The future of mobile processors: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is ready to dominate the market | Qualcomm | Snapdragon | Types of hardware | Turtles AI

The next generation of Snapdragon processors promises unprecedented graphical performance and energy efficiency, with a new chipset poised to be the fastest ever made for mobile devices.

Highlights:

• The Adreno 830 GPU in the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could be the fastest ever seen on smartphones, surpassing the Apple M2 in specific tests.
• The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset will be available in two variants, with different specifications based on power and efficiency.
• Samsung may adopt the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, favoring it over the Exynos 2500.
• The new processor will introduce advanced AI capabilities and innovative technologies such as Low Power AI and memory compression.

The recent leak regarding Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has already stirred discussion among enthusiasts and industry insiders. According to the leaked information, the new chipset will be available in two variants, both featuring a new Adreno 8-series GPU, aimed at offering superior graphical performance and improved energy efficiency compared to previous generations. An intriguing detail shared by a tipster, however, involves the potential of the Adreno 830 GPU, which is reportedly being tested at a clock speed of 1,250 MHz, approximately 25% higher than the previous Adreno 750 found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

While it is still unclear whether these specifications will be destined for the standard or high-performance variant of the new processor, the use of TSMC’s second-generation 3nm manufacturing process could be the key to achieving these speed levels without sacrificing energy efficiency. This technological improvement could make the Adreno 830 the fastest GPU ever seen on a smartphone, even surpassing the Apple M2 in specific tests like 3DMark Wild Life Extreme. However, it remains to be seen whether the higher clock speeds will be maintained in the final products, as several factors, such as ambient temperature and cooling solutions, could influence actual performance.

Beyond the graphics specifications, it has been revealed that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could bring significant innovations in memory compression and GPU interpolation technology, similar to what NVIDIA uses in its RTX 4000 series GPUs. These technologies could further enhance the graphic quality and fluidity of next-generation mobile gaming.

Another crucial aspect that could impact the market is Samsung’s choice for the upcoming Galaxy S25. Sources indicate that the South Korean giant may opt for the expensive Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 over its own Exynos 2500, especially for the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is expected to directly compete with the iPhone 16 Pro Max in terms of processing power. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip was spotted on Geekbench with a multi-core score of 8840, the highest ever recorded for a Qualcomm processor, surpassing even the results achieved by Apple’s A17.

The leaked technical sheet of the new processor reveals that the SoC will be equipped with two high-performance cores at 4.0 GHz and six efficiency cores at 2.8 GHz, supported by the powerful Adreno 830 GPU. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will include a FastConnect 7900 modem for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support, as well as the advanced Qualcomm Spectra ISP, designed to enhance the camera capabilities of devices. Innovations in the AI field are also present, thanks to the integration of the Qualcomm Sensing Hub (QSH), which could bring features such as the Low Power AI (LPAI) subsystem, optimized to reduce energy consumption during AI tasks.

Expectations for the official debut of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 are high, with a potential announcement during the Summit 2024 in October. Rumor has it that the first smartphone to be equipped with this chipset could be the Xiaomi 15, signaling a new era for high-end mobile devices.

Overall, the evolution of mobile processor technology, represented by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, raises interesting questions about the future of AI in consumer devices. The integration of advanced AI functions directly into the heart of the processor, such as Low Power AI, highlights how these technologies are becoming increasingly fundamental to the user experience, allowing for smarter and more personalized use of mobile devices.