Initial Snapdragon 8 Gen3 Performance
In the second half of 2023, Qualcomm is set to launch its latest generation flagship processor for Android devices, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3. This highly anticipated chipset introduces a range of advancements, including a 4nm manufacturing process, architectural upgrades, and a unique 1+5+2 configuration. With notable improvements in both CPU and GPU performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 promises to deliver a significant boost to the overall user experience. Let’s dive into the details.
Enhanced Architecture
The Snapdragon 8 Gen3, model SM8650, introduces a groundbreaking 1+5+2 architecture design, which comprises a single powerful core, five large cores, and two small cores. This configuration marks a departure from the previous 1+4+3 architecture used in the Snapdragon 8 Gen2. By replacing one small core with a large core, Qualcomm aims to enhance overall performance and efficiency.
Mega-Core Upgrade:
The mega-core in the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 receives a significant upgrade with the introduction of the Cortex-X4, a more advanced processing unit. This mega-core operates at an impressive frequency of up to 3.7GHz, surpassing the Snapdragon 8 Gen2’s 3.36GHz. The inclusion of the Cortex-X4 mega-core translates into improved peak performance, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and seamless gaming experiences.
GPU Advancements:
Accompanying the CPU improvements, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 also introduces an upgraded graphics processing unit (GPU) in the form of the Adreno 750. This powerful GPU promises enhanced visual rendering capabilities, allowing for more realistic graphics, smoother gameplay, and improved overall graphical performance. Compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen2, the Adreno 750 offers a 27% increase in GPU performance.
Benchmark Performance:
Preliminary benchmark results provided by Digital Chat Station offer an exciting glimpse into the Snapdragon 8 Gen3’s capabilities. The chipset achieves an impressive score of 1.6 million points on the AnTuTu Benchmark test, showcasing a comprehensive performance increase of approximately 20% compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen2, which scored 1.33 million points. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 performance is also outstanding on the GFX 3.1 benchmark, with frame rates exceeding 280fps, a noteworthy improvement over the Snapdragon 8 Gen2’s 220fps.
Conclusion:
With the imminent release of the Snapdragon 8 Gen3, Android users can look forward to a new era of flagship processors that push the boundaries of performance and efficiency. The combination of the 4nm manufacturing process, architectural upgrades, and the introduction of the 1+5+2 configuration delivers significant advancements in both CPU and GPU capabilities.

As indicated by preliminary benchmark results, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 showcases an approximate 20% boost in overall performance and a notable 27% increase in GPU performance. These improvements may change in the future as it is still in the early stage.