Snapdragon 8 Elite officially launched with record breaking scores and specifications

October 22, 2024

Qualcomm has finally introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor after months of rumors, leaks around naming, specifications and performance. This new chipset integrates several advanced features in CPU, GPU, and AI technology. In this article, we will discuss the highlights of this new chipset

Snapdragon 8 Elite Overview

3NM Process Node

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is made on a 3nm process node, compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which was made on a 4nm process node. Qualcomm isn’t the only company using a 3nm process, as Apple was the first to do so, followed by MediaTek with its Dimensity 9400 chipset a couple of weeks earlier.

The naming might also confuse you a little bit because this latest flagship release departs from the standard way Qualcomm has named its chips. For example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 8 Gen 3, and Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. To clarify, yes, it’s a new upgraded chipset, and while some might call it Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, technically, it is named Snapdragon 8 Elite.

CPU

The Snapdragon 8 Elite features the Qualcomm Oryon CPU, achieving peak speeds of 4.32 GHz. It offers a 45% increase in CPU performance and a 44% improvement in power efficiency compared to previous generations. It features 24MB of total Cache, which is the record highest in any other chipset.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite demonstrates impressive performance metrics, achieving over 3,200 in single-core and over 10,000 in multi-core scores on Geekbench, along with an AnTuTu score exceeding 3 million. In contrast, its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, scored 2,193 in single-core, 7,304 in multi-core, and 2.13 million on AnTuTu.

Adreno GPU and Gaming

This processor includes the Adreno GPU, which supports real-time hardware-accelerated ray tracing and is compatible with Unreal Engine 5.3. Users can expect a 40% boost in GPU performance along with improved power efficiency.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is equipped with a Qualcomm AI Engine and Hexagon NPU, allowing for advanced AI tasks, including voice and image recognition. It supports multimodal generative AI, which enables users to input larger text for analysis.

Camera Features and connectivity

With the Qualcomm Spectra Image Signal Processor, the chipset supports triple 18-bit ISPs, allowing for image capture of up to 320 megapixels and 8K HDR video recording at 60 frames per second. AI features enhance face detection and low-light performance.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, offering peak speeds of 5.8 Gbps for Wi-Fi. According to Qualcomm, the integrated 5G X80 Modem enhances network performance, which in turns provides better coverage and lower latency.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Specifications

CPU: Custom Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, 3nm, up to 4.32 GHz
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno™ GPU, real-time ray tracing
AI: Qualcomm AI Engine, Hexagon NPU, 45% performance per watt improvement
Camera: Spectra™ ISP, up to 320 MP, 8K HDR video at 60 FPS
Connectivity: Snapdragon X80 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (up to 5.8 Gbps), Bluetooth 6.0
Memory: Up to 24 GB LP-DDR5x RAM
Storage: UFS 4.0
Charging: Quick Charge™ 5 Technology

Snapdragon 8 Elite Availability

Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset will be available in different phones starting from the upcoming Realme GT7 Pro, followed by Xiaomi 15, iQOO 13, S25 Ultra and so on.