Qualcomm is gearing up to unleash the next generation of mobile processing power with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This highly anticipated SoC boasts several key changes that promise to redefine performance and efficiency in upcoming flagship smartphones.
Oryon Cores Take the Stage:
The most significant shift comes in the form of Qualcomm’s proprietary Oryon CPU cores, replacing the traditional Cortex cores. While these cores are based on the technology used in the company’s X Elite and X Plus PC chips, they will likely be a scaled-down version optimized for mobile devices.
3nm Manufacturing Leap:
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to leverage TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm N3E node. This translates to a significant increase in transistor density compared to the 4nm process of the previous generation, paving the way for both performance gains and improved power efficiency. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a potential 25-30% price increase for devices housing the new SoC.
Core Restructure for Enhanced Performance:
Qualcomm is also revamping the core structure of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Stepping away from the 1+3+4 cluster design seen in the Gen 3, the new SoC adopts a 2+6 configuration. This eliminates the efficiency cores altogether, opting for two high-performance Oryon cores clocked at a staggering 4.26 GHz alongside six Cortex-A725 cores running at 2.8 GHz. This strategy echoes MediaTek’s approach with the Dimensity 9300, prioritizing raw performance over extreme efficiency.
A New Era for Graphics:
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is rumored to feature a brand new Adreno GPU, possibly the Adreno 830. While details are scarce, it’s expected to utilize a novel Slice architecture and innovative technologies specifically designed to enhance “GPU utilization,” resulting in a noticeable overall graphics performance boost.
Early Benchmarks Hint at Dominance:
Leaked benchmarks suggest the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 might go head-to-head with Apple’s A-series chip, the anticipated powerhouse for the iPhone 16. Early reports indicate the 8 Gen 4 could match the A18 in single-core performance and potentially surpass it in multi-core tasks. Scores of around 3,000 for single-core and 10,000 for multi-core have surfaced, exceeding benchmarks for the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, an AnTuTu score of 1,769,083 appears lower than expected, potentially due to software optimization issues.
Flagship Phones Primed for Power:
Early reports suggest the Xiaomi 15 series will likely be the first to wield the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, continuing their tradition of adopting Qualcomm’s latest flagship SoCs. OnePlus 13, iQOO 13, and potentially a Redmi K80 series phone from Xiaomi’s sub-brand are also expected to follow suit. It’s highly likely that the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, foldable flagships like the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, and the Sony Xperia 1 VII will also embrace the new SoC, mirroring their predecessors’ reliance on the current-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
A Look Ahead:
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ushers in a new era of mobile processing power with its Oryon cores, a core architecture shift, and cutting-edge 3nm manufacturing. While these advancements promise significant performance improvements for flagship smartphones in 2025, independent reviews and real-world testing are crucial before a definitive verdict can be reached. Whether the 8 Gen 4 delivers a true leap forward or becomes a power-hungry powerhouse remains to be seen.
