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Choosing the right smartphone chipset isn’t always easy. The raw specs like CPU and GPU can be overwhelming for some, and understanding how they affect your daily phone use isn’t straightforward. 

Today, we’re taking a look at two Qualcomm processors: the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2. Here we’ll compare both SoCs to help you determine which one might be the best fit for your needs.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Versus Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2

As we won’t dive into every spec difference to avoid overwhelming you, so here’s a quick comparison of the key specifications of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2:

FeatureSnapdragon 8s Gen 3Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
CPU Cores1x 3 GHz – Cortex-X44x 2.8 GHz – Cortex-A7203x 2 GHz – Cortex-A5201x 2.91 GHz – Cortex-X23x 2.49 GHz – Cortex-A7104x 1.8 GHz – Cortex-A510
GPUAdreno 735 @ 1100 MHzAdreno 725 @ 580 MHz
Memory TypeLPDDR5X 4200 MHzLPDDR5 3200 MHz
Max RAM24 GB16 GB
StorageUFS 4.0UFS 3.1
ModemSnapdragon X70Snapdragon X62
Max Display Resolution3840 x 21603360 x 1600
Max Camera Resolution200MP200MP
Video Recording8K@30FPS, 4K@120FPS4K@60FPS

1. Important Specs to Consider

As we delve into benchmarks and real-world scenarios for these chipsets, it’s essential to highlight some key differences that directly impact everyday performance:

  • CPU: The 8s Gen 3 has a faster prime core (3 GHz Cortex-X4) and more powerful mid-range cores (4x 2.8 GHz Cortex-A720) for demanding tasks.
  • GPU: The 8s Gen 3’s faster Adreno 735 GPU clocked at 1100 MHz allows for smoother visuals and better gaming performance compared to the Adreno 725 GPU at 580 MHz in the 7 Plus Gen 2.
  • Memory: The 8s Gen 3 supports faster LPDDR5X memory at 4200 MHz, improving overall responsiveness compared to the LPDDR5 memory at 3200 MHz in the 7 Plus Gen 2.

2. Benchmarks

Synthetic benchmarks like AnTuTu provide a general idea of a chipset’s overall processing power. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, for instance, averages an impressive 1,554,839 points, while the 7 Plus Gen 2 still holds its own with a respectable 1,120,902 points. But numbers-wise, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a clear winner here. 

We can see this advantage reflected in GeekBench 6 scores as well. The 8s Gen 3 scores 19% higher in single-core tasks (2019 vs 1697) and 26% higher in multi-core tasks (5570 vs 4404). As a result, users can expect quicker app launches and smoother multitasking with smartphones powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.

We’ve included the benchmark scores in the table below for easy comparison.

BenchmarkSnapdragon 8s Gen 3Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
AnTuTu1,554,8391,120,902
GeekBench 6 (Single-Core)20191697
GeekBench 6 (Multi-Core)55704404
*Data from Nanoreview.net

3. Real-World Performance

While benchmarks reveal the raw performance of the SoCs, pushing their capabilities to the limit, real-world performance is what truly matters for most users. Here’s how these chipsets might perform in everyday situations:

  • Gaming: Since the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has a faster CPU and GPU, it should translate to smoother gameplay; especially in demanding titles with high frame rates and complex graphics. The 7 Plus Gen 2 will still handle most games well but might struggle on the highest settings.
  • Everyday Tasks: Both chipsets will handle daily tasks like browsing the web, social media, and messaging with ease. However, the 8s Gen 3 might offer a slight edge in terms of app loading times and multitasking smoothness.
  • Photography & Videography: Both chipsets support high-resolution cameras, but the 8s Gen 3 can record 8K videos at 30 FPS and 4K video at 120 FPS. The 7+ Gen 2, on the other hand, is limited to 4K recording at 60 FPS.

    While the 8s Gen 3 does have more flexibility and better recording options, it’s up to smartphone manufacturers to enable or disable those recording options. Thus, not every phone with the 8s Gen 3 chipset may support recording up to 8K resolution.

4. The Bottom Line: Finding the Right Fit

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a clear winner in terms of raw performance, making it ideal for power users who prioritize gaming, multitasking, and content creation. However, the flagship level of performance comes at a premium price.

On the other hand, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 offers excellent performance for everyday tasks at a more affordable price point. It’s a great option for users who value affordability and don’t necessarily require top-tier specs.

Ultimately, the best chipset for you depends on your needs and budget. If you’re a casual user, the 7 Plus Gen 2 might suit you perfectly fine. However, if you’re a power user who demands the best performance, the 8s Gen 3 is definitely worth considering despite the higher cost.

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