Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: A Significant Upgrade

Qualcomm has unveiled its latest flagship processor aimed at high-end smartphones as we head into 2025, and it’s making quite a statement with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Unlike its predecessors, this new chip trades the typical “Gen” label for a name that reflects its enhanced capabilities. Qualcomm has incorporated impressive upgrades that increase its competitiveness against other major players like MediaTek and Apple.

To truly understand the advancements offered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, let’s take a detailed look at their specifications side by side.

Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Specs Overview

Specs	Snapdragon 8 Elite	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Part number	SM8750-AB	SM8650-AB, SM8650-AC
Process	3nm	4nm
CPU	Qualcomm Oryon CPU 64-bit Architecture Prime core, up to 4.32GHz Performance cores, up to 3.53GHz	Qualcomm Kryo CPU 64-bit Architecture 1 Prime core, up to 3.4GHz Arm Cortex-X4 technology 5 Performance cores, up to 3.2GHz 2 Efficiency cores, up to 2.3GHz
GPU	Adreno graphics Fully supports Unreal Engine 5.3, including enhanced features for gaming and graphics.	Adreno graphics Supports Unreal Engine 5 with foundational gaming technologies.
Memory	Supports dual-channel LP-DDR5x memory, up to 5.3Gbps. Maximum memory capacity of 24GB.	Supports LP-DDR5x memory, up to 4800MHz. Maximum memory capacity of 24GB.
Display	Supports 4K at 60Hz and QHD+ at 240Hz.	Supports 4K at 60Hz and QHD+ at 144Hz.
Camera	Qualcomm Spectra AI Triple 18-bit ISP Supports up to 48MP triple camera at 30 fps with real-time adjustments.	Qualcomm Spectra Cognitive Triple 18-bit ISP Supports up to 36MP triple camera at 30 fps.
Connectivity	Qualcomm FastConnect 7900 with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.	Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Charging	Supports Quick Charge 5 Technology.	Supports Quick Charge 5 Technology.

Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: CPU Advancements

One of the key changes in the Snapdragon 8 Elite is the transition to TSMC’s 3-nanometer process, compared to the 4nm process used in the 8 Gen 3. This shift may not seem groundbreaking, but it brings notable improvements in performance and energy efficiency.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite features Qualcomm's custom Oryon CPU cores, marking an advancement from its predecessor. The new prime core can reach clock speeds of up to 4.32 GHz, compared to 3.4 GHz in the Kryo core from the previous generation.

Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon 8 Elite shows a substantial performance improvement of about 45% and a similar boost in energy efficiency. With these advancements, users can expect about 2.5 more hours of gaming time.

Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: GPU Improvements

Moreover, the Snapdragon 8 Elite introduces major changes to its graphics processing capabilities. The new Adreno GPU is built with sliced architecture, enhancing graphics performance by approximately 40% over the previous generation.

Despite this increase in power, it also boasts a remarkable 40% improvement in energy efficiency. It supports Unreal Engine 5.3, particularly with the Nanite graphics technology, allowing for increased detail and realism in mobile gaming.

This next-generation graphics engine will elevate mobile gaming experiences to new heights, aiming for superior performance and more immersive visuals.

Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Camera Features

The camera capabilities also see a significant upgrade with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It features a new triple 18-bit AI ISP, which vastly enhances image and video capturing abilities.

The ISP can now support up to 250 layers of semantic segmentation, compared to just 12 layers in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This allows for far more detailed object recognition within images, aiding in improved color accuracy and enhanced artistic effects.

Moreover, it allows for video capture in challenging lighting conditions, enhancing noise reduction and video quality overall. Users can now enjoy up to 320MP image capture compared to 200MP previously.

Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: AI Enhancements and Connectivity

AI technology is deeply integrated into the Snapdragon 8 Elite's features. With a new Hexagon NPU that is 45% faster, the capabilities for on-device AI processing have expanded significantly.

The innovations in connectivity include improvements such as the Snapdragon FastConnect 7900 system, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, enhancing wireless performance.

Qualcomm has also integrated UWB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi into a single system, making it easier to locate devices and manage connectivity securely.

Benchmarks indicate that the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers impressive performance, with significant improvements in speed and graphics capabilities compared to its predecessor.

Final Thoughts on the Snapdragon 8 Elite

Manufacturers like Realme and Xiaomi have already announced devices featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite, indicating its promising future in the smartphone market.

This latest chipset appears well-equipped to compete with Apple’s A-series processors, setting the stage for a compelling rivalry in the mobile technology landscape.

Qualcomm, Snapdragon, Technology