Qualcomm introduces Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: Affordable Chip Empowering High-End Phones

Qualcomm, the chip manufacturer, has shifted its focus to the premium market with the launch of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC. This new addition to the Snapdragon 8 family is designed to offer a high-end experience at a more affordable price point compared to Qualcomm’s flagship SoC. While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is set to be available globally, it seems that initially, only Chinese handset manufacturers will be adopting this chip.

In terms of hardware, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This is made possible because Qualcomm is utilizing the same TSMC 4nm node for both chips. However, there are two notable differences in the new SoC: an upgraded CPU complex borrowed from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and official on-device generative AI support.

The CPU complex of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features ARM’s latest generation of Armv9 CPU cores, including the Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-A520. Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the 8sG3 sacrifices one performance core in exchange for an efficiency core, resulting in a 1/4/3 configuration. Despite this change, the 8sG3 is expected to outperform its predecessor in CPU tasks.

While most functional blocks remain unchanged from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, there are some downgrades in video recording and decoding capabilities. The 8sG3 can only record videos up to 4K resolution at 60fps, and slow-motion video capture is limited to 1080p240. Additionally, the lack of 8K video support sets it apart from other Snapdragon 8 SoCs. However, the SoC retains features like AV1 decoding and Dolby Vision HDR.

The DSP/NPU (Digital Signal Processor/Neural Processing Unit) of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers generative AI support, a feature not available in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, it should be noted that this NPU is not the same generation as the one found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Nevertheless, Qualcomm has provided software/firmware updates to enhance its functionality and capitalize on the growing demand for AI capabilities.

In terms of connectivity, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features the Snapdragon X70 integrated modem, supporting 5G Release 17 with 2×2 MIMO on mmWave and 4×4 MIMO on sub-6G. While upload speeds remain unchanged at 3.5Gbps, download speeds are capped at 5Gbps, half that of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3. The SoC also includes Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 system, offering Wi-Fi 7 support with 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.4.

Overall, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 fills a specific niche in Qualcomm’s SoC lineup by providing a more affordable alternative to their flagship chip without compromising on essential features. Although there may be some overlap with last year’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, Qualcomm believes there is a market for chips between the Snapdragon 7 series and the flagship Snapdragon 8 SoC.

Chinese handset manufacturers such as Honor, iQOO, realme, Redmi, and Xiaomi are expected to adopt the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The first smartphones featuring this new SoC are anticipated to be announced this month.

Background Information

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About ARM:

ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

  

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About Qualcomm:

Qualcomm, a leading American global semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company, has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern technology landscape. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm has been at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the realm of mobile communications and wireless technology. The company's advancements have been instrumental in the evolution of smartphones, powering devices with their Snapdragon processors that deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. With a strong commitment to research and development, Qualcomm has enabled the growth of 5G technology, paving the way for faster and more connected experiences.

  

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About TSMC:

TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

  

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a technology used to create images and videos with a greater range of luminance levels than what is possible with standard digital imaging. It allows for a greater range of colors and details to be captured in an image, resulting in a more realistic and vibrant look.

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NPU: NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a type of specialized processor that is designed to handle complex artificial intelligence tasks. It is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, with the ability to process and analyze large amounts of data simultaneously. In the computer industry, NPU technology is being used in various applications such as speech recognition, image and video processing, and natural language processing. This allows computers to perform tasks that were previously only possible for humans, making them more efficient and intelligent. NPU technology is also being integrated into smartphones, self-driving cars, and other devices, making them smarter and more responsive to user needs. With the increasing demand for AI-driven technology, the use of NPU is expected to grow and revolutionize the way we interact with computers in the future.

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Snapdragon: The Snapdragon processor is a cutting-edge technology developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. It is a powerful and efficient mobile processor that is used in many of today's smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Snapdragon processors are also used in some computers, providing a powerful and efficient computing experience. Snapdragon processors are designed to provide a high level of performance, while also being energy efficient. They are used in a variety of applications, including gaming, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Snapdragon processors are also used in many of today's laptops, providing a powerful and efficient computing experience. The Snapdragon processor is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and efficient processor for their computer.

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SoC: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a highly integrated semiconductor device that encapsulates various electronic components, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and often specialized hardware components, all on a single chip. SoCs are designed to provide a complete computing system or subsystem within a single chip package, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and compactness. They are commonly used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to embedded systems and IoT devices, streamlining hardware complexity and facilitating efficient integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.

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