Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 for Affordable Smartphone
Qualcomm has broadened its range of mobile chips with the unveiling of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. This new addition brings ChatGPT-like generative AI capabilities to more affordable smartphones. Phones from manufacturers such as Honor and Vivo will feature this chip, with the first devices set to hit the market later this month.
At the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, Qualcomm positioned on-device generative AI as the key feature that will distinguish phones equipped with the latest Snapdragon chips in 2024. The already-launched Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, featured in Xiaomi’s 14 Series in China, enables generative AI features, including using Stable Diffusion to create new images from prompts and expanding photos beyond their original borders.
A critical question revolves around how the generative AI capabilities of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 compare to its more powerful counterpart, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm asserts that lower-tier chips will undergo a “graceful degradation” of capabilities compared to the top-tier silicon, indicating differences in the range of tricks and features they can perform.
Despite the generative AI capabilities of the chip, the actual implementation varies, with each manufacturer deciding the extent of these capabilities in their phones using the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Several factors, including the size and type of models, DRAM, and other configuration choices, may influence the performance of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
Conceptually, on-device generative AI offers advantages over cloud-based solutions. These include lower latency, consideration of personal information like behavioral patterns, and functionality in areas without cell signals. Additionally, local processing enhances privacy and security.
Beyond Generative AI: Additional Enhancements in Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Beyond generative AI, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 introduces other improvements. This includes spatial audio with head tracking, a first for the 7 series. The chip features an upgraded neural processing unit, providing a 15% increase in speed compared to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 released two years ago. It also boasts 20% better power efficiency and supports fast recharging from a dead battery to 50% capacity in five minutes. Unfortunately, no direct comparison figures were provided against the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 released in March (there is no Snapdragon 7 Gen 2).
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 continues to utilize Kyro CPUs, a staple in Qualcomm’s higher-end mobile chips. However, there is anticipation for a potential boost in performance and efficiency next year if the company opts to replace them with the new Oryon CPU featured in the Snapdragon X Elite chip for PCs. Qualcomm announced at its recent Snapdragon Summit that Oryon CPUs would be integrated into chips for other product lines, starting with mobile in 2024.
Honor and Vivo have joined forces with Qualcomm to release the first phones featuring the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Expectations are high for more devices arriving next year. Given the success of phones powered by its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2, such as the Realme GT Neo 5 SE, it’s likely that more devices from these manufacturers will run on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the coming year.
Looking ahead, other manufacturers might adopt the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in 2025 and beyond. Notably, the Motorola Razr 2023 currently uses a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, suggesting the possibility of a future premium (but not top-tier) Motorola device leveraging Qualcomm’s new chip to maintain affordability compared to flagship devices equipped with the latest silicon.
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