Qualcomm’s processor lineup just got a fresh new update with the introduction of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4—a chipset designed to bring flagship-like experiences to the upper-midrange segment. Sitting just below Qualcomm’s newly minted “Elite” tier, the 8s Gen 4 arrives as a direct successor to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, but it brings more than just a new name to the table.
While it doesn’t get Qualcomm’s in-house Oryon CPU cores—a distinction still reserved for the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “Elite”—the 8s Gen 4 introduces meaningful upgrades across CPU, GPU, AI, imaging, and more. So, what’s actually changed? Let’s break it down.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 vs 8s Gen 3 Key Difference
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| Manufacturing Process | 4nm (TSMC) | 4nm (TSMC) |
| CPU Configuration | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.2GHz 3x A720 @ 3.0GHz 2x A720 @ 2.8GHz , 2x A720 @ 2.02GHz | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.0GHz 4x A720 @ 2.8GHz 3x A520 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Adreno (upgraded architecture, 49% faster) | Adreno (standard) |
| Gaming Features | Game Super Resolution 2.0, Global Illumination, Advanced Ray Tracing | Frame Motion Engine 2.0, Ray Tracing |
| AI Engine | 44% AI Performance Boost 2x Shared Memory | Standard NPU |
| Sensing Hub | Dual-core with Always-On Camera | Dual-core with Always-On Camera |
| Layer Segmentation | Up to 250 layers (real-time) | Up to 12 layers |
| Max Camera Support | Up to 320MP | Up to 200MP |
| Slow Motion Video | 1080p @ 480fps | 1080p @ 240fps |
| Camera Features | Night Vision 2.0 Sky/Skin Tone Correction | Basic AI features |
| 5G Modem | Integrated (up to 4.2Gbps) | Snapdragon X70 (up to 6.5Gbps + mmWave support) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (5.8Gbps) | Wi-Fi 7 (5.8Gbps) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Audio | Snapdragon Sound + XPAN (Wi-Fi Audio) | Snapdragon Sound |
| Display Support | WQHD+ @ 144Hz, 4K External @ 60Hz | WQHD+ @ 144Hz, 4K External @ 60Hz |
| RAM & Storage | LPDDR5x @ 4800MHz UFS 4.0 | LPDDR5x @ 4800MHz UFS 4.0 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 vs 8s Gen 3 Full Difference
CPU and GPU: A More Powerful Core Setup
At the heart of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a revamped CPU layout. Qualcomm sticks with TSMC’s 4nm process and ARM’s Cortex architecture, but with an important difference in the core configuration:
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4:
- 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.2GHz
- 3x Cortex-A720 @ 3.0GHz
- 2x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8GHz
- 2x Cortex-A720 @ 2.02GHz
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3:
- 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.0GHz
- 4x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8GHz
- 3x Cortex-A520 @ 2.0GHz
The most noticeable change? No Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. Qualcomm has gone all-in on performance with a full suite of A720 cores. This translates to a 31% performance uplift in CPU output, while also being 39% more power efficient—a win-win for users looking for better battery life and faster responsiveness.
On the GPU front, Qualcomm continues to use its Adreno GPU branding for both chips, though version specifics are kept under wraps. Still, Gen 4 clearly pulls ahead with its new sliced GPU architecture, inspired by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite. This unlocks a 49% graphics performance boost, along with support for Game Super Resolution 2.0 and real-time global illumination for more realistic lighting effects.
AI and On-Device Intelligence: Smarter and Faster
Qualcomm’s push into AI is unmistakable with the 8s Gen 4. The new chip delivers a 44% boost in AI processing, powered by the latest Qualcomm AI Engine. Not only does it bring a 2x larger shared memory pool, but it also significantly enhances responsiveness when interacting with on-device large language models (LLMs) or vision models (LVMs).
Both generations feature a dual-core Sensing Hub for always-on tasks like face unlock and environmental awareness. However, the 8s Gen 4’s ISP now supports real-time segmentation of up to 250 layers, a massive leap from just 12 layers in the previous generation. This allows for highly detailed image analysis, better object recognition, and more dynamic video effects—perfect for the AI-driven photo tools of today’s smartphones.
Camera Capabilities: Sharper, Smarter, and Smoother
In terms of imaging, both chips use Qualcomm’s Triple 18-bit Cognitive ISP, but the 8s Gen 4 raises the ceiling:
Max Photo Capture:
- Gen 4: Up to 320MP
- Gen 3: Up to 200MP
Slow Motion Video:
- Gen 4: 1080p @ 480fps
- Gen 3: 1080p @ 240fps
Beyond the raw specs, the 8s Gen 4 introduces AI-driven camera features such as Night Vision 2.0, real-time sky enhancement, and skin tone correction for both images and videos—enhancing both the aesthetics and accuracy of mobile photography.
Connectivity: A Mixed Bag
Surprisingly, this is one area where the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 still holds a slight edge. The older chip features the Snapdragon X70 modem, capable of 6.5Gbps peak download speeds and advanced mmWave support including 8-carrier aggregation.
The Gen 4, meanwhile, integrates a more modest 5G modem topping out at 4.2Gbps. While this might not matter for most users, power users in mmWave-dense areas may notice the difference.
Both chips support Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 5.8Gbps, but the Gen 4 makes the leap to Bluetooth 6.0, up from Bluetooth 5.4 in Gen 3. The benefits of Bluetooth 6.0—improved energy efficiency and more stable connections—will be clearer once more peripherals adopt the new standard.
Audio, Display, and Memory: Evolution Over Revolution
Audio features are largely consistent across both platforms, including Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, and spatial audio. The 8s Gen 4 adds support for Qualcomm XPAN, which enhances audio coverage by leveraging Wi-Fi connectivity.
For displays, there’s no change: both chips support WQHD+ at 144Hz and external 4K displays at 60Hz. Memory and storage also remain the same, with LPDDR5x RAM (up to 4800MHz) and UFS 4.0 storage ensuring top-tier performance.
Final Verdict: Is the 8s Gen 4 Worth the Hype?
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 may not be a radical overhaul, but it’s a thoughtfully crafted upgrade that targets meaningful performance and efficiency gains. With a re-engineered CPU layout, more robust AI support, a GPU that punches closer to flagship territory, and expanded camera capabilities, it’s a solid evolution over its predecessor.
That said, the trade-off in 5G modem performance may deter some users who prioritize raw network speeds. But for most, especially gamers and content creators, the 8s Gen 4 delivers a flagship-lite experience that brings advanced features without going full throttle on cost or power draw.
In short, if you’re looking for a high-performance Android experience in 2025 that doesn’t break the bank, Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a chipset worth watching.
