Ian Carlos Campbell

Tech

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in 4 key stats

Here’s how Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chip is going to make a difference (or not) in new Android phones.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 powered some of this year’s top Android flagships, like the Samsung Galaxy S22+, but time marches inexorably forward, and there’s a new and improved chip waiting in the wings...

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Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

It isn’t a big enough change to warrant a new number, but should make some meaningful improvements to both the CPU and GPU performance of Qualcomm’s mobile platform.

10%

Faster CPU performance of 8+ Gen 1 versus 8 Gen 1.

Improvements to CPU and GPU performance and efficiency should improve all processes across the the 8+ Gen 1.

The most impressive (and potentially unnecessary): Support for simultaneous 8K HDR video capture and 64-megapixel photos.

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30%

Improved CPU power efficiency.

Qualcomm claims improvements in CPU efficiency could translate to “over 50 minutes” more of web browsing or social media posting. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 also has “up to 20 percent better performance/watt” than the Snapdragon 8 for AI-related tasks.

Jasmin Merdan/Moment/Getty Images

10%

Faster GPU clock speeds on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

Support for volumetric rendering means smoke and fog in mobile games should look even more realistic with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. But what might be more meaningful is Qualcomm’s claim that its on-chip GPU uses 30 percent less power.

All the better for smartphones’ over-taxed batteries.

Artur Debat/Moment/Getty Images

15%

Greater power savings on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

Improved power savings translates to around an hour of extra mobile gaming time or 80 minutes more video streaming according to Qualcomm’s testing (with likely ideal conditions).

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Qualcomm wouldn’t go into detail when asked what specific changes caused those CPU improvements, and suggested that a combination of the company’s “node, architecture, and software optimizations” were the culprit.

The company is also applying what it’s learned to its other chips...

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Snapdragon 7 Gen 1

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is mainly getting trickle-down improvements related to gaming, along with some firsts, like the especially egregious support for 200-megapixel photos.

Snapdragon 7 Gen 1

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 will be available in phones starting Q2.

From partners like Motorola, Lenovo, Oppo, OnePlus, and more.

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