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Qualcomm Has New Variant Of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Hexa-Core Configuration

Qualcomm has quietly expanded its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship chipset line by launching two new variants, different from the previous model. The two new chipsets, codenamed SM8650-Q-AA and SM8650-Q-AB, carry a hexa-core CPU configuration. 

Quoting GSM Arena, these two new chipsets are different from the previous models, because Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 always comes with an octa-core architecture. This new variant is a binned version of the original chipset, meaning it comes from the same chipset but with two CPU cores disabled. 

This allows Qualcomm to offer architectural flexibility in their flagship chipset line, can be used on devices that require better power efficiency or more affordable price segments, but still carry flagship performance. 

The two hexa-core variants have a CPU configuration consisting of one Cortex-X4 prime core, four Cortex-A720 cores, and one Cortex-A520 core. The main difference between the two lies in the speed of the Cortex-X4 prime core. 

The SM8650-Q-AA reportedly has Cortex-X4 prime cores running at 3.3GHz, while the SM8650-Q-AB comes with slightly underclocked Cortex-X4 prime cores clocked at 3.0GHz. Both new variants retain the Adreno 750 GPU of the original octa-core version, and both are manufactured on a 4nm process. 

A recent Geekbench listing for Lenovo’s next-generation tablet, codenamed TB710FU, reveals the CPU configuration of the underclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SM8650-Q-AB. The tablet is codenamed Pineapple, commonly associated with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. 

The two new models join the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is widely expected to power most 2024 Android flagships, as well as the 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy/Leading version that offers overclocked Cortex-X4 prime cores. 

Qualcomm also has another underclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650-AA), which is found in devices like the Honor 400 Pro. Qualcomm’s move could be a way to offer device manufacturers more choices, allowing them to optimize performance and cost for specific product needs. 

It also shows Qualcomm’s efforts to provide adaptive chipset solutions to market needs and the rapid development of mobile device technology. 

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Tag: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3