been manipulated using AI tools.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Connectivity and Other Features
For connectivity, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 leverages Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X75 5G modem. This modem promises download speeds of up to 10Gbps and upload speeds reaching 3.5Gbps. Furthermore, the chipset introduces support for Wi-Fi 7, delivering speeds of up to 5.8Gbps. Users can also benefit from Bluetooth 5.4 with Low Energy Audio (LE Audio) and aptX Lossless support.
Qualcomm’s innovation continues with the introduction of “Snapdragon Seamless,” which simplifies file sharing and screen mirroring between Android devices and Windows laptops, facilitating a seamless cross-platform experience.
In conclusion, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 emerges as a robust and feature-packed mobile chipset, with noteworthy enhancements in GPU performance, AI capabilities, and ISP functionality. While it may not outperform Apple’s latest A-series chips in single-threaded CPU tasks, it shines in various other areas. The true potential of this chipset will come to life through the ingenuity of smartphone manufacturers as they leverage its hardware capabilities to offer a smarter and more immersive user experience.
During the event, Qualcomm also unveiled the Snapdragon X Elite chipset, featuring the new Oryon cores based on Nuvia’s technology for Windows PCs. Now, the question remains: What are your thoughts on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?
