In 2021 , Qualcomm revamped its naming scheme for Snapdragon processors , transitioning from the three - bit system to the “ Gen ” system . This change , soon followed by MediaTek rebranding its Dimensity chipsets , ponder a broader trend in the industry towards complex and sometimes confusing terminology . We have also coveredIntel’sandAMD ’s novel appointment schemeswhich are equally puzzling .
However , permit ’s set that aside for now and focus on understanding what Qualcomm Snapdragon mainframe gens and numbers mean and how to find the best one for your indigence .
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Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipset Naming Scheme
Back in the mean solar day , Qualcomm used to follow a three - number nomenclature for its nomadic chipsets . call up the Snapdragon 845 , Snapdragon 801 , Snapdragon 435 , and so on . It still uses that but for a very modified set of chipsets . Newer smartphone processors from Qualcomm have now moved onto a novel “ Gen ” diagnose scheme .
This change happen in 2021 with the jump from Snapdragon 888 to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 , and almost all new Qualcomm chips now have this “ Gen ” in their name . These chips are coordinate into unlike tiers , with higher number generally denoting well - perform chipsets .
However , Qualcomm has recently shifted its naming convention more or less with theintroduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite . While it effectively represents the 8 Gen 4 , the “ Elite ” branding signifies a more significant leap in performance and computer architecture .
In this current strategy , the routine following “ Snapdragon ” indicates theprocessor ’s generation , while the number after “ Gen ” intend itsversion or loop within that grade .
For case , in Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 , the “ 8 ” denote the flagship level , and “ Gen 4 ” signifies it ’s the fourth - genesis chip in that tier .
Within the Gen batting order , chipsets are further categorise asStandard , Toned - down ( “ s”),Enhanced ( “ + ” ) , andAE ( Accelerated Engine ) . example include the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 ( Standard ) , Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 ( Toned - down ) , Snapdragon 8 + Gen 1 ( Enhanced ) , and Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE ( Accelerated Engine ) , severally .
Here ’s what each of these variant mean :
1. Snapdragon ‘Elite’:
As mentioned , “ Elite ” is a new naming schema that Qualcomm has enter . It ’s not a separate category or variant but rather replaces the stock variant within the top - grade 8 serial . These central processor exemplify the summit of Qualcomm ’s mobile applied science , jell a new performance benchmark for flagship Android devices .
Currently , the Snapdragon 8 Elite is the only central processor in this nomenclature , in effect taking the place of what would have been the 8 Gen 4 . The “ Elite ” branding is more than just a novel name ; it signifies a major leap in performance and capabilities , highlighting that these chips extend the very best Qualcomm has to offer up for Mobile River .
2. Snapdragon Standard Variant:
This play the standard model within a particular genesis and serial . These processors are ‘ off - the - ledge ’ and have n’t been modified to heighten or tone up down performance .
Theoretically , even the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a received variant , but we ’ve mentioned it one by one above to simplify things and highlight the change in Qualcomm ’s naming convention
object lesson : Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 , Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 , Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 , and so on .
3. Snapdragon “s” Variant:
The Snapdragon “ s ” variant denotes a slightly toned - down version of the standard manikin . They typically feature minor reductions in CPU clock speeds or other specifications to achieve a humbled toll point . illustration include the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 , 7s Gen 2 , and 4s Gen 2 .
good example : The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 come with 2x Cortex - A78 cores clock at 2.2 gigacycle per second and 6x Cortex - A55 burden clocked at 2.0 gigacycle . Its tone - down variant , the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 , comes with 2x Cortex - A78 cores clocked at 2.0 gigacycle per second and 6x Cortex - A55 cores clock at 1.8 GHz – a reduction of 200 MHz per core .
4. Snapdragon “+” Variant:
The Snapdragon Plus ( + ) variant extend a more substantial ascent over the root model , often featuring enhancements in CPU / GPU carrying into action , AI potentiality , and clock speeds . These are usually seen in flagship mainframe .
deterrent example : presently , the Snapdragon 8 + Gen 1 is the only processor with the Plus terminology . Its quality Cortex - X2 core is clock at 3.2 GHz , compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 ’s 3.0 GHz . Plus , it ’s built on TSMC ’s 4 nm process , does n’t throttle , and delivers better execution and efficiency than the latter .
5. Snapdragon AE (Accelerated Edition):
In addition to its s and Plus variants , Qualcomm also offers an Accelerated Edition ( AE ) for prime processors direct to boost carrying out in the mid - range tier . These chipsets feature eminent clock speeds on their central processing unit and GPU core compared to their non - AE opposite number , delivering an spare boost in functioning for demanding tasks like gaming or intensive practical app .
deterrent example : Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 AE on Moto Edge 50 , Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE on Redmi 13 , etc . Not many smartphones offer these chipsets yet .
Understanding the Snapdragon “Gen” System and Choosing the Right Chipset
Now that you understand Qualcomm ’s smartphone central processing unit assignment conventions , let ’s research the specific processor available in each generation . As observe before , a higher “ Gen ” number more often than not bespeak a better CPU , although there can be elision , which we ’ll talk over afterwards .
1. Snapdragon 8 Gen Series: Flagship Processors
The Snapdragon 8 series , which transition from the Snapdragon 800 series , is Qualcomm ’s flagship line of fluid chipsets . These processor deliver top - of - the - line CPU and graphic carrying into action , paradigm processing , AI capabilities , and more . you’re able to wager the most demanding game and apps available for Android on these SoCs .
Many mainstream smartphone brands use the Snapdragon 8 Gen processor in their top - of - the - lineage devices like Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra , OnePlus 12 , and Xiaomi 14 Ultra .
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was the latest flagship processor until the recent launch of the Snapdragon 8 Elite , which is in effect the 8 Gen 4 . It sport a new Oryon mainframe and is designed for the most demanding nomadic experiences .
2. Snapdragon 7 Gen Series: Premium or Upper Mid-Range
The Snapdragon 7 Gen series , which transitioned from the 700 series of C.P.U. , is designed for premium or flagship mid - range phones and shares many features with the Snapdragon 8 Gen series chipsets .
In fact , some 7 Gen processors even surpass certain 8 series processors . For model , the Snapdragon 7 + Gen 2 , feature in the Poco X5 professional , outperformed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 . Similarly , the Snapdragon 7 + Gen 3 , chance in the Realme GT Neo 6 , performs better than the Snapdragon 8 + Gen 1 and even arrive close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 .
When give a choice , prioritize the “ + ” variant of the Snapdragon 7 Gen processors . They offer most of the features from the preceding 8 Gen series on a phone that can cost less than half the price in some cases .
3. Snapdragon 6 Gen Series: Mid-Range Chipsets
The Snapdragon 6 Gen series is Qualcomm ’s mid - range card for budget smartphones . It transitioned from the earlier 600 series , and currently , the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and 6 Gen 3 are the only processors in this lineup .
Note that these mainframe are n’t design for hard-core use and prioritise power efficiency . While casual gambling is for sure potential , do n’t expect miracle in great title . Games like Call of Duty Mobile will be playable , though .
You ’ll find the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in phone like Realme 12 Pro , Honor 9XB , iQOO Z9x , Vivo T3x , and more .
4. Snapdragon 4 Gen Series: Entry-Level Chipsets
Snapdragon 4 Gen serial , transitioned from the earlier known Snapdragon 400 serial of central processor . They in the main cater to ingress - level and affordable lineups of smartphones like Redmi Note 12 or iQOO Z6 Lite and provide balanced everyday performance and battery life story .
They ’re supposed to get your everyday tasks through- career , message , societal medium , and vane browsing . gambling wo n’t feel nice here for obvious reasons .
Higher Generation Doesn’t Always Translate to Better Performance
Generally , a high “ Gen ” number signify a more muscular Snapdragon processor but there are some exclusion . For illustration , the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 often outperforms the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in sure facet . In another example , the Snapdragon 7 + Gen 3 in the Realme GT 6 T exceed the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 .
Essentially , a “ positive ” var. of a humbled grade can sometimes beat the “ s ” version of a higher one . base on current securities industry locating , you could generally rank them in the following order :
Qualcomm Snapdragon Naming Scheme Made Easier
UnlikeMediaTek , which has assume a complex nomenclatureand even rebranded and re - used several processors , Qualcomm has a much childlike naming scheme .
Understand Processor Variants
A high generation number generally indicates a better processor , with further eminence made by “ + ” and “ AE ” variants being the most powerful , follow by the standard version , while the “ s ” version is typically the least powerful .
Sometimes , the “ + ” variation can perform on par or even outperform the “ s ” variation of a higher tier up . When evaluate or compare processors , regard the CPU structure , the nanometer ( nm ) process it ’s manufactured on ( small is ripe ) , the type of cores used and their clock hurrying , as well as the GPU and its clock speed .
Use Benchmarks for Performance Insights
depend at AnTuTu , Geekbench , 3D Mark , and CPU throttling results online to get an melodic theme of the chipset ’s raw functioning . The processor also directly influences the earpiece ’s features including supported display , cameras , and AI capacity , but that ’s at long last up to the producer to decide .
Check RAM and Storage Pairing
Additionally , a processor ’s capabilities look on the RAM and also the storage size and case it ’s couple with . A super - profligate mainframe with boring RAM and computer memory can bottleneck its functioning and benchmark , so keep that in judgement .
Choosing the Right Snapdragon for Your Needs
If you ’re into gaming , heavy app usage , or video editing , the Snapdragon 8 Elite is the current top passport . However , previous generations like the 8 Gen 3 and 8 Gen 2 can still plow demand tasks with informality . If budget is a care , you could consider a 7 + Gen chipset . The 6 Gen and 4 Gen processors are suited for mundane task but may not be ideal for involve applications or heavy multitasking . They may also become outdated quicker as apps and game continue to evolve .
I trust this guide give you a simplified agreement of Qualcomm Snapdragon ’s nominate scheme for peregrine phones .
