Which is the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor before 2025?

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The latest and the best Snapdragon processor before 2025 is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which was officially released at the Snapdragon Summit on October 22, 2024. It is the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it will become the standard processor for Android flagships in 2025.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is manufactured on TSMC's cutting-edge N3E (second-generation) process, which provides better efficiency and technological advantages over Apple's A17 chip based on the N3B node. This also makes N3E a more cost-effective solution. In terms of gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 achieves remarkable performance, maintaining a steady 60 FPS at 1080P resolution in Genshin Impact for up to 45 minutes.

In benchmark tests, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 scores an impressive 3,133,570 on AnTuTu, with a GPU score of 1.33 million, roughly 900,000 points higher than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, representing a performance increase of nearly 40%.

On GeekBench 6, it achieved 2,845 in single-core and 10,628 in multi-core scores. The multi-core performance showed a 46% improvement compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 7,249, while the single-core score increased by around 27%. These results highlight the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s remarkable performance gains across key metrics, making it a powerful competitor in the high-performance chip market.

Other features like WiFi 6, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 (the latest Bluetooth version), Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 5 technology, and more, can be supported on Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is the most powerful and advanced Snapdragon processor to date. It is expected to be widely used in the flagship smartphones of 2025 and will offer users the best possible performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities. It is the perfect choice for high-end smartphones and tablets, however, it won't be used into the rugged phones in the next few years.

Other Latest Snapdragon Processors

In addition to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Qualcomm also release a number of other Snapdragon processors in 2024. Where include:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Announced on October 24, 2023, this flagship processor powers high-end smartphones, offering significant improvements in performance and efficiency.
• Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3: Released on March 21, 2024, it offers improved performance and AI processing, catering to users seeking high-quality experiences in mid-tier devices.
• Snapdragon 7s Gen 3: Launched on August 20, 2024, this chipset provides remarkable AI experiences to more affordable smartphones, making advanced features accessible to a wider audience.
• Snapdragon 6 Gen 3: Introduced on August 31, 2024, it brings enhanced capabilities to mid-tier devices, focusing on improved connectivity and battery life.
• Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: Announced on June 6, 2024, this processor targets the mid-range segment, offering balanced performance and efficiency for everyday tasks.

Which latest Snapdragon processor should I choose?

If you're looking for the absolute best performance in a flagship smartphone, the Snapdragon 8 Elite (also known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) is the top choice. It features a custom Oryon CPU with up to 4.32 GHz clock speeds, a 40% faster Adreno GPU, and a Hexagon NPU with 80 TOPS AI performance. It also supports advanced features like real-time ray tracing, 8K video recording, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. This chip is designed for premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Xiaomi 15.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is an excellent mid-range option, offering a 15% CPU boost and a 50% GPU improvement over its predecessor. It supports 200MP cameras, 4K HDR video, and AI-enhanced features like improved face detection. With efficient power consumption and 5G connectivity, it’s ideal for devices like the Honor 100, balancing performance and affordability.

For budget-conscious users, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is a strong contender. Built on 4nm technology, it delivers a 29% GPU boost and introduces generative AI capabilities. It supports 200MP photography, 4K HDR video, and 144Hz displays, making it a solid choice for affordable yet capable smartphones from brands like OPPO and realme.

Key Considerations When Choosing

Your choice depends on usage: gamers and power users should opt for the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the 7 Gen 3 suits those seeking premium features at a lower cost. The 6 Gen 4 is best for everyday tasks and budget devices. Also, consider future-proofing—the 8 Elite promises 8 years of updates, while the 7 and 6 series offer shorter support cycles.

Future-Proofing & AI Capabilities

The Snapdragon 8 Elite leads in AI with its 80 TOPS NPU, enabling on-device generative AI and multimodal tasks. The 7 Gen 3 supports INT4 precision for efficient AI processing, while the 6 Gen 4 introduces basic AI features. If AI and long-term performance matter most, the 8 Elite remains the superior choice.

These are just a few of the Snapdragon processors that are released in 2024. Qualcomm is constantly innovating and releasing new processors, so it will be interesting to see what they have in store for us in the coming year.