The rumor mill churned about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 powering the Samsung Galaxy S25. While that remains to be seen, Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, promising a significant upgrade for mid-range smartphones. This new chip offers enhanced performance, AI capabilities, and connectivity for budget-conscious consumers.
A key improvement lies in performance. The Qualcomm Kryo CPU delivers a 10% boost in overall performance, complemented by a 30% increase in graphical performance thanks to the Adreno GPU. While these gains might appear modest, even incremental improvements can significantly enhance the user experience over time.
A promotional image for the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip.
The most notable advancement is in gaming performance. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 boasts improved battery efficiency, allowing for extended gameplay in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Furthermore, the new Game Super Resolution feature scales graphics up to 4K, resulting in visually richer gaming experiences. Coupled with the Adreno Frame Motion Engine, which enhances frame rates without excessive battery drain, games like Infinity Nikki will run smoother and look better.
Enhanced AI and Connectivity
Another compelling feature is the enhanced AI support. As the first Snapdragon 6 chip to support Generative AI, the 6 Gen 4 empowers smartphones with advanced capabilities like text creation and content summarization.
From a technical standpoint, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 boasts a 2.4GHz clock speed, peak download speeds of approximately 2.9Gbps, and support for 140 MHz and 200MHz mmWave bandwidth.
A Promising Future for Affordable Devices
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 brings a wealth of improvements to the mid-range segment. Real-world performance evaluations will be crucial following its launch. Qualcomm has announced partnerships with Realme, Oppo, and Honor, with devices powered by this chip expected to release in the coming months. With more manufacturers likely to adopt the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, the western market could see substantial upgrades in affordable handsets within the next year.
