Tech
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3: Who is the Best Performer
Qualcomm typically releases a “plus” version of its high-end flagship mobile chipsets each year, but this year, they’ve introduced a new “s” version: the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Many are eager to see how this new chip compares to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
We’ve gathered all the essential details about these two high-end Qualcomm chipsets, including benchmarking information, to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Spec Sheet Comparison
| Features | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 4nm (TSMC) | 4nm (TSMC) |
| CPU Cores | 8 | 8 |
| CPU Architecture | 1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.0 GHz 4 x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8GHz 3 x Cortex-A520 @ 2.0 GHz | 1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.3 GHz 3 x Cortex-A720 @ 3.15 GHz 2 x Cortex-A720 @ 2.96 GHz 2 x Cortex-A520 @ 2.27 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 735 @ 1100 MHz | Adreno 750 @ 770 MHz |
| NPU | Hexagon NPU | Hexagon NPU |
| RAM/Storage | Up to 24 GB RAM LPDDR5X RAM @ 4200 MHz UFS 4.0 Storage | Up to 24 GB RAM LPDDR5X RAM @ 4800 MHz UFS 4.0 Storage |
| Camera | 200MP (Maximum Resolution) 4K videos @ 60FPS | 200MP (Maximum Resolution) 8K Videos @ 30 FPS or 4K @ 120FPS |
| Display (Resolution) | QHD+ @ 144 Hz or 4K Ultra HD @ 60 Hz | QHD+ @ 144 Hz or 4K Ultra HD @ 60 Hz |
| Display (HDR) | HDR10, HDR10+, HDR Vivid | HDR10, HDR10+, HDR Vivid |
| Connectivity | Snapdragon X70 5G Modem Up to Wi-Fi 7 Support Bluetooth 5.4 5G Support | Snapdragon X75 5G Modem Up to Wi-Fi 7 Support Bluetooth 5.4 5G Support |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Charging | Quick Charge 5 Support | Quick Charge 5 Support |
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 Scores:
| Geekbench 6 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Single-core | 2012 | 5452 |
| Multi-core | 2276 | 7091 |
Geekbench 6 GPU Scores:
| Geekbench 6 (GPU) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| OpenCL | 8745 | 14987 |
| Vulkan | 10367 | 16538 |
AnTuTu V10 Scores:
| AnTuTu V10 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 371183 | 464461 |
| GPU | 536455 | 877776 |
| Memory | 368763 | 402467 |
| UX | 276644 | 370028 |
| Total Score | 1553045 | 2114732 |
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: CPU
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 8 Gen 3 feature eight Kyro cores, but their core architectures and clock speeds differ significantly. The Cortex-X4 prime core in the 8s Gen 3 is clocked at 3.0 GHz, compared to 3.3 GHz in the 8 Gen 3. The 8s Gen 3 has four Cortex-A720 performance cores at 2.8 GHz, while the 8 Gen 3 has three at 3.2 GHz and two at 3.0 GHz. The power-efficiency Cortex-A520 cores run at 2.0 GHz in the 8s Gen 3 and 2.3 GHz in the 8 Gen 3.
These differences in core architecture and clock speeds result in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforming the 8s Gen 3.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: RAM and Storage
Both chipsets support UFS 4.0 storage, but the LPDDR5 RAM in the 8s Gen 3 operates at 4200 MHz, compared to 4800 MHz in the 8 Gen 3. This results in faster memory performance in devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: GPU
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features the Adreno 735 GPU, while the 8 Gen 3 boasts the more powerful Adreno 750 GPU. The Adreno 750 offers a superior gaming experience and supports advanced features such as Unreal Engine 5 Lumen Global Illumination and Reflection System, which the Adreno 735 does not.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: NPU
Both chipsets include a Hexagon NPU for AI tasks, but the superior CPU and GPU in the 8 Gen 3 result in better overall AI performance.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: Multimedia
Both chipsets feature the Qualcomm Spectra 18-bit Triple Cognitive ISP for real-time image and video enhancements. However, the 8 Gen 3 supports 8K HDR video recording at 30 FPS, while the 8s Gen 3 is limited to 4K HDR at 60 FPS. The 8 Gen 3 also supports additional camera features like Truepic photo capture and AI-powered Night Vision.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: Connectivity
Both chipsets use the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 system, supporting Bluetooth 5.4, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Wi-Fi 7. However, the 8 Gen 3 features the newer Snapdragon X75 5G modem with faster download speeds compared to the X70 modem in the 8s Gen 3.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 3: Which is Better?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the 8s Gen 3 in all departments, from CPU and GPU capabilities to multimedia and connectivity features. However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a more affordable option for high-end smartphones.
Which Qualcomm chipset would you choose for your next smartphone? Share your thoughts in the comments below.