Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 scaled

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Qualcomm has announced its latest flagship chipset at the Snapdragon Summit this year with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, which runs custom Oryon CPU cores.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite represents Qualcomm’s premier mobile platform, designed with a focus on delivering top-tier performance and efficiency. The introduction of the Oryon CPU cores, coupled with an upgraded Adreno GPU, makes the Snapdragon 8 Elite a worthy successor and a compelling option for high-end devices.

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Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Specifications Compared

QualcommSnapdragon 8 EliteSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
CPU Config2x 4.32GHz (Oryon)1x 3.3GHz (Cortex-X4)1x 3.19GHz (Cortex-X3)
6x 3.53GHz (Oryon)3x 3.2GHz (Cortex-A720)2x 2.8GHz (Cortex-A715)
2x 3GHz (Cortex-A720)2x 2.8GHz (Cortex-A710)
2x 2.3GHz (Cortex-A520 Refresh)3x 2.0GHz (Cortex-A510)
GPUAdrenoAdrenoAdreno 740
(ray tracing support)(ray tracing support)(ray tracing support)
DSPHexagonHexagonHexagon
(fused scalar, tensor, and vector)(fused scalar, tensor, and vector)(fused scalar, tensor, and vector)
Mixed precision INT8/INT16Mixed precision INT8/INT16Mixed precision INT8/INT16
INT4 supportINT4 supportINT4 support
RAM supportLPDDR5XLPDDR5XLPDDR5X
Camera support 320MP single shot 200MP single shot 200MP single shot
108MP single with zero shutter lag 108MP single with zero shutter lag 108MP single with zero shutter lag
48MP triple camera with zero shutter lag 64MP+36MP with zero shutter lag 64MP+36MP with zero shutter lag
Hybrid AF Triple 36MP with zero shutter lag Triple 36MP with zero shutter lag
10-bit HEIF image capture Hybrid AF Hybrid AF
HDR video 10-bit HEIF image capture 10-bit HEIF image capture
Dolby HDR photo HDR video HDR video
Massive Multi-frame noise reduction with AI Dolby HDR photo Multi-frame noise reduction
Enhanced AI video segmentation Multi-frame noise reduction Real-time semantic segmentation for photos and videos (up to 8 layers)
Video super resolution Real-time semantic segmentation for photos and videos (up to 12 layers) Video super resolution
Video super resolution
Video capture8K @ 60fps (HDR)8K @ 30fps (HDR)8K @ 30fps (HDR)
4K UHD @ 120fps4K UHD @ 120fps4K UHD @ 120fps
ChargingQuick Charge 5Quick Charge 5Quick Charge 5
4G/5G ModemX80 LTE/5G (integrated)X75 LTE/5G (integrated)X70 LTE/5G (integrated)
10,000Mbps down10,000Mbps down10,000Mbps down
3,500Mbps up3,500Mbps up3,500Mbps up
NB-NTN (satellite) support
Other networkingBluetooth 6.0Bluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11a/b/g/nWi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11a/b/g/nWi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11a/b/g/n
ProcessTSMC 3nmTSMC 4nm (N4P)TSMC 4nm

CPU Architecture: Oryon Leads the Way

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite introduces a custom CPU design with the new Oryon cores, boasting the fastest mobile CPU in the world with peak clock speeds of 4.32 GHz. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, on the other hand, uses a combination of standard ARM cores, including Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720. This custom approach offers Qualcomm greater control over the performance and efficiency of its flagship chipset.

Core Configuration

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite: The CPU setup consists of two Oryon cores running at 4.32 GHz and six performance cores at 3.53 GHz. The Oryon cores provide an astounding 45% increase in performance compared to the previous generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, delivering exceptional power for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s CPU configuration includes one Cortex-X4 core at 3.3 GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores at 3.2 GHz, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 2.3 GHz. The setup targets a balance between high performance and optimized power consumption, providing reliable efficiency for flagship-level mobile devices.

Power Efficiency

The Snapdragon 8 Elite features improved power efficiency by 44%, thanks to the Oryon cores and an enhanced power delivery system. This translates to longer battery life, which is particularly valuable in gaming and productivity applications. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is also optimized for energy efficiency but does not achieve the same level of improvements seen in the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

GPU Enhancements: Adreno Leads the Pack

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 3

The graphics processing unit (GPU) has received significant upgrades in both the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with the introduction of Qualcomm’s new Adreno GPU.

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite: Qualcomm introduced a sliced architecture to the Adreno GPU, which includes dedicated memory for each slice, optimizing both battery efficiency and overall graphics performance. The GPU delivers a 40% increase in performance, making it ideal for AAA mobile gaming experiences, particularly when paired with features like real-time hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: The Adreno GPU used in Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is powerful but does not incorporate the sliced architecture introduced in the 8 Elite. Despite this, it supports ray tracing, and coupled with the Hexagon NPU, it offers a commendable boost in graphics rendering and gaming quality.

The sliced architecture in the Snapdragon 8 Elite contributes to an overall improvement in visuals, ensuring smoother gameplay and lifelike graphics, while power efficiency ensures extended gaming sessions without excessive thermal throttling.

AI Capabilities and Camera Improvements

The Snapdragon 8 Elite further enhances Qualcomm’s AI capabilities, supporting a new level of multimodal generative AI that seamlessly integrates text, voice, and image recognition, all processed locally on-device.

AI Engine

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite: The chipset features Qualcomm’s latest AI Engine with a faster Hexagon NPU, offering 45% greater performance per watt than its predecessor. This upgrade helps in real-time AI processing for tasks such as natural language recognition, predictive text, and intelligent photo enhancements.
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU in Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a good performance boost, including features like enhanced AI video segmentation and mixed-precision AI computation (INT8, INT16). However, the advancements in the Snapdragon 8 Elite place it slightly ahead in the race for on-device AI processing.

Camera Features

The Snapdragon 8 Elite features Qualcomm’s AI ISP, capable of capturing up to 320 MP single shots, making it one of the most powerful ISPs in a mobile chipset today. Its AI-powered Limitless Segmentation feature can recognize and optimize over 250 different layers within an image, enabling precise adjustments to elements like skin tones, backgrounds, and even pet photography.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while capable, offers support for up to 200 MP single shots and utilizes similar segmentation features but cannot match the processing power of the Elite’s ISP.

Both chipsets support 8K HDR video capture, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite can record at a higher frame rate of 60fps, compared to 30fps on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Connectivity and Networking

Qualcomm has always focused heavily on providing the best-in-class connectivity features in their Snapdragon lineup, and the 8 Elite and Gen 3 are no exceptions.

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite: Equipped with the Snapdragon X80 5G modem, it offers advanced 5G capabilities with downlink speeds up to 10 Gbps. It also introduces Wi-Fi 7, which provides multi-gigabit Wi-Fi performance, greater reliability, and lower latency. Bluetooth 6.0 and Qualcomm’s Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology are also integrated to enhance connectivity across a broader range of devices.
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also features Wi-Fi 7 and 5G capabilities, though it uses the Snapdragon X75 5G modem, which has slightly fewer enhancements than the X80. Bluetooth 5.4 is included, which lacks some of the advancements found in the Elite’s Bluetooth 6.0.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite also integrates ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which allows for greater location precision and communication with nearby devices. This is useful for features like car key sharing and secure building access.

Memory and Charging

Both chipsets support LPDDR5X RAM and Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 technology, providing high-speed memory and fast charging capabilities.

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite: Supports up to 24 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which allows for smoother multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Similar RAM support is offered, but with slight variations based on implementation.

Planar Magnetic Drivers vs Dynamic Drivers

As a note on audio, Qualcomm also uses Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, offering aptX Lossless audio and lag-free spatial audio. To better understand the hardware involved, it’s worth exploring the difference between planar magnetic drivers and dynamic drivers.

Planar Magnetic Drivers

Planar magnetic drivers use a thin diaphragm that moves between a magnetic field, generating sound in a more even and accurate manner. They provide low distortion, high accuracy, and detailed audio. However, planar drivers are often more expensive to produce and require more power, making them less common in smaller headphones or wireless earphones.

Dynamic Drivers

Dynamic drivers are the most commonly used type of driver in consumer audio products. They operate using a voice coil attached to a diaphragm that moves in response to the magnetic field. Dynamic drivers can produce powerful bass and are generally more energy-efficient compared to planar magnetic drivers.

Conclusion

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is quite an exciting launch for Qualcomm, with the introduction of new custom Oryon CPU cores combined with improvements to the Adreno GPU, enhanced AI capabilities, and advanced connectivity features. Its improvements over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 are substantial, particularly in the areas of CPU performance, GPU architecture, AI integration, and camera capabilities.

One of the big issues we have seen in recent years is both Android, device manufacturers and software developers making the most of all this processing power. Qualcomm regularly demos impressive on-device generative AI, but I haven’t been overly impressed with a lot of real world implementations. The best AI feature I have used is live audio transcription.

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