Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 is a refined version of the original Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, offering improved efficiency and slightly higher clock speeds. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the next-generation platform, providing a more significant leap in CPU performance, GPU capabilities, and AI processing, while also introducing new features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Full Comparison
Introduction
For those considering a high-end smartphone, the system-on-chip (SoC) is a critical component that dictates performance, efficiency, and feature support. This comparison examines two flagship-tier Qualcomm processors: the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Understanding their differences in architecture, capabilities, and real-world implications can help clarify which devices might align better with specific usage patterns, from gaming to photography.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The fundamental difference between these chips lies in their design and fabrication.
- Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1: This chip is built on a 4nm process technology. It is essentially a “plus” revision of the original Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, with the primary goal of improving thermal management and power efficiency. The core CPU configuration remains the same.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: This is a new-generation design, also fabricated on a 4nm process. It features a rearchitected CPU cluster, moving to a “1+2+2+3” core configuration compared to the “1+3+4” setup of its predecessor, which allows for more nuanced performance and efficiency tuning.
The shift in manufacturing for the Plus variant and the new core design for the Gen 2 are key factors in their respective performance profiles.
CPU and Performance
The central processing unit (CPU) handles general tasks and application performance.
- Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1: Features an octa-core CPU with 1x Cortex-X2 prime core (up to 3.2 GHz), 3x Cortex-A710 performance cores (2.75 GHz), and 4x Cortex-A510 efficiency cores (2.0 GHz). The Plus version typically offers slightly higher sustained performance than the standard Gen 1 due to better efficiency.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Introduces a new CPU configuration: 1x Cortex-X3 prime core (up to 3.2 GHz), 2x Cortex-A715 performance cores (2.8 GHz), 2x Cortex-A710 performance cores (2.8 GHz), and 3x Cortex-A510 efficiency cores (2.0 GHz). This setup generally provides a noticeable uplift in both peak and multi-threaded performance, with Qualcomm claiming up to a 35% improvement.
In practical terms, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 typically handles intensive applications and multitasking with greater headroom and efficiency.
GPU and Gaming
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is crucial for gaming, UI animations, and visual rendering.
- Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1: Utilizes the Adreno 730 GPU. It delivers strong graphics performance capable of running demanding games at high settings and frame rates.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Equipped with the Adreno 740 GPU. This represents a more substantial generational leap, offering significantly faster graphics rendering. A key new feature is support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which can enable more realistic lighting effects in supported games. Performance gains are often cited around 25% or higher.
For mobile gamers, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 typically provides a more future-proof experience with support for advanced graphical features.
AI, Connectivity, and Imaging
These areas cover the auxiliary but increasingly important capabilities of a modern chipset.
- AI Engine: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 incorporates a newer, more powerful Hexagon processor. It generally offers faster AI inferencing, which benefits features like computational photography, voice assistants, and on-device language processing.
- Connectivity: Both platforms feature the Snapdragon X70 5G Modem-RF system, offering global 5G support. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 often pairs this with a newer FastConnect 7800 system for Wi-Fi 7 readiness and lower latency Bluetooth audio.
- Image Signal Processor (ISP): The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s Spectra ISP supports higher-resolution sensors simultaneously (e.g., 200MP single shots vs. 108MP on the 8+ Gen 1) and can capture 8K HDR video, among other advanced video features.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 4nm | 4nm |
| CPU Configuration | 1x Cortex-X2 (3.2 GHz) 3x Cortex-A710 (2.75 GHz) 4x Cortex-A510 (2.0 GHz) |
1x Cortex-X3 (3.2 GHz) 2x Cortex-A715 (2.8 GHz) 2x Cortex-A710 (2.8 GHz) 3x Cortex-A510 (2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 (with hardware-accelerated ray tracing) |
| AI Engine | 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine | Qualcomm AI Engine (Next-gen, faster Hexagon processor) |
| ISP (Image Signal Processor) | Qualcomm Spectra (18-bit triple ISP) Up to 108MP single photo 8K video @ 30fps |
Qualcomm Spectra (18-bit triple ISP) Up to 200MP single photo 8K HDR video @ 30fps |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X70 (Integrated) | Snapdragon X70 (Integrated) |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | FastConnect 6900 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi 7 ready, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Key Differentiating Feature | Efficiency-focused revision of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. | New CPU architecture, advanced GPU features, next-gen AI, and ISP capabilities. |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the 8 Gen 2?
The main difference is that the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a refined version of the first-generation chip focused on better efficiency, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a completely new generation with a rearchitected CPU, a more powerful GPU supporting ray tracing, and a next-generation AI engine.
Which chip is better for gaming?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 generally offers superior gaming performance due to its more powerful Adreno 740 GPU and the introduction of hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting in supported games.
Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 have better battery life?
While battery life depends heavily on the device’s overall design and software, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s newer, more efficient CPU architecture and manufacturing optimizations can typically contribute to better power efficiency under similar workloads compared to the 8+ Gen 1.
Which chip supports a higher resolution camera?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s Spectra ISP supports single-camera shots of up to 200 megapixels, whereas the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 supports up to 108 megapixels.
Final Thoughts
The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 represents a solid, high-performance platform that addressed some thermal concerns of its predecessor, making it a capable choice found in many flagship devices from its release period. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, as a true successor, brings more substantial advancements across the board, including a novel CPU design, significant GPU improvements with new features, and enhanced AI and imaging capabilities. The choice between devices powered by these chips often comes down to the specific device implementation, software support, and the value placed on having the latest architectural improvements and feature sets for future-proofing.