Qualcomm has unveiled an advanced mid-tier smartphone processor, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, set to be integrated into devices by leading brands like OnePlus in the near future. While seemingly a minor upgrade from its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, the improvements are quite substantial.
Noteworthy enhancements include generative AI capabilities for tasks like text-to-image conversion, support for single-lens capture up to 108 megapixels, a top-tier triple 18-bit image signal processor, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, marking a first for the Snapdragon 7 series.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 boasts a 15% increase in CPU performance and a significant 45% boost in graphics power, achieved through core-level refinements in this 4nm-based processor. The enhanced cores cover the prime, performance, and efficiency clusters, promising faster performance across the board.
The high-performance prime core, based on Arm’s Cortex-X4 stack, operates at 2.8 GHz. Opting for four performance cores instead of three, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 also enhances external display support, offering resolutions up to 8K and refresh rates of up to 240Hz.
Improvements in storage and memory include a shift to UFS 4.0 storage and LP-DDR5x memory support up to 4200 MHz, a significant upgrade from the previous UFS 3.1 and LP-DDR5 (3200 MHz) configurations.
Additionally, the FastConnect 7800 platform upgrade enables faster peak download speeds of 5.8 Gbps, a doubling compared to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, with enhanced wireless connectivity conforming to Bluetooth v5.4 standards.
The next-gen Image Signal Processor (18-bit triple ISP) enables slow-motion video capture at up to 240 frames per second, double the previous limit. Advanced camera features like Pro Sight video capture and Snapdragon Low Light Vision (LLV) enhance the overall imaging capabilities.
Qualcomm’s focus on on-device generative AI, supporting large language and vision models, aims to rival competitors like the MediaTek Dimensity 8300, known for its impressive AI capabilities certified for Google’s Gemini AI model.
Arriving on the heels of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 leverages flagship features in a more budget-friendly package. Xiaomi and Honor are set to adopt the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, while OnePlus is poised to introduce the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, likely in a new model within its Nord series.
While availability in the U.S. market remains uncertain, Qualcomm’s latest chip options for value flagships have raised the bar for mid-tier smartphones.
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