Qualcomm has unveiled its latest Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, showcasing on-device generative AI as its standout feature. This new technology is expected to differentiate phones with the latest Snapdragon chips in 2024, offering enhanced generative AI capabilities. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has already been launched in the Xiaomi 14 Series available in China, questions remain about whether the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will have similar generative AI capabilities. Manufacturers will have the final say in implementing this technology in phones using the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
On-device generative AI has several advantages over cloud-based solutions. It boasts lower latency as queries don’t have to be sent to and answered by server farms, meaning faster performance. Additionally, it can consider personal information such as behavioral patterns without relying on external data sources, and it can work even in areas without cell signals. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip handles tasks locally, aiding privacy and security efforts.
Aside from generative AI, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers other improvements over its predecessor. Its upgraded neural processing unit efficiently handles generative AI tasks, resulting in a 15% increase in speed compared to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 from last year. Furthermore, it boasts 20% better power efficiency and supports fast recharging, enabling 50% battery capacity in just five minutes. The introduction of spatial audio with head tracking is also a notable feature for the 7-series.
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 still utilizes the Kyro CPUs that Qualcomm has employed in its higher-end mobile chips for some time, there are expectations for a significant performance and efficiency boost in the future if the company switches to the new Oryon CPU introduced in the Snapdragon X Elite chip for PCs. Qualcomm plans to incorporate the Oryon CPUs into chips for other product lines, starting with mobile in 2024.
Honor and vivo are the first manufacturers to partner with Qualcomm for the release of phones featuring the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. However, it is anticipated that more devices from these manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and realme, will run on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 next year. Moreover, it is possible that other manufacturers may utilize the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in 2025 and beyond. For instance, the Motorola Razr 2023 currently operates on a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, indicating a potential future implementation of Qualcomm’s new chip in forthcoming Motorola devices aiming to balance cost compared to flagship devices with the latest technology.
