The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 has unexpectedly surfaced on Qualcomm’s official platform, marking its entry as the third iteration in the Snapdragon 6 lineup, alongside the 6 Gen 1 and 6s Gen 3. Curiously, Qualcomm bypassed the 6 Gen 2 entirely, positioning the 6 Gen 3 as the direct successor to the two-year-old 6 Gen 1. But, what tangible enhancements does this new iteration offer? Does it truly bring any groundbreaking advancements? In brief, the answer leans toward the negative. To elaborate, let’s delve into the specifics of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, revealing some underwhelming realities.
Table of Contents
Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 vs. 6 Gen 1
When Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, many expected a significant leap from the 6 Gen 1. However, a closer inspection reveals that the changes are minimal at best. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 has four Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.4GHz and three Cortex-A55 efficiency cores running at 1.8GHz. This setup is nearly identical to the 6 Gen 1, which featured the same cores but with a slightly lower clock speed of 2.2GHz for the performance cores.
Technical Specifications of Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
| Specs | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrication Process | 4nm | 4nm |
| CPU | 4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4Ghz 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8Ghz | 4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2Ghz 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8Ghz |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 710 |
| RAM | Up to 3200 MHz LPDDR5 | Up to 3200 MHz LPDDR5 |
| Display | Full HD+ at 120 Hz | Full HD+ at 120 Hz |
| ISP | 12-bit | 12-bit |
| Camera | 200 MP, 48 MP Zero Shutter Lag | 200 MP, 48 MP Zero Shutter Lag |
| Video | 4K @ 30 fps | 4K @ 30 fps |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Charging | QuickCharge 4+ | QuickCharge 4+ |
- CPU Architecture and Performance Cores: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 continues to use the Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores, which are also present in the 6 Gen 1. The only difference lies in the clock speed, where the performance cores see a marginal increase from 2.2GHz to 2.4GHz. This slight boost may offer minor improvements in tasks that demand higher processing power, but it’s unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.
- GPU and Graphics Capabilities: The GPU remains unchanged from the 6 Gen 1, with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 featuring the same Adreno 710. This GPU supports Full HD+ displays at 120 Hz, which is adequate for mid-range devices but offers no new enhancements over its predecessor.
- RAM Support and Memory Speed: Both the 6 Gen 3 and 6 Gen 1 support LPDDR5 RAM with speeds up to 3200 MHz. This ensures quick memory access, though it’s standard for mid-range chipsets and not a standout feature.
- Display Support and Refresh Rates: Qualcomm has maintained the same display capabilities in the 6 Gen 3 as in the 6 Gen 1, supporting Full HD+ resolution at 120 Hz. This is sufficient for smooth visuals but doesn’t introduce any new advancements.
- Camera and ISP Capabilities: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 features a 12-bit Image Signal Processor (ISP), supporting cameras up to 200 MP and offering 48 MP zero shutter lag. These specs mirror those of the 6 Gen 1, providing solid camera performance but without any upgrades.
- Connectivity Features and Enhancements: Connectivity remains the same, with the 6 Gen 3 offering Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, identical to the 6 Gen 1. This ensures reliable wireless connections but doesn’t push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Charging Technology and Power Efficiency: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 supports QuickCharge 4+, the same fast-charging standard as the 6 Gen 1. Power efficiency should be on par, given the unchanged fabrication process and minimal clock speed improvements.
Performance Improvements or Lack Thereof
Qualcomm claims a 20% improvement in AI performance with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, but without rigorous testing, this remains speculative. The increase in clock speed from 2.2GHz to 2.4GHz is the only tangible improvement, and while it may slightly enhance performance in demanding tasks, it’s unlikely to revolutionize the user experience.
Comparison with Other Chipsets
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 vs. Snapdragon 6 Gen 3:
- The differences between these chipsets are minimal, with the primary distinction being the naming convention. Both chipsets share the same cores, GPU, and connectivity features, making the 6 Gen 3 a minor upgrade at best.
- Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 vs. Snapdragon 6 Gen 3:
- The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, positioned as a higher-tier chipset, offers only a slight edge in efficiency cores clocked at 1.95GHz compared to 1.8GHz in the 6 Gen 3. Both share the Adreno 710 GPU, but the 7s Gen 2 supports displays up to FHD+ at 144Hz, offering a smoother experience in high-refresh-rate scenarios.
Qualcomm’s Naming Strategy
Qualcomm’s naming strategy has grown increasingly convoluted, with the introduction of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and the absence of a 6 Gen 2 only adding to the confusion. In the past, a clear hierarchy existed, where a higher number indicated superior performance. Now, the distinctions are blurred, leaving consumers guessing about the actual capabilities of each chipset.
Consumer Impact and Market Position
Given its marginal improvements, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 seems to target the same market segment as the 6 Gen 1. It may find its way into mid-range smartphones, but its appeal is limited, especially when compared to more recent chipsets like the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.
Is Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Necessary?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3’s existence raises questions about its necessity. With no substantial improvements over the 6 Gen 1, consumers may find little reason to upgrade. Instead, they might opt for devices with more advanced chipsets or stick with existing models powered by the 6 Gen 1.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 represents a slight evolution rather than a revolution in Qualcomm’s chipset lineup. Its minor clock speed boost and claimed AI enhancements do little to differentiate it from its predecessor, the 6 Gen 1. For consumers, the decision to choose a device powered by the 6 Gen 3 hinges on availability and pricing, as the chipset itself offers no groundbreaking advancements.
