Qualcomm has been following a distinct pattern in its chipset releases—introducing a base model, followed by a faster “+” variant, and then a budget-friendly “s” version. This strategy has allowed Qualcomm to cater to a wide range of devices, from premium flagships to budget-friendly smartphones. Following the launch of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in late 2023 and the enhanced Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in March, the tech community is now buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Although not yet officially announced, leaked details hint at a promising mid-range chipset that could redefine performance in its category.
Significant Performance Boosts Across the Board
The leaked slide shared by Evan Blass reveals that the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 will bring notable performance improvements over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. The new chip is expected to feature a 20% faster CPU, a 40% faster GPU, and a 30% faster NPU (Neural Processing Unit). These upgrades are set to deliver a more responsive and efficient user experience, making it an appealing option for mid-range smartphones.
In comparison, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, while adequate, was not particularly known for speed. It housed four Cortex-A78 cores running at 2.4GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.95GHz, alongside an Adreno 710 GPU. The GPU performance, in particular, lagged behind other mid-range competitors. With a 40% GPU performance boost in the 7s Gen 3, Qualcomm is likely to close this gap, making it competitive with more powerful mid-range chips like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
AI and Connectivity: The Future of Mobile Experience
One of the standout features of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is its enhanced AI capabilities. With a 30% faster NPU, this chipset is expected to excel in tasks like language translation, transcription, and generative AI applications. The improved AI performance will also enhance the camera experience, with AI-driven remosaic technology transforming raw Bayer data into sharper, more vibrant images. This could lead to better low-light photography and improved image stabilization, bringing premium features to mid-range devices.
On the connectivity front, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is set to introduce Bluetooth 5.4, an upgrade from the Bluetooth 5.2 found in its predecessor. This new version promises better audio quality, lower latency, and improved power efficiency, enhancing the overall wireless audio experience. Additionally, Spatial Audio support appears to be a new feature, offering a more immersive sound experience, particularly appealing for gaming and media consumption.
A Strong Contender in the Mid-Range Market
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 powered several popular mid-range smartphones, though it received mixed reviews. While some devices were priced well for their performance, others were criticized for being too expensive given the chipset’s capabilities. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, with its significant performance and efficiency improvements, is poised to offer better value, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market.
As we await the official announcement, likely during Qualcomm’s event in October, the leaked details suggest that the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 could be a game-changer. Whether it’s for gaming, AI-driven tasks, or everyday smartphone use, this new chipset promises to deliver an upgraded experience that could set a new standard for mid-range devices.
