Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8-series chips power many flagship Android phones around the world.
The new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 brings a cheaper alternative to the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
While the 8 Gen 2 runs phones like the Galaxy S23, the 8s Gen 3 suits near-flagship models.
This article compares the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 2 in CPU, GPU, and AI features.
It also covers differences in gaming, camera support, and battery efficiency between both chips.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 2 – Which one wins? Eureka Technical Q&A compares their performance, AI capabilities, and gaming enhancements, helping you choose the best chip for speed, efficiency, and next-gen mobile experiences.
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Architecture and Fabrication Process
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | March 2024 | November 2022 |
| Fabrication Process | TSMC 4nm | TSMC 4nm |
| CPU Architecture | 1+4+3 (Kryo Prime Cortex-X4 @ 3.0GHz) | 1+4+3 (Kryo Prime Cortex-X3 @ 3.2GHz) |
| Core Design | Cortex-X4 + A720 + A520 | Cortex-X3 + A715 + A510 |
While both chips are built on the efficient 4nm process, the 8s Gen 3 uses newer CPU cores, offering better performance-per-watt, though its prime core is clocked lower than the 8 Gen 2’s.
GPU and Gaming Performance
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | Adreno (unnamed) | Adreno 740 |
| Ray Tracing Support | No | Yes |
| Elite Gaming Suite | Partial | Full |
The 8 Gen 2 performs better in gaming due to hardware-accelerated ray tracing and strong graphics.
It uses the Adreno 740 GPU, which offers superior graphical performance in demanding games.
The 8s Gen 3 GPU is scaled down and does not match the 8 Gen 2’s raw power. However, the 8s Gen 3 still supports high refresh rate displays up to 144Hz at FHD+.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features a 4nm process and includes a Cortex-X4 prime core running up to 3.0 GHz, five performance cores at up to 2.8 GHz, and three efficiency cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. This configuration is different from the 8 Gen 3, which has a 1+5+2 configuration, indicating a shift in core management and potentially improved power efficiency.
In terms of raw performance, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 achieves higher AnTuTu scores compared to the 8 Gen 2, with a score of 1,846,775 versus 1,537,095, respectively. This suggests better overall performance in various benchmarks.
AI and NPU Capabilities
Both chipsets support on-device AI, but:
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 features Qualcomm’s Hexagon Processor with micro tile inference, boosting real-time AI use cases like advanced photo enhancement and translation.
- The 8s Gen 3 includes the latest AI features like Gemini Nano and multi-modal models, but at reduced performance levels compared to the flagship 8 Gen 3.
Camera and Imaging Support
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| ISP | Triple 18-bit Qualcomm Spectra | Triple 18-bit Qualcomm Spectra |
| Max Camera Support | Up to 200MP | Up to 200MP |
| 8K Video Support | No | Yes (8K @ 30fps) |
| 4K HDR Video | Yes | Yes |
The 8 Gen 2 leads with 8K video recording and better computational photography features, while the 8s Gen 3 is limited to 4K HDR, focusing more on day-to-day practicality over cinematic capabilities.
Connectivity Features
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X70 | Snapdragon X70 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Both chipsets offer the same Snapdragon X70 modem, meaning 5G performance is nearly identical, and both support modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Thanks to the 4nm fabrication, both SoCs deliver excellent battery performance. However:
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while more powerful, is more demanding in heavy tasks like gaming and 4K video rendering.
- The 8s Gen 3 is expected to be more power-efficient in real-world use, especially for non-gaming users, making it ideal for all-day use with light to moderate tasks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 if:
- You’re a power user or mobile gamer
- You want flagship-level camera and video capabilities
- You prefer performance headroom for multi-tasking and high-refresh gaming
Choose Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 if:
- You want near-flagship performance at a better price
- You value battery efficiency and modern AI support
- You’re not focused on gaming or 8K video features
FAQs
Not in raw performance. The 8 Gen 2 has faster CPU and GPU components, but the 8s Gen 3 brings newer architecture and features at a lower price point.
No. Only Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and higher flagship chips like the 8 Gen 3 support hardware-based ray tracing.
Yes, but the 8 Gen 2 is better for high-end gaming due to its superior GPU and gaming software suite.
Yes, but the 8 Gen 2 is better for high-end gaming due to its superior GPU and gaming software suite.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 powers devices like the Galaxy S23 series, while the 8s Gen 3 is expected in models like the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro and future OnePlus Nord and iQOO devices.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a smart choice for users who want a balanced, efficient experience with the latest AI capabilities and modern connectivity—without paying flagship prices. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 remains a strong performer for those who demand top-tier gaming, multimedia, and camera support. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize price and efficiency or raw power and features.
To get detailed scientific explanations of 8s Gen 3 vs. 8 Gen 2, try Patsnap Eureka.
