Qualcomm has just unleashed the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, the successor to last year’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. It is not just a change of name, it actually has some interesting upgrades that we will now explore.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 vs Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
| Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | |
| Process | 6nm (TSMC) | 4nm (?) |
| CPU | 2x 2.0GHz + 6x 1.8GHz | 2x 2.2GHz + 6x 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | ? |
| RAM | LPDDR4x 2,133MHz | LPDDR5x 3,200MHz |
| Storage | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 (2-lane) |
| Display | Up to FHD+ @ 120fps | Up to FHD+ @ 120fps |
| IPS | Triple | Dual (12-bit) |
| Camera | up to 108MP | up to 108MP, up to 32MP Zero Shutter Lag |
| Video | up to 1080p @ 60fp | up to 1080p @ 60fps, EIS |
| Modem | X51 (2.5Gpbs down, 800Mbps up) | X61 (Rel. 16, 2.5Gpbs down, 900Mbps up)) |
| Local | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX) | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX) |
| USB | 3.2 Gen 1 | 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Charging | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ |
5G Connectivity
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is the first chip in its series to support the enhanced 3GPP Release 16 version of 5G, thanks to the Snapdragon X61 modem. This means faster and more reliable 5G connectivity. Plus, it’s worth noting that this chip is the first in the Snapdragon 4-series to be based on the advanced 4nm process, which promises improved overall efficiency compared to its predecessors.
Power Efficiency
While Qualcomm doesn’t mention the same foundry, the move to the 4nm node is a big deal, especially considering the previous Gen 1 chip was fabricated at 6nm. This leap in manufacturing technology should deliver better power efficiency and overall performance.
FHD+ resolution
The features two powerful performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six efficiency cores clocked at 2.0GHz. This combination results in a 10% performance boost compared to the Gen 1 chip. While we don’t have specific details on the Adreno GPU, display support remains the same, with the ability to handle up to FHD+ resolution at a smooth 120fps.
Faster data transfer speeds
One area where the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 truly shines is in memory and storage. It supports faster LPDDR5x RAM, clocked up to 3,200MHz, providing snappy performance. Additionally, manufacturers can equip phones with UFS 3.1 (2-lane) storage, delivering fast data transfer rates.
Better video quality
Moving on to cameras, the Gen 2 chip features a dual-ISP setup and introduces a new feature called Multi-Camera Temporal Filtering (MCTF). This technology enhances video noise reduction, resulting in clearer and more refined footage. While video capture remains limited to 1080p at 60fps (with 720p at 120fps for slow-motion), including Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) improves your recordings’ stability. The chip supports cameras up to 108MP or 32MP resolution for Zero Shutter Lag, making it a versatile choice for photography enthusiasts. Autofocus capabilities have also been enhanced for faster and more accurate focusing.
Faster charging speeds + power-saving features
Regarding battery life, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers Quick Charge 4+ technology, which Qualcomm claims can fill up your battery to 50% in just 15 minutes (though specific details are yet to be disclosed). Connectivity-wise, the chip supports USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds, offering data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps.
With 3GPP Release 16, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 brings power-saving features, improved coverage, and more accurate cell-based location capabilities. The Snapdragon X61 modem can handle 4×4 MIMO with a bandwidth of up to 100MHz, delivering impressive download speeds of up to 2.5Gbps and upload speeds of up to 900Mbps.
However, it’s worth noting that local connectivity options have yet to receive a significant upgrade. The chip supports Wi-Fi 5 (ac) at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, along with Bluetooth 5.1 featuring aptX for high-quality audio streaming.
Excitingly, the first smartphones featuring the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 are set to hit the market in the second half of this year, with brands like Redmi and vivo among the first to unveil devices powered by this advanced chip.
