Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: A Healthy 50% Boost in GPU Performance
Qualcomm has officially introduced its latest midrange chipset, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, setting the stage for enhanced mobile device performance. While the name might suggest a direct successor to the SD 7+ Gen 2 or SD 7s Gen 2, the new chip strategically positions itself between the two predecessors.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 4nm process technology, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 boasts a 1+3+4 CPU configuration. The Kryo CPU architecture includes a high-performance core clocked at 2.63GHz, along with 3 performance cores @ 2.4 GHz and 4 efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz.
Qualcomm promises a significant boost in performance, with a claimed 15% improvement in CPU performance and a remarkable 50% faster Adreno GPU compared to the previous Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip. Additionally, the chip is designed for energy efficiency, offering a 20% power savings based on Qualcomm’s rigorous testing.
The Qualcomm Hexagon NPU integrated into the SD 7 Gen 3 ensures a remarkable 60% faster AI performance per watt compared to its predecessor, the SD 7 Gen 1. The Adreno GPU supports OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0 FP, and Vulkan 1.3 APIs. Notable features of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 include support for up to 4K resolution displays at a 60Hz refresh rate or FHD+ resolution at an impressive 168Hz. The chipset is equipped with a Qualcomm Spectra ISP capable of handling up to 200MP main camera modules and recording 4K HDR video at 60Hz.
Partnered with the Snapdragon X63 5G Modem-RF System, the SD 7 Gen 3 delivers impressive download speeds of up to 5 Gbps over mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands. Connectivity is further enhanced with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards. Anticipated to debut later this month, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will make its first appearance in devices from key OEMs, including HONOR and vivo. Stay tuned for the unveiling of smartphones equipped with this cutting-edge midrange powerhouse.
Pokdepinion: As the years go by, it really does feel like the midrange segment is becoming more and more of an exciting market to be in compared to the flagships. Sometimes, I wonder how they manage to get so close to flagship-level performance but still maintain such a low price.