Tag: Qualcomm

  • Samsung and Apple Rumored to Acquire Intel

    Samsung and Apple Rumored to Acquire Intel

    Earlier this month, news surfaced that Qualcomm was considering acquiring Intel due to its disappointing performance. The company reportedly missed out on a multi-billion dollar deal with PlayStation. The underwhelming Arrow Lake launch and the cancellation of certain architectures may have further complicated matters for the chip giant. Now, according to Moore’s Law is Dead, referencing industry insiders, it seems other companies have shown interest in Intel too.

    Potential Buyers for Intel

    Apple and Samsung are two firms that are rumored to be interested in merging with or acquiring Intel. Tom suggests that both companies might be targeting Intel for its foundry services. This strategy could help Apple lessen its dependency on TSMC for high-end chips. Moreover, producing chips within the US would be a significant advantage. However, this plan could be thwarted if Intel opts to spin off its foundry division into a distinct entity.

    Samsung’s Strategic Interest

    In a similar vein, Samsung could leverage Intel Foundry’s intellectual property to enhance its own manufacturing capabilities. Recent reports indicate that Samsung Foundry’s latest nodes are struggling, with yields as low as 20% on its cutting-edge 3GAP process. While it’s possible that this figure has improved, it’s still not at a commercially viable level, as seen in the delays or possible cancellations surrounding the Exynos 2500.

    Caution Advised

    As always, these discussions should be regarded as mere speculation until more evidence emerges. Additionally, Intel has recently collaborated with AMD to create the x86 EAG. Furthermore, it has secured significant contracts from the United States Department of Defense for military-grade chips, along with Amazon Web Services as a client for Intel 18A. This could provide Intel with the financial boost it needs to remain operational in the short term.

    Despite some setbacks in the desktop sector, Intel has seen success with Lunar Lake, and the Arrow Lake laptop is also appearing to be quite competitive. Looking ahead, Panther Lake, set to release next year, has the potential to challenge Apple in terms of performance-per-watt, thanks to improvements in 18A like RibbonFET and backside power delivery.

    Moore’s Law is Dead on YouTube.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Flagship Comparison

    Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Flagship Comparison

    Qualcomm has recently introduced its latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is set to power many high-end Android smartphones as we approach 2025. This new chip features significant improvements that put the Dimensity 9400 and Apple’s A18 Pro on notice.

    Performance Overview

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite boasts impressive claims from Qualcomm regarding its speed, efficiency, and artificial intelligence features. However, how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3? Is it worth upgrading to the Elite version? Let’s take a closer look to guide you in selecting the best chipset for your next mobile device.

    Specifications Comparison

    Feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    Announced October 2024 October 2023
    Part number SM8750-AB SM8650-AB, SM8650-AC
    Process node 3nm 3nm
    Manufacturer TSMC TSMC
    CPU 2 x Oryon @ 4.32GHz 1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.3GHz
    6 x Oryon @ 3.53GHz 3 x Cortex-A720 @ 3.15GHz
    2 x Cortex-A720 @ 2.96GHz
    2 x Cortex-A520 @ 2.27GHz
    GPU Adreno 720 GPU Adreno 750 GPU
    Camera Qualcomm Spectra AI Triple ISP Qualcomm Spectra Cognitive ISP
    Memory LPDDR5x at 5.3GHz (up to 24GB) LPDDR5x at 4.8GHz (up to 24GB)
    Connectivity Snapdragon X80 5G modem Snapdragon X75 5G modem

    Benchmarking Insights

    In terms of performance benchmarks, early results indicate that the Snapdragon 8 Elite significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, it does not surpass the Apple A18 Pro, though it does leave the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 behind convincingly. The Snapdragon 8 Elite shows its strength particularly in multi-core tests on Geekbench, where it outshines both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the A18 Pro by a noticeable margin.

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite continues to lead in performance benchmarks, closely followed by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400. Both chips have shown they can outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple A18 Pro by a wide margin in AnTuTu tests.

    CPU and Architecture

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite is built using TSMC’s 3nm technology, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is made with a 4nm process. This change in manufacturing improves both performance and energy efficiency. A major highlight of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is the introduction of Qualcomm’s Oryon cores, which were originally designed for Windows laptops. Qualcomm is now bringing these performance and efficiency gains to mobile devices.

    The Prime Oryon core in the Snapdragon 8 Elite has a peak clock speed of 4.32GHz, surpassing the 3.3GHz of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Snapdragon 8 Elite also boasts 24MB of cache memory, marking it as the largest in mobile chipsets. Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon 8 Elite offers a 45% performance increase and 44% better power savings compared to its predecessor.

    GPU Enhancements

    Not only does the Snapdragon 8 Elite focus on CPU advancements, but it also comes with significant GPU improvements. It features the Adreno 830 GPU, which provides a 40% performance boost compared to the Adreno 750 in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

    With this increase in performance, battery usage could rise, but the new sliced architecture allows for a 40% improvement in energy efficiency. Additionally, Qualcomm promises a 35% enhancement in ray tracing capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Elite also introduces Unreal Engine 5’s Nanite technology to mobile gaming, enabling high-quality 3D environments.

    Advancements in AI

    Qualcomm continues to elevate AI features with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This iteration includes an advanced Hexagon NPU that is said to be 45% faster and provides 45% greater performance per watt. This upgraded NPU can handle more complex tasks, allowing on-device AI assistants to work better without needing an internet connection.

    Camera Improvements

    Camera functionalities have seen significant upgrades in the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It features a triple 18-bit AI ISP, compared to the Cognitive ISP of its predecessor. The new chip can support a single camera up to 320MP, an increase from the 200MP limit of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. With Zero Shutter Lag enabled, it can now capture triple 48MP shots, as opposed to the previous 36MP capability.

    One of the standout features of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is its limitless real-time segmentation, which allows for better object recognition in images and videos. It can perform complex adjustments, enhancing the quality of captured content. The chip also supports 8K HDR video at 60fps and improves slow-motion video recording from 720p to 1080p.

    Connectivity Features

    The Snapdragon X80 5G Modem also introduces a 30% enhancement in location accuracy, while peak download and upload speeds remain unchanged. Additionally, the new Qualcomm FastConnect 7900 system provides AI-enhanced Wi-Fi 7 and better energy efficiency. The Snapdragon 8 Elite supports Bluetooth 6, while its predecessor is limited to Bluetooth 5.4, along with Ultra Wideband (UWB) for improved location tracking.

    Initial Impressions

    Though we haven’t yet tested a device featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the early benchmark results and Qualcomm’s promises suggest notable improvements in both performance and efficiency. It appears to be a leading chip for Android devices, even outperforming Apple’s flagship A18 Pro in benchmarks.

    Xiaomi 15 will be the first smartphone to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, followed by other brands such as Realme, iQOO, Honor, and Samsung.

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  • ARM Ends Qualcomm Chip Design License Agreement

    ARM Ends Qualcomm Chip Design License Agreement

    With a legal conflict on the horizon for December, ARM Holdings plc has initiated a confrontation with Qualcomm by terminating their architectural design agreement.

    Cancellation of License

    According to BNN Bloomberg, ARM has issued Qualcomm a 60-day cancellation notice. Should this cancellation become effective, Qualcomm will be forced to cease the sale of products that utilize ARM technology. This move could significantly impact a profitable revenue stream that includes various devices used in Android smartphones and other portable gadgets. Among these products are the Snapdragon X Elite and 8 Elite, which are based on Nuvia technology.

    Background of the Dispute

    The conflict traces back to 2022 when ARM took legal action against Qualcomm and its subsidiary Nuvia for creating custom Phoenix cores without obtaining permission from ARM. Prior to Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia, there was an agreement that allowed Nuvia to modify ARM’s designs to develop these custom cores. However, this agreement was rendered void after the acquisition, leading ARM to revoke all of Nuvia’s licenses in March 2022.

    Statements from the Companies

    ARM contended that Qualcomm “tried to transfer Nuvia’s licenses without ARM’s permission.” In contrast, Qualcomm asserted that ARM lacks the “contractual or any other rights to interfere with Qualcomm’s or Nuvia’s innovations.” Although newer Qualcomm chips do not incorporate ARM cores, they still rely on the ARM instruction set as a bridge between hardware and software components.

    In a statement to Sam Mobile, a spokesperson from Qualcomm remarked, “This is just more of the same from ARM – more baseless threats intended to intimidate a long-standing partner, meddle with our leading CPUs, and hike up royalty fees despite the extensive rights under our architecture license.”

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  • Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Dimensity 9400: Qualcomm vs MediaTek Comparison

    Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Dimensity 9400: Qualcomm vs MediaTek Comparison

    Qualcomm has just revealed the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the high-end processor set to drive the next wave of flagship smartphones. This announcement comes just weeks after MediaTek showcased its own premium Dimensity 9400 SoC. We previously put together a preliminary comparison based on rumors and leaks regarding these two processors. Now, let’s take a closer look at how the Snapdragon 8 Elite stacks up against the Dimensity 9400.

    Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Dimensity 9400: Specs Overview

    The new Dimensity 9400 from MediaTek is built around their 2nd Gen All Big Core architecture, which features the robust ARM Cortex-X925 core. These cores operate at speeds exceeding 3.62GHz, and the chip integrates three Cortex X4 cores along with four Cortex A720 cores. This setup allows the Dimensity 9400 to deliver a 35% enhancement in single-core performance and a 28% increase in multi-core performance when compared to its predecessor, the Dimensity 9300.

    It is manufactured using TSMC’s 2nd Gen 3nm technology, which provides up to 40% better power efficiency. The new chip also comes with an advanced NPU that enhances AI capabilities and includes a 12-core ARM Immortalis-G925 GPU, which boasts 40% faster ray tracing capabilities.

    Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Features

    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite follows a similar path with its All Big Core architecture. It features eight cores, consisting of 2 prime cores that run at a remarkable 4.32GHz, along with 6 performance cores clocked at 3.53GHz. This new chip is also built on TSMC’s 3nm process, indicating a 45% boost in CPU performance and a 44% enhancement in power efficiency.

    Thanks to its upgraded Adreno 830 GPU, it also sees a 40% improvement in performance and power efficiency, alongside a 35% increase in ray tracing speed. Notably, the Snapdragon 8 Elite supports Unreal Engine 5.3 and its Nanite virtualized geometry system, which is a big plus for gaming enthusiasts.

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  • Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 8 Elite with Oryon CPU

    Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 8 Elite with Oryon CPU

    Qualcomm has started this year’s Snapdragon Summit by revealing the chipset that will power the next wave of premium Android smartphones. As anticipated by recent leaks, Qualcomm has once more changed the name of its top mobile chipset, just a short time after it introduced the ‘Snapdragon 8 Gen’ label.

    New Name and Features

    This time, Qualcomm has opted for ‘Snapdragon 8 Elite’, though it is still unclear if they will use generational or performance-based endings in the future. Observant individuals will notice that the new chipset shares a name with Qualcomm’s most potent laptop SoC, which seems to be more than just a coincidence, hinting at strategic marketing alignment.

    Technical Specifications

    According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is unique as it incorporates Oryon CPU cores, moving away from the usual ARM cores found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and its earlier versions. As depicted in the graphic provided, the Snapdragon 8 Elite includes two prime cores running at 4.32 GHz, alongside six performance cores capped at 3.53 GHz. In essence, the Snapdragon 8 Elite presents a CPU setup similar to MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 by completely eliminating efficiency cores.

    Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Elite utilizes TSMC’s 3 nm technology and features 12 MB of L2 cache distributed across its prime and performance cores. Qualcomm asserts that this new chipset surpasses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 by 45% in both single and multi-threaded CPU performance. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Elite claims a 40% increase in GPU speed and a 45% improvement in NPU speed.

    Efficiency and Compatibility

    Despite its performance boosts, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is reported to achieve power efficiency gains of 27% for the entire SoC, 40% for its GPU, and 45% for its CPU. The new ‘sliced architecture’ GPU of the chipset is designed to support Unreal Engine 5.3, Nanite, and the Chaos physics system. Also, Qualcomm has included the Snapdragon X80 5G modem, which enables Wi-Fi 7 and a 4×6 MIMO antenna, allowing for downlink speeds of 5.8 Gbit/s and 10 Gbit/s, respectively.

    Interestingly, the Snapdragon 8 Elite will support up to 24 GB of RAM and is expected to provide up to 30% greater location accuracy due to its triple-band GNSS module. Up until now, Qualcomm has announced that companies like ASUS, Honor, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi will be introducing the first devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the next few weeks.

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  • OnePlus 13 Custom Snapdragon Chip Outperforms Apple A18 Pro Efficiency

    OnePlus 13 Custom Snapdragon Chip Outperforms Apple A18 Pro Efficiency

    Qualcomm is gearing up to unveil its next high-end mobile system on a chip (SoC) during the Snapdragon Summit event. There’s still some mystery surrounding the chip’s name, whether it will be called Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Snapdragon 8 Extreme Edition, or something entirely different. However, the OnePlus 13 is anticipated to be one of the earliest smartphones to utilize this new chip.

    OnePlus Teases Custom Chip

    Although OnePlus hasn’t disclosed many details about its new flagship device, an employee named Cai Zuxuan shared an intriguing hint on Weibo. Zuxuan mentioned that the phone will include a specially designed Snapdragon chip. What’s particularly exciting is Zuxuan’s assertion that this custom SoC will deliver enhanced energy efficiency.

    Power Efficiency Claims

    Specifically referencing internal data from OnePlus, the employee stated that the custom Snapdragon SoC could surpass the Apple A18 Pro regarding power efficiency. According to Cai Zuxuan, this achievement would allow Qualcomm to regain its leading position in performance rankings.

    Zuxuan’s post also referred to a “public version” of the SoC, which is said to be inferior to the custom version. This isn’t the first instance of people discussing two separate versions of what might be the Snapdragon 8 Extreme Edition. A datasheet that appeared online in August hinted at two models: SM8750 and SM8750P.

    Variants and Performance

    Among these, the SM8750P is thought to be the more advanced model, with the “P” likely representing “Performance.” Qualcomm has adopted a similar approach in the past with its flagship SoCs. For example, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is a slightly overclocked version of the standard SoC. This overclocked chip later found its way into Nubia smartphones and currently leads the AnTuTu benchmark.

    However, Cai Zuxuan emphasizes that this time, efficiency will be just as important as performance. The good news is that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit is scheduled to kick off on October 21, which is just around the corner. So, you won’t have to wait long to discover how Qualcomm’s 3 nm smartphone chip stacks up against its rivals.

    Cai Zuxuan on Weibo via: InnoGyan

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  • OnePlus 13 Featured in Official Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Teaser Video

    OnePlus 13 Featured in Official Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Teaser Video

    Qualcomm is set to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 during the upcoming Snapdragon Summit event. This marks the company’s first mobile System on Chip (SoC) that includes a custom-designed Oryon CPU. A post on Weibo has teased details about this next-gen flagship processor.

    Teaser Insights

    The video released did not provide specific information regarding the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Interestingly, the name of the SoC remained undisclosed, which has sparked speculation about a potential name change. It did, however, feature the back of a smartphone, which many believe is the OnePlus 13.

    OnePlus 13 Confirmation

    Thanks to Geekbench listings, it is almost certain that this next OnePlus flagship will be among the first devices to utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. While OnePlus has shown off the phone’s front, the back has yet to be officially revealed.

    The teaser’s unidentified phone displays an off-centered circular camera layout on the back, a design element OnePlus has consistently used in recent models (OnePlus 12 currently priced at $599.99 on Amazon). Notable leaker Digital Chat Station also mentioned that the phone in the teaser resembles the OnePlus 13.

    Performance Expectations

    Furthermore, the teaser claims that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will achieve a "breakthrough" in both speed and performance. This claim aligns with recent statements made by a Vivo representative, Han Boxiao, who mentioned that the upcoming flagship SoCs are expected to deliver a performance increase equivalent to two generations.

    Qualcomm made this announcement on Weibo, creating excitement for the new chip’s capabilities.

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  • Snapdragon X2 Elite Development Already Underway

    Snapdragon X2 Elite Development Already Underway

    Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus laptops began shipping earlier this year, showcasing outstanding battery life and enhanced power efficiency. Recently, details about the upcoming “Snapdragon X2” CPUs have emerged online.

    New High-End Version Discovered

    The company is currently getting ready to test the X2 CPUs, and WinFuture has reportedly uncovered “the first evidence of a new high-end version.” All models of the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite share the same internal model number, “SC8380XP.” However, a new chip with the model number “SC8480XP” has been found in databases, which is expected to be named “Snapdragon X2 Elite.”

    Early Testing Insights

    WinFuture further discloses that Qualcomm began testing early prototypes of the “SC8480XP” chip, codenamed “Project Glymur,” back in July and August of this year. Unfortunately, specific performance numbers are not available at this time.

    At this point, there is no information regarding the clock speed or the number of cores in the SC8480XP. The codename “Glymur” suggests substantial improvements, as it refers to the second-highest waterfall in Iceland. Historically, Qualcomm has typically chosen names based on locations in Hawaii for its smartphone and PC processors, so this shift in naming could indicate something significant.

    Expected Development Timeline

    Qualcomm aims to complete the development of “Project Glymur” or the “SC8480XP” by 2025. The current Snapdragon X Elite series emphasizes single-core CPU performance, while its multi-core and graphics capabilities lag behind those of the Apple M4. The introduction of the X Elite and X Plus chips for Windows PCs has prompted Intel and AMD to develop processors that integrate stronger CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs.

    Qualcomm is likely to leverage this momentum to compete more effectively with the latest Apple Silicon, focusing on both computational power and energy efficiency.

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  • Should You Wait for Snapdragon 8 Elite Smartphones?

    Should You Wait for Snapdragon 8 Elite Smartphones?

    Qualcomm has announced that its new flagship chipset, previously known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, will be revealed during its annual Snapdragon Summit, scheduled for October 21 to October 23. In June 2024, the company introduced the Snapdragon X Elite, which is a processor aimed at Windows laptops, showcasing considerable improvements in AI processing. This processor features an on-chip Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can efficiently run a generative AI Large Language Model (LLM) at impressive speeds. Recent leaks indicate that Qualcomm might rename the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to better fit with its Windows processors, potentially referring to the mobile chipset as Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new name was found on a leaked poster related to the Xiaomi 15 launch.

    Snapdragon 8 Elite Specifications

    Reports suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Elite will include six CPU cores running at 3.53GHz and two cores that will work at 4.32GHz. For graphics, the chipset is expected to use the Adreno 830 GPU, which operates at a clock speed of 1.1GHz. A recent leak indicates that the Snapdragon 8 Elite could provide a 46% to 53% boost in GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Additionally, Qualcomm’s newly announced Snapdragon X80 modem is anticipated to be integrated into this new chip. Notable features are built-in satellite support (NB-NTN) requiring no extra components, a 10% reduction in power consumption for mmWave, 30% better location accuracy, and the capability to combine six 5G carriers for enhanced speeds. With AI being a major trend in smartphones, significant improvements in this area are expected with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

    Performance Expectations

    The upcoming OnePlus 13 has already shown impressive benchmark results on Geekbench, scoring 3,216 in single-core tests and over 10,000 in multi-core tests, reaching a score of 10,051. However, it should be noted that the name Snapdragon 8 Elite has not yet been officially confirmed. With anticipated remarkable performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite aims to enhance both CPU and GPU capabilities significantly, while also providing advanced AI processing power. This combination is expected to improve overall efficiency and enhance user experience across devices.

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  • Early Details on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-24-100 Chipset

    Early Details on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-24-100 Chipset

    The Snapdragon X Plus chipsets have grown to a total of four variants since their launch in April, starting with the initial ‘X1P-64-100’ model. At this point, the Snapdragon X Plus lineup is equal in size to the Snapdragon X Elite SKUs, at least for now. Currently, Qualcomm provides the following Snapdragon X Plus variants to its partners:

    New Variants in Development

    In recent months, there have been claims that Qualcomm has been working on at least two additional variants that are positioned below the X1P-42-100 model. Reports suggest the existence of the X1P-39-100 and X1P-40-100 variants, but there has been no recent information confirming these chipsets.

    Upcoming X1P-24-100 Variant

    Recently, Roland Quandt revealed a new variant that seems to be more advanced than all current Snapdragon X Plus models. According to Quandt, there is evidence of the X1P-24-100, which has not been mentioned in prior discussions. He refers to unspecified ‘databases’ that indicate the X1P-24-100 will feature eight CPU cores, similar to the other Snapdragon X Plus chipsets.

    Considering the existing Snapdragon X Plus variants, it is reasonable to expect Qualcomm to differentiate the X1P-24-100 in four key aspects. However, its NPU performance, which must reach 45 TOPS to achieve ‘Copilot Plus’ status, is unlikely to be improved. It is anticipated that the X1P-24-100 will have a smaller CPU cache compared to the X1P-42-100 and X1P-46-100 models, along with a downclocked CPU. Additionally, it seems probable that the X1P-24-100 will feature a less powerful GPU in line with the trends seen in the Snapdragon X Plus series.

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