Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 are flagship mobile platforms from different generations. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, released several years later, offers significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, AI processing, and modem technology. However, the Snapdragon 855 remains a capable chipset for many tasks and was a defining processor for its era.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing processors from different generations provides valuable insight into the pace of mobile technology evolution. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, launched in late 2018, powered the flagship smartphones of 2019. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, announced in late 2021, represented a new naming scheme and was designed for premium devices in 2022. This analysis breaks down their architectures, capabilities, and key technological shifts to illustrate how flagship mobile silicon advanced over a roughly three-year period.
Manufacturing Process & Architecture
The fundamental building block of any chipset is its manufacturing process, which greatly influences efficiency and performance.
- Snapdragon 855: Built on a 7nm fabrication process. It featured a tri-cluster CPU configuration: 1x high-performance Cortex-A76 core, 3x more Cortex-A76 cores, and 4x power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1: Manufactured on a more advanced 4nm process. Its CPU adopted Arm’s newer Armv9 architecture with a 1+3+4 setup: 1x prime Cortex-X2 core, 3x performance Cortex-A710 cores, and 4x efficiency Cortex-A510 cores.
The move to a 4nm process and Armv9 cores in the 8 Gen 1 typically translates to better performance per watt, though real-world efficiency can also depend on device design.
CPU & GPU Performance
This is where the generational leap is most apparent, impacting everything from app launches to gaming.
- CPU: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s Cortex-X2 prime core is designed for peak single-threaded tasks, offering a substantial uplift over the Snapdragon 855’s A76-based prime core. The newer efficiency cores also provide better background task management.
- GPU: The Snapdragon 855 used the Adreno 640. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 integrated the newer Adreno GPU (model number not officially specified by Qualcomm), which delivered a major generational improvement in graphics rendering, supporting higher frame rates in games and more advanced graphical features.
Benchmarks generally show the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 with a significant lead in both CPU and GPU workloads compared to the Snapdragon 855.
AI, Imaging, & Connectivity
Advancements in these areas enable new camera features, faster AI tasks, and better network speeds.
- AI Engine: The Snapdragon 855 featured the 4th Gen AI Engine. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 incorporated the 7th Gen AI Engine, which Qualcomm claimed offered much higher TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second) for tasks like photography enhancements and voice recognition.
- ISP (Image Signal Processor): The Spectra 380 ISP in the Snapdragon 855 supported computational photography features. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s newer Spectra ISP offered support for 8K HDR video recording, an 18-bit pipeline for capturing more color data, and enhanced multi-frame processing.
- Modem: The Snapdragon 855 had the integrated Snapdragon X24 LTE modem. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 moved to the integrated Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, adding mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G support with much higher potential download speeds.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 855 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement Date | December 2018 | December 2021 |
| Manufacturing Process | 7nm | 4nm |
| CPU Architecture | 1x Cortex-A76 @ up to 2.84 GHz 3x Cortex-A76 @ up to 2.42 GHz 4x Cortex-A55 @ up to 1.8 GHz |
1x Cortex-X2 @ up to 3.0 GHz 3x Cortex-A710 @ up to 2.5 GHz 4x Cortex-A510 @ up to 1.8 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno (Next-Gen) |
| AI Engine | 4th Gen AI Engine | 7th Gen AI Engine |
| ISP (Image Signal Processor) | Qualcomm Spectra 380 | Qualcomm Spectra (18-bit, triple ISP) |
| Max Camera Support | Single: 48 MP Dual: 22 MP |
Single: 200 MP Triple: 36 MP + 36 MP + 36 MP |
| Video Capture | 4K HDR @ 60 fps | 8K HDR @ 30 fps, 4K @ 120 fps |
| Integrated Modem | Snapdragon X24 LTE (Cat 20) | Snapdragon X65 5G (mmWave + sub-6) |
| Fast Charging Support | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ | Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 855 and 8 Gen 1?
The main differences are the manufacturing process (7nm vs 4nm), CPU architecture (Armv8 vs Armv9), integrated modem (4G LTE vs 5G), and significantly upgraded GPU and AI performance in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
Is the Snapdragon 855 still a good processor?
For basic to moderate daily tasks like social media, web browsing, and streaming, the Snapdragon 855 remains capable. However, for demanding games, advanced computational photography, and 5G connectivity, the newer architecture of the 8 Gen 1 provides a noticeable advantage.
Which chipset has better graphics performance?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s Adreno GPU offers substantially better graphics performance, supporting higher gaming frame rates and more demanding graphical effects compared to the Adreno 640 in the Snapdragon 855.
Do both chips support 5G connectivity?
No. The Snapdragon 855 features an integrated 4G LTE modem. 5G connectivity in devices using the Snapdragon 855 required a separate, external 5G modem. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has an integrated 5G modem (Snapdragon X65).
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 clearly illustrates the rapid progression of mobile silicon. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 brings expected generational gains in raw CPU/GPU power, a leap to integrated 5G, and more advanced capabilities for AI and imaging. The Snapdragon 855, while older, established a high-performance baseline that remained relevant for years. The choice between devices using these platforms often depends on the importance of cutting-edge features like advanced gaming, 8K video, and 5G versus finding value in capable, previous-generation technology.