Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Expectations

Qualcomm’s next generation of Snapdragon chips is almost here, set to revolutionize many of 2022’s most popular smartphones. The latest Snapdragon offering from Qualcomm is certain to become a staple in next year’s high-end Android handsets. That includes devices from Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and various other big-name manufacturers.

Accordingly, by delving into the all-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, it’s possible to anticipate what these flagship products themselves are likely to offer. Out to compete with Apple’s recently introduced proprietary chips, there’s plenty to unpack.

But first, what is Snapdragon? Essentially, Snapdragon is a range of computer chips predominantly designed for mobile devices like smartphones. Created and marketed by specialist semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm, Snapdragon chips are central to many of the top-selling Android-powered devices of recent years.

Similar to the Snapdragon 888’s release date, Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant will arrive in February 2022.

Right now, the Snapdragon 888 powers all of Samsung’s Galaxy S21 lineup, as well as many of the brand’s popular foldable phones. The Snapdragon 888 is also in the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and many of last year’s most impressive gaming-focused smartphones.

Fundamental to Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip are three key elements: its Kryo central processing unit, Adreno graphics processing unit, and Spectra image signal processor.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s central processing unit, which Qualcomm calls Kryo, claims to be 20 percent faster than any other Snapdragon chip currently available. In addition, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 will use 30 percent less energy due to its all-new CPU.

There’s similarly impressive news when it comes to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s graphics processing unit, too. Christened Adreno by Qualcomm, this new GPU promises a 30 percent speed boost over its closest competitor.

Furthermore, just as with Qualcomm’s Kryo CPU, Adreno also claims to be super-efficient. As a result, it will facilitate around a 25 percent improvement in terms of power-saving abilities versus the previous GPU.

Another important aspect of this new chip is its Spectra image signal processor. Envisioned to promote stronger picture-taking abilities, devices featuring the new chip should have excellent dynamic range. And they are good enough to challenge anything else currently on the market. More power will also allow faster burst shots and better performance in low-light conditions.

Spectra will also facilitate 8K HDR video capture — a first for Qualcomm. All of this comes in addition to what the Snapdragon 888’s ISP already offers, including the ability to capture images and video from multiple cameras simultaneously.

Leaked benchmark tests surrounding the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 have so far proved somewhat underwhelming. In many instances, the new chip’s performance saw it lag behind its older stablemate, the Snapdragon 888. However, it won’t be until more reviewers have access to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 that they can put it to the test.

Right now, it’s entirely likely that pre-release examples of the chip haven’t been fine-tuned to the best of their abilities. So, despite what we’ve seen of it so far, the all-new Qualcomm solution still promises to transform new devices.

This means pieces of tech that should be around 25 percent faster than those powered by the outgoing Snapdragon 888. In addition, by employing the latest chip, comparable follow-up devices will also consume considerably less energy. As a result, we should see better-than-ever battery life for many of next year’s top Android smartphones, in particular.

Based on forecasts, in terms of outright performance, all of this should see the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 on par with Apple’s current best-in-class A15 Bionic chip, as found in the latest iPhones.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is also capable of improved volumetric rendering. This provides an improved mobile gaming experience on devices equipped with the new chip. In addition, it supports improvements in audio quality and Bluetooth connectivity, as should greater-than-ever Wi-Fi and 5G speeds.

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