Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 is a refined, high-performance chipset from 2021, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a newer, flagship platform from 2022 with a more advanced architecture. The key differences lie in the manufacturing process, GPU performance, and integrated modem, with the 8 Gen 1 offering generational improvements in graphics and AI, while the 870 is known for its efficient and stable performance profile.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1: Full Comparison
When evaluating smartphone performance, the system-on-chip (SoC) is a central component. This comparison examines two significant Qualcomm processors: the Snapdragon 870, a popular choice for high-tier devices in 2021, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which represented the company’s flagship mobile platform for 2022. Understanding their differences in architecture, capabilities, and typical use cases can help clarify the technological progression and the trade-offs between a mature, high-performance design and a newer generation flagship.
Specifications and Architecture
The fundamental differences between these two chipsets begin with their core design and manufacturing.
- Manufacturing Process: The Snapdragon 870 is built on a 7nm process. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 moved to a more advanced 4nm process, which typically allows for better power efficiency and potential performance gains in a similar physical footprint.
- CPU Configuration: Both feature an octa-core CPU with a prime core based on ARM’s Cortex technology. The Snapdragon 870 uses a Cortex-A77-derived prime core (Kryo 585), while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 utilizes a newer Cortex-X2 derived prime core (Kryo). The newer architecture in the 8 Gen 1 aims for higher peak performance.
- GPU: The Adreno 650 GPU in the 870 is succeeded by the Adreno 730 in the 8 Gen 1. This represents a significant generational leap in graphics performance and features, supporting newer graphics APIs and higher display refresh rates.
- Integrated Modem: The Snapdragon 870 integrates the Snapdragon X55 5G modem. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 includes the newer Snapdragon X65 5G modem, which generally offers faster theoretical peak download speeds and improved power efficiency.
Performance and Efficiency
Raw performance metrics and real-world efficiency present a nuanced picture.
- CPU Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 typically shows higher benchmark scores in CPU tests due to its newer core architecture. However, the performance-per-watt characteristics have been a point of discussion, with the 8 Gen 1 sometimes exhibiting higher thermal loads under sustained workloads.
- GPU Performance: The Adreno 730 in the 8 Gen 1 provides a substantial boost in graphics rendering power. This is most noticeable in demanding 3D mobile games and applications that can leverage the increased capability.
- AI and Machine Learning: The 7th Gen AI Engine in the Snapdragon 870 is succeeded by the 7th Gen AI Engine with a new tensor accelerator in the 8 Gen 1. The newer setup offers significantly higher TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second), accelerating on-device AI tasks like photography enhancements and voice processing.
- Thermal Behavior: The Snapdragon 870, being a refined version of the previous year’s flagship design (865+), gained a reputation for stable thermal performance. The initial versions of devices using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 often required robust cooling systems to manage heat under peak loads.
Features and Connectivity
Both platforms support high-end smartphone features, but the 8 Gen 1 introduces several advancements.
- Camera ISP (Image Signal Processor): The Spectra 580 ISP in the 870 can handle up to 200MP photo capture and 8K video at 30fps. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s Spectra ISP supports 18-bit processing (a first for mobile), 200MP photo capture, and 8K HDR video recording, offering greater color depth and computational photography capabilities.
- Memory Support: Both support LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. The 8 Gen 1 adds support for the newer LPDDR5x RAM standard, which can offer higher bandwidth and improved efficiency.
- Wireless Connectivity: Beyond the modem differences, the 8 Gen 1 features the FastConnect 6900 system for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, while the 870 uses FastConnect 6800 for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Gaming Features: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 includes more advanced gaming-centric features like Variable Rate Shading Pro and Volumetric Rendering, building upon the Elite Gaming features present in the 870.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 870 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2022 |
| Process Node | 7nm | 4nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core (1x Cortex-A77-based @ 3.2 GHz, 3x Cortex-A77-based @ 2.42 GHz, 4x Cortex-A55-based @ 1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x Cortex-X2-based @ 3.0 GHz, 3x Cortex-A710-based @ 2.5 GHz, 4x Cortex-A510-based @ 1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| AI Engine | 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine | 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine with new Tensor Accelerator |
| ISP (Image Signal Processor) | Spectra 580 (up to 200MP photo, 8K video @ 30fps) | Qualcomm Spectra (18-bit, up to 200MP photo, 8K HDR video @ 30fps) |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X55 (Integrated) | Snapdragon X65 (Integrated) |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | FastConnect 6800 (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2) | FastConnect 6900 (Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3) |
| Max Display Support | QHD+ @ 144Hz / 4K @ 60Hz | 4K @ 60Hz / QHD+ @ 144Hz |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5 up to 2750MHz | LPDDR5 up to 3200MHz, LPDDR5x support |
| Charging Technology | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ | Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 870 and 8 Gen 1?
The main differences are generational. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 uses a newer 4nm manufacturing process, a more advanced CPU and GPU architecture (Cortex-X2/Adreno 730), a newer 5G modem (X65), and an 18-bit ISP. This generally translates to higher peak performance, especially in graphics and AI, though thermal management can be a consideration.
Which chipset is more power-efficient?
On paper, the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 suggests better power efficiency. However, real-world efficiency depends heavily on device cooling, software optimization, and workload. The Snapdragon 870, as a refined version of an older design, is often noted for its stable and efficient performance profile in actual use.
Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 significantly better for gaming?
Yes, typically. The Adreno 730 GPU in the 8 Gen 1 provides a substantial performance uplift over the Adreno 650 in the 870. This allows for higher frame rates, better graphics settings in demanding games, and support for more advanced gaming features like Variable Rate Shading Pro.
Do both chips support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both have integrated 5G modems. The Snapdragon 870 uses the Snapdragon X55 modem, while the 8 Gen 1 uses the newer X65 modem. The X65 generally offers higher theoretical peak download speeds and is designed with improved power efficiency.
Which one has a better camera ISP?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s Spectra ISP is more advanced. Its key upgrade is 18-bit processing (compared to 14-bit in previous generations), which allows it to capture over 4,000 times more camera data for significantly better color depth, contrast, and dynamic range in photos and videos.
Final Thoughts
The Snapdragon 870 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 represent two different approaches within Qualcomm’s lineup. The 8 Gen 1 is the newer flagship, bringing expected advancements in CPU/GPU performance, AI, photography, and connectivity. Its capabilities are geared towards pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. The Snapdragon 870, while from an earlier generation, established itself as a capable and often well-balanced performer, powering many high-tier devices. The choice between them in a device depends on the specific implementation by the manufacturer, including cooling solutions and software tuning, which ultimately shape the user experience around raw specifications.