Qualcomm's Latest Budget Chip Raises Eyebrows
In a move that has left tech enthusiasts scratching their heads, Qualcomm has quietly introduced the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset. However, this new chip appears to be more of a rehash than a revolution.
A Familiar Face
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 695 from 2021. Qualcomm has confirmed to Android Authority that the 6s Gen 3 is indeed an enhanced version of the 695, featuring:
- The same 6nm TSMC manufacturing process
- Identical CPU configuration (2x Cortex-A78 + 6x Cortex-A55)
- Adreno 619 GPU
- Similar modem and connectivity features
Marginal Improvements
While Qualcomm claims improved CPU, GPU, and AI performances, the enhancements appear minimal:
- Slight CPU clock speed boost (up to 2.3 GHz for A78 cores)
- Minor GPU and AI performance tweaks
Disappointing Limitations
Despite being released in 2024, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 carries some surprising limitations:
- Only supports 1080p@60fps video capture
- Uses older LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage standards
A Step Backwards?
Interestingly, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 seems less capable than 2022's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, which boasts:
- 4nm manufacturing process
- More powerful Adreno 710 GPU
- Support for LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage
- 4K@30fps video capture
The Bottom Line
Qualcomm's decision to rebrand and slightly upgrade an aging chip raises questions about innovation in the budget smartphone segment. While the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 may find its way into upcoming devices like the rumored Motorola G85, it's clear that this chipset won't be pushing any performance boundaries.
As Qualcomm continues to impress with its high-end offerings like the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 and 8s Gen 3, consumers and industry watchers alike will be hoping for more substantial advancements in the budget range in the future.