Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is here — and it’s making upper mid-range smartphones feel like flagships. Built on TSMC’s 4nm process and armed with major upgrades in CPU, GPU, AI, and efficiency, this SoC is designed to power the next generation of affordable performance smartphones in 2025.
Let’s break down what makes the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 a game-changer for gamers, creators, and anyone wanting flagship features without the premium price.
At a Glance: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Specs
| Category | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Model | SM8735 |
| Build | TSMC 4nm process |
| Core Setup | 1+3+2+2 Arm Cortex cores |
| Positioning | Upper mid-range and gaming smartphones |
| Launch | April 2025 |
CPU: Power Meets Efficiency
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 features a unique 8-core CPU setup in a 1+3+2+2 configuration:
- 1x Cortex-X4 Prime Core @ 3.2GHz
- 3x Cortex-A720 Performance Cores @ 3.0 GHz
- 2x Cortex-A720 Performance Cores @ 2.8 GHz
- 2x Cortex-A720 Efficiency Cores @ 2.0 GHz
This setup delivers a 31% improvement in CPU performance compared to its predecessor. Real-world results back it up:
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- AnTuTu Score: 2.18 million
- Geekbench 6: 2,159 (Single) / 7,227 (Multi)
This makes it ideal for multitasking, gaming, and app-intensive workflows — all without overheating or battery drain.
AI & NPU: Smarter On-Device Intelligence
Powered by a Hexagon NPU, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 delivers:
- 44% improvement in AI performance
- Support for multimodal and multilingual generative AI
- Compatibility with on-device LLMs (Large Language Models) and LVMs (Vision Models)
This enables features like real-time translation, voice assistants, photo enhancements, and more — all processed locally on the device, with no cloud lag.
Memory & Storage: Built for Speed
For serious multitasking, Qualcomm brings top-tier memory support:
- LPDDR5X RAM up to 24 GB @ 4800 MHz
- UFS 4.0 storage
- Memory Bandwidth: 76.8 GB/s
You’ll see faster app loads, better gaming responsiveness, and smoother performance across the board — even with dozens of apps running.
Camera & Multimedia: Creator-Grade Imaging
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 features an 18-bit Triple AI ISP that supports the following capabilities:
- Camera resolution up to 320 MP
- Video recording: 8K @ 60 FPS, 4K @ 60 FPS, and 1080p @ 480 FPS for slow-mo
- WQHD+ displays at 144Hz refresh rate
- Codec support: AV1, H.265, VP9 for smooth streaming
It’s ready for vloggers, content creators, and mobile photographers who want DSLR-like results from their smartphones.
Connectivity: Future-Ready Speeds
With the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem, the chipset supports
- Sub-6 GHz 5G with Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA)
- Wi-Fi 7 with up to 5.8 Gbps peak speed
- Bluetooth 6.0 with LE Audio
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
- Navigation via GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, NAVIC
It’s a global-ready chipset perfect for streaming, multiplayer gaming, and productivity on the go.
Efficiency & Charging: Power That Lasts
Despite the performance boost, the 8s Gen 4 delivers 39% better power efficiency than Gen 3. This ensures:
- Longer screen time
- Less thermal throttling
- Consistent speed under heavy use
It also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 5, getting your battery from 0 to 50% in under 10 minutes (with supported chargers).
Software Longevity: OS Updates Made Simple
What distinguishing feature does it offer? Longevity. Qualcomm designed this chipset to support extended Android OS updates. For example:
- The POCO F7 (powered by 8s Gen 4) is promised 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches.
This aligns with Google’s and Android OEMs’ new push for longer-lasting, secure phones — a big win for users.
Summary Table
| Category | Specs & Features |
|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core, up to 3.2GHz, 31% faster than Gen 3 |
| GPU | Adreno 825, Ray Tracing, 49% boost |
| AI/NPU | Hexagon NPU, 44% faster AI, supports LLMs & LVMs |
| Memory | LPDDR5X (up to 24GB), UFS 4.0, 76.8 GB/s bandwidth |
| Camera | 320MP max, 8K/60FPS video, AI-powered ISP |
| Connectivity | X75 5G, Wi-Fi 7, BT 6.0, USB 3.1 Gen 2 |
| Efficiency | 39% more efficient, Quick Charge 5 |
| Software | 4 years OS + 6 years security support |
Final Verdict
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 bridges the gap between flagship and mid-range like no other SoC in 2025. Whether you’re into gaming, AI features, photography, or just want a powerful phone that lasts — this chipset checks all the boxes.
Expect to see it in upcoming phones from brands like POCO, Realme, and Motorola, delivering near-premium experiences without the price shock.