In the beginning, Qualcomm’s smartphone processors were conventionally categorised into four distinct series. However, due to the company’s diversification into numerous businesses, its Snapdragon nomenclature convention has become, to put it mildly, convoluted.
At this time, it takes the average user multiple Google queries to perceive the distinction between processors such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3. Detailed information regarding the nomenclature convention of Snapdragon processors is provided below.
The Smartphone Processors of Qualcomm
The phone processors offered by Qualcomm fall into three main categories:
Gen 8 Snapdragon series
Superior Snapdragon 8 Gen processors are utilised in the most recent flagship devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which made its début in the Xiaomi 14 series, is the most recent addition to this lineup. It will continue to power flagship smartphones through 2024.
The chip’s 1+5+2 CPU configuration consists of the following components: one Cortex-X4 core, five Cortex-A720 cores, and two Cortex-A520 cores. This configuration guarantees an efficiency increase of 20% and a performance increase of 30%.
Nevertheless, since the launch of the new chip series, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has become more affordable, making it a favoured option for upper-midrange smartphones.
Gen 7 Snapdragon series
In contrast to the 8th Generation family, which is relatively uncomplicated, the 7th Generation is a muddled jumble, due in part to the vast quantity of processors and perplexing configurations. To illustrate, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2, which was unveiled in early 2023, bears a striking resemblance to the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. The TSMC 4nm design and CPU configuration are identical in both.
To further complicate things, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, which was introduced in September 2023, exhibits inferior performance compared to its precursor, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 introduced in 2022.
Simply stated, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 has the finest processor among the Snapdragon 7 series. It is followed by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, and lastly the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.
Gen 6 Snapdragon Series
The 6 Gen series, which powers devices such as the iQOO Z8x, targets the sub-$300 price range, whereas the 7 Gen series serves the mid-range market. Fortunately, in contrast to its superior-tier counterpart, the nomenclature convention for the Snapdragon 6 Gen series remains uniform, with the most recent iteration being designated as the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
Handheld Gaming Processors from Qualcomm
In response to the recent surge in the popularity of handheld gaming, Qualcomm has unveiled a new line of processors designed specifically for this market segment. Nevertheless, the initial processor’s moniker, the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1, is somewhat perplexing. While it is reasonable to presume that the letter “G” represents gaming, Qualcomm has not yet provided an explanation regarding the meaning of “3x.”
Qualcomm’s chips for laptops
In response to the widespread adoption of ARM processors in laptops by Apple, Qualcomm has heightened its endeavours to substitute the antiquated x86 architecture. In pursuit of these objectives, the organisation recently introduced the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, its preeminent ARM laptop processor. In reference to the nomenclature, the “8” indicates the premier status of the processor, whereas the “c” and “x” represent computing and “eXtreme,” in that order.
Nevertheless, in keeping with Qualcomm tradition, the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 semiconductor in the lineup of laptops deviates from the standard nomenclature convention. Although the designation “7” for a mid-range processor is comprehensible, the meaning of the “+” remains ambiguous; the manufacturer has only specified that it signifies a novel design.
Snapdragon Wearable Microchips
Qualcomm’s wearable processors, in contrast to the Gen series, are designated by a unique numbering system. This trend persists, as the most recent Snapdragon Wear 4100 succeeds the Wear 3100. Furthermore, specific processors may exhibit a “+” symbol, which denotes an elevated tier within a given series.
The XR and AR Workspace
Qualcomm is a leading semiconductor manufacturer in the VR/AR market. eXtended Reality (XR) is the underlying technology that drives a number of virtual reality (VR) headgear, including the Meta Quest 2. Nevertheless, the nomenclature of these processors may present a challenge to comprehend. This is due to the fact that there are two XR platforms, XR1 and XR2, as well as the Gen designation system.
The XR1 platform is well-suited for industrial applications due to its spatial sound capabilities and visual inertial and odometry capabilities. Conversely, the XR2 platform exhibits superior design characteristics tailored for mixed-reality and consumer VR applications. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 is the most recent processor in this lineup at this time.
Qualcomm provides two discrete augmented reality (AR) platforms, AR1 and AR2, which are designed to accommodate unique products. The AR2 series is designed to produce immersive augmented reality spectacles comparable in nature to the HoloLens, whereas the AR1 series is specifically intended for standalone smart glasses. The most recent Ray-Ban smart spectacles, for instance, employ the AR1 Gen 1 microprocessor.