# Qualcomm’s Next-Generation 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip: An Advancement in Performance and Efficiency
Qualcomm has elevated the standards for mobile processors once more with the unveiling of its newest flagship system-on-chip (SoC), the **Snapdragon 8 Elite**. Revealed at the Qualcomm Summit 2024 in Maui, this innovative chip utilizes **TSMC’s 3nm process** and is set to deliver remarkable improvements in performance and efficiency compared to its predecessor, the **Snapdragon 8 Gen 3**. Featuring a custom **Oryon CPU**, enhanced AI capabilities, and an upgraded GPU, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is ready to drive the upcoming wave of flagship Android smartphones.
## Key Highlights
– The **Snapdragon 8 Elite** represents Qualcomm’s newest flagship SoC, engineered using **TSMC’s 3nm process**.
– It is equipped with **two 4.32GHz prime cores** alongside **six 3.53GHz performance cores**, making it Qualcomm’s swiftest mobile chip to date.
– Qualcomm claims it offers a **45% increase in single- and multi-core performance** and a **44% boost in efficiency** when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
– Both the **GPU** and **NPU** (Neural Processing Unit) have experienced major enhancements, boasting **40% and 45% performance improvements**, respectively.
– The Snapdragon 8 Elite is tailored to manage **AI tasks**, **gaming**, and **camera functionality** with unprecedented efficiency.
## A Custom Oryon CPU: Departing from ARM
A standout feature of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is Qualcomm’s **custom Oryon CPU**, which replaces the ARM Cortex cores utilized in earlier models. This transition enables Qualcomm to optimize the chip’s performance and efficiency, yielding a **45% performance increase** compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Contrary to its predecessor, Snapdragon 8 Elite omits any low-clocked efficiency cores. It comprises **six high-performance cores** operating at **3.53GHz**, surpassing the **3.3GHz Cortex-X4** in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Moreover, the **two prime cores** in the Snapdragon 8 Elite are clocked at an outstanding **4.32GHz**, ranking it among the fastest mobile processors available.
### Performance and Efficiency Enhancements
The custom Oryon CPU of the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers a **45% enhancement in both single- and multi-core performance** relative to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm also asserts a **44% rise in efficiency**, allowing the chip to deliver higher performance with reduced power consumption. This aspect is especially vital for activities such as gaming, AI processing, and multitasking, where power efficiency significantly affects battery longevity.
## Advanced AI Features
As AI continues to play a pivotal role in mobile technology, Qualcomm has made noteworthy advancements with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The chip’s **NPU** (Neural Processing Unit) is **45% quicker** than that found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, providing **45% improved performance per watt**.
These AI upgrades will facilitate the operation of **large language models (LLMs)** like **Llama** and **Gemini** directly on smartphones, resulting in quicker and more efficient **multi-modal AI generation**. This promises substantial enhancements in areas such as **voice recognition**, **image processing**, and **real-time translation**.
### AI-Enhanced Connectivity
AI has also been incorporated into the connectivity functions of the chip. The newly introduced **Snapdragon X80 5G modem** works in conjunction with Qualcomm’s **AI Suite Gen 3**, aimed at enhancing power management, coverage, latency, and quality of service (QoS). Qualcomm asserts that the AI-enabled modem can enhance **location accuracy** by **30%**, even in difficult settings like parking garages.
## GPU and Gaming Advancements
The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s **Adreno GPU** has undergone a notable upgrade, with Qualcomm promising a **40% performance increase**, **40% power savings**, and a **35% rise in ray tracing performance**. This positions the Snapdragon 8 Elite as a top choice for **mobile gamers** seeking high frame rates and seamless gameplay.
The GPU boasts **three slices** operating at **1.1GHz** and **12MB of graphics memory**, ensuring ample power for even the most demanding mobile games. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Elite supports **QHD+ displays** with refresh rates of up to **240Hz**, delivering exceptionally smooth visuals for gaming and other high-performance scenarios.
## Enhancements in Camera and Imaging
The Snapdragon 8 Elite also introduces enhancements to mobile photography and videography. The chip accommodates camera sensors up to **320MP**, marking a significant advancement from the **200MP** limits of previous generations.
