Apple’s latest M4 Chip processor, showcased in the recently launched iPad Pro, has set new records in single-core performance benchmarks. This remarkable achievement has prompted Qualcomm to reevaluate and revamp its upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 application processor (AP). Rumors suggest significant changes, including increasing clock speed from 4GHz to 4.26GHz.
M4 Chip and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
Qualcomm’s decision to overhaul the 8 Gen 4 is reportedly influenced by the competitive edge offered by Apple’s M4 chip. According to a post by jasonwill101, the redesign process is expected to be finalized by June. This iteration will see Qualcomm moving away from ARM Cortex CPU cores in favor of their proprietary Phoenix cores. The 8 Gen 4 configuration will likely comprise two large Phoenix CPU cores and six medium Phoenix CPU cores, omitting small low-powered cores.
The architecture of the 8 Gen 4 AP is said to be modeled after the Snapdragon X Elite processor designed for laptops. It will not incorporate a Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) due to incompatibility with the ARMv9 instruction set. This limitation means the processor may need help handling complex tasks compared to Apple’s M4 chip, which excelled in benchmark tests.
The boost in clock speed to 4.26 GHz is anticipated to compensate for the absence of SME. TSMC is slated to manufacture the device using its second-generation (N3E) 3nm process node, the same node on which Apple’s M4 chipset was built. Speculation suggests Apple may leverage this node for its upcoming A18 and A18 Pro smartphone processors, likely to debut with the iPhone 16 series.
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s redesign aims for top-tier performance, concerns arise regarding potential compromises in battery efficiency and heat management. Phone manufacturers will need to strategize accordingly to mitigate these issues. The processor is scheduled for release in October, with the first phones powered by it expected to hit the market around December this year or January 2025.
Conclusion
Apple’s M4 chip exceptional performance has spurred Qualcomm to reengineer its 8 Gen 4 processor, focusing on clock speed enhancements and core configuration changes. The competition between these tech giants is driving innovation, promising a new wave of powerful and efficient mobile processors shortly.
