Qualcomm, a leading semiconductor company, is gearing up for the release of its highly anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor this fall. Recent reports shed light on the development progress of this cutting-edge chipset, revealing intriguing details about its performance and features.
Development Progress and Testing
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is currently in the final stages of development, with OEM manufacturers already in possession of engineering prototypes for verification and testing. Station B’s owner, @Nonx_, recently shared a running score test video of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 engineering prototype, showcasing the performance of this advanced chipset.
Performance Insights
Despite high expectations, the initial benchmark tests of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 engineering sample have raised some concerns. The running score of the ES chip was reported to be subpar, particularly due to a significant discrepancy in the operating frequency of its P core compared to earlier reports. This discrepancy hints at a potential frequency reduction issue with this engineering sample.
Benchmark Scores
AnTuTu scores for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 early test engineering machine ranged from 1.7 million to 1.9 million. Notably, these tests were conducted at very low frequencies. @Nonx_ highlighted that the mid- and low-frequency performance of this chipset has already surpassed the peak performance of the existing Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, indicating significant advancements in processing power.
Key Features
Qualcomm’s official information, as shared by @Nonx_, unveils some key features of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is a highly anticipated chipset set to revolutionize the mobile processing landscape with its advanced features and cutting-edge technology. Built on the state-of-the-art 3nm process, this chipset represents a significant leap forward in performance and efficiency.
One of the standout features of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is the incorporation of Qualcomm’s new Oryon core. This core is designed to deliver exceptional processing power while maintaining energy efficiency, ensuring a seamless user experience for demanding tasks and applications.
In addition to its powerful core, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 boasts a low-power AI subsystem that includes a dedicated DSP and AI accelerator (eNPU). This AI integration enhances the chipset’s ability to handle complex artificial intelligence tasks, enabling advanced features such as image recognition, voice assistants, and more.
Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 comes with the Qualcomm WCD9395 audio codec, ensuring high-quality audio output for an immersive multimedia experience. It also supports the latest connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, enabling fast and reliable wireless communication.
Gizchina News of the week
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a “beast” – Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has a lot of work to do
It is important to note that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has set a high standard in the mobile processor market. It boasts of an impressive performance, efficiency, and features. However, as technology advances rapidly, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 needs to surpass its predecessor in several key areas to maintain Qualcomm’s position at the forefront of mobile processing innovation.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 comes with a 3.2 GHz Kryo 720 CPU, which provides a significant boost in processing power relative to its predecessor. It also features an Adreno 730 GPU, which offers improved graphics performance and supports up to 1440p at 120Hz. To outperform its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 must focus on enhancing its processing power even further, potentially by increasing CPU clock speeds or introducing new CPU architectures.
Efficiency and Battery Life
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is designed to provide up to 25% better power efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It also supports QuickCharge 5 for rapid charging and Wireless PowerShare for reverse wireless charging. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers decent battery performance, advancements in power optimization are crucial for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Improving energy efficiency will not only prolong battery life but also reduce heat generation, enhancing the overall user experience.
5G Connectivity
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports 5G connectivity with speeds up to 7.5 Gbps and features a Qualcomm X65 5G Modem-RF System. It also supports millimeter wave (mmWave) and sub-6 GHz 5G for diverse network environments. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 needs to elevate this feature to support the latest 5G standards, ensuring seamless connectivity in diverse network environments. Enhancements in 5G modem technology and network efficiency will be key areas for improvement.
Camera and Imaging
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features Qualcomm Spectra 580 Image Signal Processor (ISP), which supports up to 200 MP cameras and 8K video recording at 30fps. It also includes advanced computer vision capabilities for enhanced camera features like portrait mode and night mode. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 needs to push the boundaries further, potentially by supporting even higher resolution cameras, improved low-light performance, and more advanced computer vision capabilities.
AI and Machine Learning
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 includes Qualcomm Hexagon 780 AI Engine, which provides up to 2x faster AI performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It also supports Google Tensor Accelerator for improved AI performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 must enhance its AI and ML performance to support more sophisticated applications and deliver a more personalized user experience. Improving AI processing efficiency and expanding AI functionalities will be crucial for the next-generation processor.
Thermal Management
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features Qualcomm’s advanced thermal management system, which includes liquid cooling and heat pipes to manage heat generation. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 should focus on advanced thermal management solutions to ensure sustained high performance without compromising user comfort. Implementing innovative cooling technologies and optimizing heat dissipation will be key areas for improvement in the next-generation processor.
Conclusion
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 prototype’s benchmark test results offer a glimpse into the future of mobile processing power. Despite initial concerns about operating frequencies, the chipset’s overall performance potential is evident. With its top features and cutting-edge technology, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could set new standards in the realm of mobile processors, offering users a seamless and powerful computing experience.
