Qualcomm recently introduced its latest addition to the Snapdragon lineup, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, following the launch of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which debuted as a premium tier chipset with certain adjustments. The new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is an upgrade to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, unveiled a few months earlier in November 2023.
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Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Details
Enhanced Performance
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 brings several enhancements, including an improved CPU, significantly upgraded GPU, and a robust NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to facilitate on-device AI capabilities.
CPU Boost
Compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, released in March 2023, the Gen 3 variant offers a notable 15% boost in CPU performance. Fabricated on TSMC’s 4nm process node, the CPU features a potent single Cortex-X4 core clocked up to 2.8GHz, 4x performance cores (Cortex-A720) clocked up to 2.6GHz, and 3x efficiency cores (Cortex-A520) clocked up to 1.9GHz.
Upgraded GPU
The chipset boasts an upgraded Adreno GPU (likely Adreno 732), delivering a 45% improvement over its predecessor. It also incorporates flagship gaming features such as Super Resolution, Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0 (AFME), Game Post Processing Accelerator, HDR gaming, Shadow Denoiser, and more, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Hexagon NPU Advancements
The Hexagon NPU in the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 has witnessed significant advancements, enabling on-device Generative AI functionalities and supporting smaller LLMs (Large Language Models) and vision models like Baichuan-7B, Llama 2, and Gemini Nano.
ISP Features
On the Image Signal Processor (ISP) front, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 incorporates flagship features, including semantic segmentation for up to 12 layers, 200MP photo capture capability, Bokeh Engine 2, Snapdragon Low Light Vision, Video Super Resolution, and Google Ultra HDR image capture support.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Regarding connectivity, the chipset features the Snapdragon X63 5G modem, offering peak download speeds of up to 4.2 Gbps. Additionally, it introduces the upgraded FastConnect 7800 system for local connectivity, similar to what’s seen in the flagship Snapdragon 8/8s Gen 3 chipset.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 also supports Wi-Fi 7 with HBS (High Band Simultaneous) Multi-Link for unparalleled speed, Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio, NavIC support, LPDDR5X memory with speeds up to 4200 MHz, and UFS 4.0 support, making it a comprehensive package for next-generation mobile devices.
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Specifications
| Details | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 |
|---|---|
| Process Node | TSMC 4nm |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo CPU 1x 2.8GHz (Cortex-X4) 4x 2.6GHz (Cortex-A720 likely) 3x 1.9GHz (Cortex-A520 likely) |
| GPU | Adreno 732 GPU (likely) Super Resolution AFME 2.0 Game Post Processing Accelerator |
| NPU | Hexagon NPU Run on-device AI models |
| Camera Support | Cognitive ISP, Triple 18-bit ISPs Up to 200MP photo capture 108MP ZSL, 64+36 ZSL, 36+36+36 ZSL 4K HDR video capture at 60 FPS Google Ultra HDR photo capture HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LE |
| Modem | Snapdragon X63 5G Modem Peak Download Speed 4.2 Gbps |
| Storage / RAM Support | UFS 4.0 LPDDR5X memory up to 4200MHz |
| NavIC Support | Yes |
Future Devices and Conclusion
Qualcomm has announced partnerships with brands like OnePlus, realme, and Sharp, which are set to launch smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset in the upcoming months. Comparing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 8 Gen 3 for enthusiasts of cutting-edge chipset technology could provide further insights into Qualcomm’s diverse offerings.
