Qualcomm has begun paving the way for its next-generation flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, with a sneak peek during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024. Let’s delve into the details revealed so far and explore what we might expect from this upcoming chip.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 on the Horizon 
During a video posted on X, Qualcomm’s Chief Marketing Officer, Don McGuire, confirmed the arrival of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This announcement aligns with the company’s usual cycle of launching a new flagship SoC every year at the Snapdragon Summit, typically held in October. Therefore, we can expect the official unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 later this year.
It’s important to note that this teaser doesn’t reveal any specific details about the chip’s specifications or capabilities. However, based on Qualcomm’s past advancements and current industry trends, we can anticipate significant improvements compared to the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This could include:
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- Enhanced processing power and performance thanks to next-generation CPU and GPU architectures.
- Improved power efficiency for longer battery life.
- Advanced features like integrated AI capabilities and support for the latest connectivity standards like 5G mmWave.
Potential Intermediary Chip: Snapdragon 8s Gen 2 or 8 Gen 3 Lite? 
While the spotlight is on the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, rumors suggest that Qualcomm might introduce another chip in the Snapdragon 8 Gen series before its official release. According to rumors, this chip, with the model number SM8635, will position between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3 in terms of performance and features.
Leaks suggest that the SM8635 will:
- Feature a single Cortex-X4 core clocked at 2.9 GHz.
- Utilize the Adreno 735 GPU for graphics processing.
- Be manufactured on TSMC’s 4nm node.
- Achieve an AnTuTu score of around 1.7 million.
The exact name of this chip remains unconfirmed, with possibilities like “Snapdragon 8s Gen 2” or “Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Lite” being discussed. Its introduction could offer manufacturers and users a broader range of options within the Snapdragon 8 Gen series, catering to different needs and budgets.
As the year progresses and we approach the Snapdragon Summit, we can expect more details to emerge about both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and the potential intermediary chip. This will provide a clearer picture of Qualcomm’s plans for the future of mobile processing and how these advancements will shape the capabilities of upcoming smartphones.
