Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 introduces enhanced AI capabilities to mid-range smartphones

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, an updated version of its budget-friendly chip designed to deliver substantial performance improvements, particularly in AI processing, for more affordable smartphones.

This newly launched system-on-chip (SoC) features a Prime core clocked at 2.5GHz, slightly lower than the 2.63GHz of the original Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. However, it is touted to boost AI performance by over 30% compared to its predecessor. This advancement could significantly enhance the capabilities of budget and mid-range devices, making them more capable of handling advanced tasks like running Meta’s Llama 2 and other large language models directly on the device.

In addition to AI enhancements, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is expected to improve gaming experiences. Qualcomm claims that the new chip offers up to 40% faster graphics performance and nearly 20% better CPU performance, all while reducing power consumption by 12%. These improvements are poised to make mid-tier smartphones more competitive in the gaming space.

Xiaomi will be the first manufacturer to incorporate the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 into its upcoming device, expected to be unveiled in September. Other brands, including Realme, Samsung, and Sharp, are also planning to launch devices featuring this new SoC in the near future. However, details on what these new smartphones will offer remain under wraps.

This launch arrives at a time when competition in the mid-range smartphone chip market is intensifying. MediaTek, currently leading the market with a 40% share of all SoCs, has been quickly advancing its Dimensity 7000-series chips, including the 7350 Pro found in the Nothing Phone 2a Plus.

For Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 represents a crucial piece of hardware to maintain its competitive edge, especially as on-device AI becomes more prevalent across a broader spectrum of smartphones. While Qualcomm holds a strong 23% market share and dominates the premium Android segment, it must continue innovating to secure its position in the rapidly evolving market.