Following a leaked spec sheet, Qualcomm has officially unveiled the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the latest addition to its 7-series lineup. This new mobile platform aims to bring high-end features previously only found in flagship devices to a wider range of more affordable smartphones.
One of the most notable new features is support for on-device generative AI. This means that AI tasks, such as running language models like Baichuan-7B or Llama 2, can be performed directly on the phone without relying on cloud-based processing. This could potentially lead to faster and more responsive AI applications.
Highlights of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Image credit — Qualcomm
Gaming enthusiasts also benefit from the improved Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Qualcomm promises a significant 40% increase in GPU performance. This should result in smoother gameplay and better graphics even in demanding mobile games.
The camera system will also be improved with features like 12-bit Triple ISP and 4K sHDR. This could mean improved image quality, especially in difficult lighting conditions, and more vibrant colors for photos and videos.
Beyond these specific features, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 also promises an overall performance boost compared to its predecessors. Qualcomm says the CPU is almost 20% faster and AI performance is up by over 30%. Additionally, the platform is said to be 12% more power efficient, which could lead to longer battery life.
The new Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Image credit — Qualcomm
Several leading phone makers, including Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, and Sharp, are expected to use the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in their upcoming devices. In fact, Xiaomi is expected to unveil the first phone with this new platform as early as next month.
On paper, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 represents a significant upgrade for mid-range smartphones. By bringing features like on-device AI, improved gaming performance, and advanced camera capabilities to more affordable phones, Qualcomm is helping to make advanced technology more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
