Qualcomm has officially launched the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, bringing substantial improvements in CPU speed, GPU performance, and AI capabilities. This latest processor, unveiled at a special event in China, serves as the successor to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which debuted in May 2024. The new chipset is expected to power a range of flagship smartphones, offering enhanced gaming, photography, and AI-driven functionalities.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Features and Enhancements

Built on the 4nm process technology, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 brings notable efficiency gains and improved processing power. While it shares the same node as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it remains a step behind Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite, which utilizes a more advanced 3nm process for ultra-premium smartphones.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 follows a 1+3+2+2 architecture, featuring a high-performance Kryo CPU that can reach speeds of up to 3.2GHz. The performance cores are clocked at 3.0GHz, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance. Qualcomm claims that the new chipset offers a 31% boost in CPU speed, 49% better GPU performance, and a 44% improvement in AI efficiency over its predecessor.

One of the key upgrades in this chipset is the Adreno GPU, which supports next-generation gaming experiences. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is packed with Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, including:

Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing for realistic lighting and shadows.

Snapdragon Adaptive Performance Engine to maintain stable performance during long gaming sessions.

Snapdragon Game Resolution 2.0, which enhances low-resolution games to up to 4K quality.

Performance and Display Capabilities

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 offers an impressive display experience, supporting WQHD+ resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate. For external monitors, it can handle 4K output at 60Hz, making it ideal for multitasking and content consumption. HDR support extends across HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, ensuring vibrant colors and deeper contrasts for an immersive viewing experience.

Connectivity and Network Improvements

Equipped with the latest Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF system, the chipset delivers download speeds of up to 4.2Gbps. It also includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for ultra-fast and reliable wireless connections. Additionally, Qualcomm has integrated support for GPS and NaVIC, enhancing location tracking and navigation accuracy.

Camera and AI Features

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 elevates smartphone photography with its ability to support camera resolutions up to 320MP. It enables an advanced triple-camera setup with up to 36MP sensors at 30fps and 8K HDR video playback at 60fps.

To further improve imaging, Qualcomm has incorporated AI-driven camera enhancements such as:

Best Face AI – Optimizes group photos by selecting the best expressions.

Object Eraser AI – Removes unwanted objects from images effortlessly.

Handwriting AI – Converts handwritten notes into clear digital text.

Storage and Battery Optimization

In terms of memory, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 supports LPDDR5x RAM at 4800MHz for seamless multitasking. It is compatible with UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring rapid app loading and data transfers. Powering this chipset is Qualcomm Quick Charge 5.0 technology, which significantly reduces charging time while enhancing battery longevity.

Expected Smartphone Availability

While Qualcomm has not yet disclosed which smartphones will feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, industry insiders anticipate its integration into upcoming flagship devices from brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Samsung. Given the improvements in processing power, gaming capabilities, and AI-driven features, this chipset is expected to drive the next wave of high-performance smartphones.

Conclusion

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 marks a significant upgrade in mobile processing, gaming, and AI efficiency. With a faster CPU, a more powerful GPU, and enhanced connectivity, this chipset is set to redefine flagship smartphone experiences. As manufacturers integrate this processor into their latest devices, consumers can expect smoother performance, improved camera features, and a more immersive multimedia experience in the near future.