Qualcomm has officially introduced the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, marking a major advancement in its mobile processor lineup. Built on TSMC’s N4P 4nm process, this new chipset integrates Qualcomm’s Kryo CPU architecture instead of the more advanced Oryon core found in the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite. Designed to balance power efficiency with high performance, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is positioned as an ideal choice for premium smartphones, catering to users who demand powerful processing, high-end gaming, and superior AI capabilities.
Compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 delivers a substantial leap in processing power. The CPU configuration consists of a single Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.2GHz, three Cortex-A720 performance cores at 3.0GHz, two Cortex-A720 cores at 2.8GHz, and two Cortex-A720 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz. According to Qualcomm, this setup results in a 31 per cent improvement in raw processing power while also achieving a 39 per cent reduction in power consumption compared to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. This means users can expect smoother multitasking, faster application launches, and optimized efficiency for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and AI-based applications.
In terms of graphics, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 sees a massive boost with the inclusion of the new Adreno 825 GPU, which Qualcomm claims offers a 49 per cent increase in graphics rendering performance. This powerful GPU supports real-time on-device ray tracing, bringing console-like lighting, shadows, and reflections to mobile games. The chipset also features Snapdragon Elite Gaming technologies, including Snapdragon Game Super Resolution 2.0 and Adreno Image Motion Engine 2.0, which enhance frame rates, upscaling, and motion smoothness for an immersive gaming experience. As mobile gaming continues to evolve, the improvements in GPU performance and software optimization make the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 a strong contender for gamers looking for high-fidelity visuals and seamless gameplay.
Artificial intelligence capabilities have also been significantly upgraded with an enhanced Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. Qualcomm states that this new NPU delivers a 44 per cent increase in AI processing power compared to the previous generation. The improved AI engine enables better real-time processing for tasks such as smart image enhancement, AI-driven voice recognition, and on-device language translation. It also plays a key role in power efficiency by dynamically managing resources based on user activity, ultimately extending battery life. AI-based camera features, such as enhanced night mode and AI-assisted autofocus, are also expected to benefit from these advancements, providing users with professional-grade photography capabilities.
In the imaging department, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 comes equipped with an 18-bit triple image signal processor (ISP), which supports camera sensors with resolutions of up to 320MP. This allows for highly detailed images with enhanced clarity and dynamic range. Additionally, the chipset supports 4K HDR video recording at 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and high-quality video capture. Qualcomm’s AI-assisted photography features, such as computational HDR and AI-powered noise reduction, further enhance the imaging experience by delivering crisp, vibrant photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
For connectivity, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is powered by the Snapdragon X75 5G modem, offering peak download speeds of up to 4.2Gbps. However, it is worth noting that the chipset lacks support for mmWave 5G frequencies and is limited to sub-6GHz bands. While this may impact ultra-fast 5G speeds in certain regions, the modem still provides reliable and efficient 5G connectivity for most users. The chipset also includes support for Wi-Fi 7, ensuring faster and more stable wireless connections with lower latency, making it ideal for online gaming and streaming. Bluetooth 6.0 is another addition, offering improved audio quality, lower power consumption, and enhanced device pairing capabilities.
Memory and storage capabilities remain cutting-edge, with support for UFS 4.0 storage and LPDDR5X RAM. These technologies ensure faster read and write speeds, reduced app loading times, and overall better system responsiveness. The chipset also features USB 3.1 Gen 2, allowing for high-speed data transfers and faster charging capabilities. A notable addition to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is Qualcomm’s new Extended Personal Area Network (XPAN) connectivity, which uses Wi-Fi for audio signal transmission. This technology is already supported by select wireless earbuds such as the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, delivering enhanced audio streaming with reduced latency and improved connectivity.
The first smartphone to launch with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is the iQOO Z10 Turbo, which is expected to make its debut later this month. Other smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi and Oppo, are also working on devices that will feature this new chipset. With growing interest from major brands, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is likely to become a key player in the premium smartphone market.
Overall, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 represents a significant leap forward in mobile processing power, AI capabilities, gaming performance, and connectivity. Its combination of high-performance CPU and GPU cores, advanced AI processing, cutting-edge camera support, and next-generation wireless connectivity makes it an excellent choice for premium smartphones. Whether users prioritize high-speed gaming, top-tier photography, AI-driven features, or efficient battery performance, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is designed to deliver an all-around enhanced experience. Qualcomm’s latest chipset solidifies its position as a leader in mobile innovation, ensuring that upcoming smartphones will be faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.
