Many of the top Android phones expected to launch next year are likely to be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. While it hasn’t been officially released yet, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors are widely used in high-end Android devices. This year alone, we’ve seen the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip powering smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series (including the Ultra model), the OnePlus 12, and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with many more phones expected to follow suit.
The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is generating a lot of excitement as it promises significant performance improvements for smartphones launching in 2025. If you’re curious about its potential capabilities, what it might mean for next year’s phones, and which devices are likely to use it, then keep reading!
SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 4: POTENTIAL RELEASE DATE
Qualcomm has officially announced that the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip will be unveiled in October during their annual Snapdragon Summit. While the exact date is yet to be revealed, last year’s event took place between October 24th and 26th.
It’s important to note that even after the announcement, you might have to wait a bit before seeing smartphones equipped with this new chip. However, similar to the launches of the Xiaomi 14 and OnePlus 12 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 earlier this year, we can expect a couple of phones to be released with the 8 Gen 4 before the end of 2024, potentially starting in China first.
SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 4: NEWS AND LEAKS
Get ready for a mobile powerhouse! Qualcomm has revealed some exciting details about the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Supercharged Performance: Qualcomm promises a “supercharged” Oryon CPU and an improved neural processing unit (NPU) for better AI capabilities. This Oryon CPU is no stranger, having powered top-of-the-line laptops in the Snapdragon X Elite chipset. Bringing that level of power to smartphones is a significant leap.
- Potential Price Bump: Buckle up for potentially pricier phones. Qualcomm aims to deliver “astonishing levels of performance” with the 8 Gen 4, and that likely translates to a higher cost compared to the current 8 Gen 3. This could mean pricier phones equipped with this chip.
- Leaked Specs Hint at Huge Performance Gains: Leaks suggest impressive performance improvements. One source claims a potential clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz, compared to the 3.3 GHz (or 3.39 GHz in the Galaxy variant) of the 8 Gen 3. Another leak pushes the bar even further, suggesting a clock speed of up to 4.3 GHz and a single-core Geekbench score exceeding even the anticipated A18 Pro chip expected in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
These leaks paint a picture of a potential game-changer in mobile processing power. While the official details are still under wraps, the rumors suggest a significant leap in performance for next year’s flagship phones.
SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 4: NEWS AND LEAKS
Get ready for a mobile performance boost! Qualcomm has revealed some exciting details about the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip.
Supercharged Performance:
- The chip boasts a “supercharged” Oryon CPU, previously used in powerful laptops, promising significant processing power for smartphones.
- An improved neural processing unit (NPU) is also on board, enhancing the phone’s AI capabilities.
Potential for Higher Costs:
Qualcomm aims for “astonishing levels of performance” with the 8 Gen 4, and that likely translates to a higher price tag compared to the current 8 Gen 3. So, expect phones with this chip to potentially cost more.
Leaked Performance Gains:
Leaks suggest impressive performance improvements. One source claims a clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz, a significant jump from the 3.3 GHz of the 8 Gen 3. Another leak goes even higher, suggesting a 4.3 GHz clock speed and a Geekbench score exceeding the expected A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
A Pinch of Salt:
While these high clock speeds and scores are exciting, it’s important to be cautious. A 4.3 GHz clock speed might require too much power for a smartphone to handle efficiently.
More Realistic Benchmarks:
Other leaks offer a more balanced perspective. A Vietnamese forum leak suggests a single-core score of 2,845 and a multi-core score of 10,628. Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (scoring around 2,200-2,300 single-core and 6,500-7,000 multi-core), this still indicates a significant performance leap for the 8 Gen 4.
Additional Perks:
The chip might also support the faster LPDDR6 RAM, expected to be released later in 2024, further boosting the phone’s AI capabilities.
Next-Gen Connectivity:
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is likely to be paired with the recently announced Snapdragon X80 5G modem. This successor to the X75 modem offers a dedicated 5G AI processor for smarter network management and potentially faster data speeds while being more power efficient.
Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 promises a substantial performance upgrade for smartphones, with potential improvements in processing power, AI capabilities, and connectivity. While the exact details are still emerging, leaks suggest a significant leap forward compared to the current generation.
