The newest Snapdragon Gen3 mobile processor is rumored to adopt an unusual core configuration, introducing an extra auxiliary block. This insider information comes from GizmoChina through a Chinese source, Digital Chat. (Source: GizmoChina via Digital Chat)
Speculation suggests the Gen3 lineup will retain eight cores, similar to Gen2, but the arrangement will differ. Gen2 used a single high-performance core at 3.36 GHz (Cortex-X3), four non-primary cores at 2.8 GHz (two Cortex-A715 and two Cortex-A710), and three efficiency cores at 2.02 GHz (Cortex-A510). In contrast, Gen3 is said to feature a lone flagship core, the Cortex-X4 at 3.2 GHz, supported by five auxiliary cores (Cortex-A72 around 3.0 GHz), and two efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz (Cortex-A520). This shift signals a focus on a broader balance between peak performance and sustained efficiency. (Source: GizmoChina via Digital Chat)
Alongside the CPU redesign, the SoC is expected to include notable graphics and connectivity enhancements. The Adreno 750 graphics accelerator is anticipated to deliver stronger visuals and smoother gaming experiences, while the Qualcomm X75 5G modem is projected to improve data rates and network reliability. In terms of memory and storage, support for UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM is believed to remain a feature set, enabling faster data access and improved multitasking capabilities. (Source: GizmoChina via Digital Chat)
Production is said to be handled by TSMC on the N4P process node, marking a move toward the next generation of semiconductor fabrication. The N4P process is designed to deliver higher efficiency and performance per watt, aligning with Qualcomm’s push for more capable mobile platforms in mid to high-end devices. (Source: GizmoChina via Digital Chat)
Market timing points to the debut of the Snapdragon Gen3 smartphone toward the end of 2023, with expectations that a Xiaomi flagship will be among the first to showcase the new processor. This timing would place Gen3 as a direct successor to the Gen2 family, offering a significant step forward in both CPU and GPU capabilities for flagship devices. (Source: GizmoChina via Digital Chat)
Earlier reports from socialbites.ca claimed that the Gen3 would carry forward the flagship status of the prior generation, implying a close relationship to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 lineage for some models. Such contrasts underscore the competitive landscape in high-end mobile silicon, where design choices around core configurations, graphics, and modem performance shape device differentiation. (Source: GizmoChina via Digital Chat)