Since the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in 2021, Qualcomm’s naming scheme for its chipsets has become increasingly intricate. While distinguishing between the mid-range Snapdragon 7 series and the flagship Snapdragon 8 series is relatively straightforward, it’s the internal classifications within these processor classes that complicate matters.
With a constant stream of new processors hitting the market, deciphering the differences can be overwhelming. How do you navigate through the myriad Snapdragon chipsets to find the one that best suits your needs? These are the questions that inspired this explainer, and my goal is to simplify the understanding of Qualcomm’s chipset naming scheme for you.
Decoding Qualcomm’s Mobile Chipset Naming Convention
During the Snapdragon Technology Summit in 2021, Qualcomm made a significant shift in its chipset naming convention, leaping from the Snapdragon 888 to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This change was prompted by Qualcomm’s recognition of the limitations of the numerical scheme, as continuing in this pattern would eventually lead to redundancy post the number 899. Instead of progressing to the 900 series in the future, Qualcomm opted to introduce the “Gen” series, albeit at the expense of complicating matters for smartphone buyers.
Currently, Qualcomm’s new mobile chipsets are organized into four distinct tiers under the “Gen” nomenclature. These tiers are:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen series
- Snapdragon 7 Gen series
- Snapdragon 6 Gen series
- Snapdragon 4 Gen series
Each tier of Snapdragon chipsets is subdivided into three categories, denoted here as “X” for clarity. Here’s a breakdown of how the chipset tiers are further segmented:
Snapdragon X (Standard Variant)
Standard Variants: These are the unmodified versions of the Snapdragon chipsets, straight off the shelf without any enhancements or reductions in performance. Examples include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 8 Gen 2, 7 Gen 1, 7 Gen 2, and similar models.
Snapdragon Xs (Reduced Variant)
To cater to a broader audience, Qualcomm offers more affordable versions of these processors by underclocking the CPU and GPU of the regular variants, indicated by adding an “s” to their name. For instance, we have the recently launched Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, and similar models.
To provide clarity, let’s examine the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and its downscaled variant, the 8s Gen 3. While the prime core (Cortex X4) of the 8s Gen 3 remains identical to the standard 8 Gen 3, the clock speed is reduced. The Cortex X4 on the 8 Gen 3 can achieve speeds of up to 3.3GHz, whereas the one on the 8s Gen 3 is capped at 3.0GHz. However, this isn’t the sole distinction between them.
While the prime core of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which is the Cortex X4, remains identical to that of the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, there are notable differences. Firstly, the clock speed of the Cortex X4 on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is capped at 3.0GHz, compared to the 3.3GHz clock speed of the same core on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
However, the disparities don’t end there. The core configuration is also altered, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 featuring a different setup. Alongside the Cortex X4, it includes 3 Cortex-A720 cores clocked at 3.15GHz, 2 Cortex-A720 cores at 2.96GHz, and 2 Cortex-A520 cores at 2.27GHz.
In contrast, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is equipped with 4 Cortex-A720 cores clocked at 2.8GHz and 3 Cortex-A520 cores at 2.0GHz, in addition to the Cortex X4. As a result, the 8s Gen 3 utilizes a 1+4+3 core configuration, diverging from the 1+5+2 configuration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Furthermore, the GPU employed in these two chipsets varies. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 boasts the slightly more capable Adreno 750 GPU, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is paired with the Adreno 735 GPU.
The discrepancies between these chipsets are also reflected in their AnTuTu and Geekbench scores.
Snapdragon X+ (Boosted Variant)
Additionally, certain Qualcomm chipsets feature a plus (+) in their name, indicating that they are overclocked versions of their regular counterparts. Examples include the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 7+ Gen 2, and 7+ Gen 3.
To illustrate this further, let’s consider the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and its overclocked variant, the 8+ Gen 1. For more detailed insights, you can refer to our dedicated benchmark comparison between the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the standard 8 Gen 1.
Returning to the topic, while both chipsets feature the same Cortex X2 primary core, the clock speed is boosted to 3.2GHz on the 8+ Gen 1 variant. In comparison, the Cortex-X2 on the standard 8 Gen 1 chipset operates at up to 3.0GHz. However, it’s worth noting that both chipsets come equipped with the Adreno 730 GPU, resulting in no disparity in this aspect.
Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipset Naming in 2024
With this in mind, let’s delve into all the chipsets that Qualcomm has introduced under its new “Gen” nomenclature. This comprehensive overview will provide you with a better understanding of the chipsets and their capabilities. I’ve organized the information into dedicated sections for ease of comprehension; feel free to explore each section.
Snapdragon 8 Series: Flagship
The Snapdragon 8 Gen series is tailored for users prioritizing performance above all else. Whether underclocked or overclocked, these chipsets deliver exceptional performance and represent the pinnacle of Qualcomm’s chipset lineup.
Found in ultra-flagship devices such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, as well as premium flagship killers like the OnePlus 12R and iQOO 12, these chipsets can effortlessly handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.
With leaks and rumors circulating about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, it’s poised to become Qualcomm’s next flagship offering, promising even greater performance enhancements.
Snapdragon 7 Series: Premium Mid-ranger
The Snapdragon 7 Gen series offers a variety of options, with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset delivering performance comparable to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 860, despite belonging to the 7 series.
Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, featured in devices like the POCO F5, impressed users with its performance upon release. Despite being part of the Snapdragon 7 series, it performed on par with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This revelation highlighted the potential confusion caused by Qualcomm’s naming scheme.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen series comprises flagship mid-range chipsets that offer performance levels similar to some Snapdragon 8 Gen series chipsets. For instance, the OnePlus Ace 3V (Nord 4), powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, closely matches the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. You can explore the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2 benchmark comparison for more details.
The key takeaway is that devices equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen lineup of chipsets can handle a wide range of tasks at a more affordable price point. Models like the POCO F5 and the upcoming OnePlus Nord CE 4 demonstrate how these mid-range devices can excel with this generation of chipsets.
Snapdragon 6 Series: Mainstream Mid-range
The Snapdragon 6 Gen series currently consists of the 6 Gen 1 chipset. It offers slightly improved performance compared to the commonly used Snapdragon 695 and is more power-efficient, utilizing a 4nm process node.
It’s worth noting that the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset performs closely to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 as well. Smartphones like the Realme 12 Pro and Honor X9B are powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
However, similar to the Snapdragon 4 series (which will be discussed further below), the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is not intended for gaming or extensive multitasking. While it can handle casual tasks, it may not provide the same level of satisfaction in performance as higher-tier chipsets. Its primary purpose is to efficiently complete tasks, albeit with a slight improvement over the Snapdragon 4 Gen series.
Snapdragon 4 Series: Basic-Level
Lastly, we have the Snapdragon 4 Gen series, which represents the lowest end of the spectrum. Devices like the Redmi Note 12, iQOO Z6 Lite, and similar near-entry-level devices are equipped with this chipset. These processors are not designed for power-intensive tasks like gaming and are primarily focused on providing basic functionality without significant hiccups.
Understanding Snapdragon’s Chipset Branding
Over the years, we’ve observed not only an increase in performance with new processors but also a significant emphasis on enhancing power efficiency while maintaining or even improving performance levels.
If you’re looking to game, edit videos, or engage in extensive multitasking on your phone, opting for a handset with a Snapdragon 8 series chipset is the optimal choice. However, considering that such devices can be expensive, you can also consider models equipped with Snapdragon 7 Gen chipsets, which should meet these requirements to a satisfactory extent.
For those on a tighter budget who cannot afford devices with Snapdragon 8 or 7 series chipsets, opting for a handset with a Snapdragon 6 or 4 series chipset should suffice for daily computing needs. These chipsets offer more than enough functionality for their price point, making them a great value proposition.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that all Snapdragon Gen series of Qualcomm’s SoCs now come with 5G connectivity, making it a standard feature across the board.
Importantly, a chipset’s architecture directly influences a device’s display capabilities. For instance, while a phone powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset may support a maximum of FHD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, a flagship device powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset can offer a QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it may even support a 4K Ultra HD panel with a 60 Hz refresh rate, providing users with a more immersive viewing experience.
I understand that this information may seem overwhelming, but I hope this guide has simplified things for you. If you have any related queries, feel free to leave them in the comments below, and I’ll be more than happy to assist you!
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