Qualcomm recently unveiled the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, leading to speculation about its similarities to the older Snapdragon 695 from 2021. These suspicions have now been confirmed, with Qualcomm acknowledging that the new chip is essentially an upgraded version of its predecessor.
Key Points
Official Confirmation
Qualcomm confirmed to Android Authority that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is an enhanced iteration of the Snapdragon 695. The improvements are primarily in the CPU, GPU, and AI performance, although specifics beyond a bump in CPU clock speed remain vague.
Enhanced Features
- CPU: Higher clock speeds compared to the Snapdragon 695.
- GPU: Improved performance, though details are not specified.
- AI Capabilities: Enhanced AI performance, specifics undisclosed.
Market Implications
Rebranding a three-year-old chipset with minor enhancements could lead to confusion among consumers, particularly with Qualcomm’s already complex naming conventions. However, a simple guideline can help:
- “s” Series: The baseline performance tier.
- Standard Number: Mid-range performance.
- “+” Series: High-end performance.
Practical Impact
Consumers should be aware that devices featuring the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 are essentially powered by a refined version of the Snapdragon 695. While there are performance improvements, the core technology remains largely the same.
Conclusion
Qualcomm’s strategy of rebranding and slightly upgrading older chipsets is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it brings minor performance boosts to established technology, but on the other, it risks confusing consumers and complicating the chipset landscape. For now, remembering the hierarchy of Qualcomm’s naming scheme can help navigate these changes and set appropriate expectations for device performance.
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