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We’re looking at the two most powerful chipsets in 2023, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 to find out which is the better chip.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is Qualcomm’s latest chipset and was released late in 2022, making a considerable splash. Boasting a 25% better performance than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it’s combined a remarkable jump in multi-core performance with new features like accelerated ray tracing. We’ve already discussed in-depth whether the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is good for gaming. And now, ahead of the Samsung Galaxy S23 line of phones that will be released on February 17th, we’re seriously interested in how the 8 Gen 2 compares to its predecessor.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has been a popular chipset for 2022 and has stayed relevant into 2023. At the time of its release in December 2021, it boasted impressive innovations in AI, photography, gaming and connectivity. You’ll commonly find it used in mid-range to premium phones like the S22 Ultra, plus a number of the best gaming phones.
You may be in the market for a new phone, and are tossing it up between the latest Android flagships and their predecessors. Especially if you’re into mobile gaming, learning about the chipset in your prospective phone is important for the best experience. Though your overall phone experience is based on more than just the chipset, it will still make a difference to your phone’s battery life, camera performance, graphics rendering, and the speed of your WiFi connection.
So, we’re going to make things a little easier, by comparing what we think are the key comparison areas between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. We’ll look at everything from specs to features, including their respective gaming and image-processing performances.
So let’s jump right in. Here are the differences and similarities between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – CPU specs
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the CPU specs of both Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. We’ll help make sense of these specs, and discuss how they impact performance tasks like taking and storing photos, streaming content, and making calls.
| Spec | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Architecture | Kyro CPU with ARM v9 | Kryo CPU with ARM v9a |
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 |
| Frequency | 3200 MHz | 3000 MHz |
| Transistor count | 16 billion | 16 billion |
| L1 cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| L2 cache | 8 MB | 6 MB |
| Process Node | 4nm (TSMC) | 4nm (Samsung) |
Both chipsets are based on a 4nm architecture, allowing for 16 billion transistors for faster performance than previous chips based on 5nm processors. However, Qualcomm’s choice to switch to TSMC’s 4nm process node has made all the difference. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has made vast improvements in terms of both performance and battery efficiency.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – which one should you pick?
In terms of core architecture, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has an octa-core design featuring a 1+3+4 cluster design that could clock at a maximum of 3.0 GHz. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has improved here, clocking at a slightly higher 3.2GHz with a 1+4+3 design that improves the chip’s efficiency.
Though they share the same number of cores, which is responsible for processing the tasks on your phone, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has a higher frequency rating that gives it the edge over its predecessor. Indeed, in terms of its multi-core performance, GeekBench noted a 29% increase for the 8 Gen 2. In other words, the 8 Gen 2 is better at simultaneously processing multiple tasks, making it the preferred choice for heavy phone users who like to multitask on their phones.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 bionic – gaming
As you may have guessed from our discussion of GPU specs, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the clear winner in terms of delivering the best gaming performance.
Of course, other factors other than the chipset determine your gaming experience. These include the size of your screen, resolution, peak nit brightness and battery life. However, Qualcomm’s flagship chip has seriously upped its game. It’s now introduced up to 25% faster graphics rendering than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, plus a full arsenal of new features including accelerated Ray Tracing. In other words, expect authentic light, reflections, and illuminations for desktop-level gaming experiences.
Read More: Are gaming phones worth it?
While well-regarded gaming phones like the ASUS ROG Phone 6 sport the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has clearly unlocked something special. Expect faster streaming for cloud gaming with a Wi-Fi 6 speed of 5.8Gbps.
If you’re an avid gamer, it’s definitely worth seeing what you can do to get your hand on a phone with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – image processing
The Image Signal Processor (ISP) plays a significant role in driving the performance of your smartphone’s camera.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 now has a cognitive ISP. This means it uses AI processing to directly apply features like facial recognition, autofocus and layering in real-time. For a number of phones, such as Sony’s 50MP IMX989 and the Xiamo 12s Ultra, the chipset now supports Quad-Exposure Digital Overlap HDR. This new tech simultaneously captures four different exposure levels for each video frame that translates to sharper details and starker shadows.
Read More: Will the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra drop in price?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 continues to perform well in this department, though it’s missing the new exciting additions offered by 8 Gen 2. For example, the Spectra Image Signal Processor, boasts a triple 18-bit ISP that captures extreme dynamic range at up to 3.2 gigapixels per second.
Though the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is clearly the winner here, its performance depends on the Android phone it’s inside. If you really want to see what Qualcomm’s flagship processor can do, then Samsung’s newest S23 Ultra is set to stun in the camera department. Otherwise, you’ll find the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 complements the performance of the Galaxy S22 Ultra to an impressive degree.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – 5G and wireless tech
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 easily takes the win here. It sports the new X70 5G modem that delivers download speeds of up to 10Gbps. It’s also Qualcomm’s first modem to support two 5G SIMS simultaneously.
In comparison, the 8 Gen 1 uses Qualcomm’s 4th Gen X65 5G Modem. At the time of its release, was the world’s first 10 Gigabit 5G solution, with leading speeds of up to 3.6Gbps with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E.
Read More: iPhone 14 vs Samsung S22 – which one should you go for?
If you’re after the best of the best, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the clear winner, regardless of the Android it’s fitted into.
Final word
Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 clearly has the performance edge compared to its predecessor. We’re seriously impressed with the 8 Gen 2’s power efficiency and improved AI capabilities. If you’re a gamer or content creator, it’s worth keeping an eye out for a phone with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still relevant in 2023, delivering strong connectivity and AI processing. It’s a great choice for users who don’t need to splash out on the latest premium smartphones.
