The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could use a high-capacity battery

Qualcomm is gearing up to launch its next flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Despite being mass-produced using TSMC‘s advanced 3nm ‘N3E’ node technology, this chipset is rumored to have a high power consumption. This improved manufacturing process was expected to make the System on a Chip (SoC) more energy-efficient, but it seems the reality might be different.

Key Highlights:

• 1. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, despite being manufactured using the advanced 3nm ” N3E” node technology, is rumored to have a higher power consumption than expected.
• 2. The chipset is speculated to feature a “2 + 6” configuration with only performance cores, possibly contributing to its high power draw.
• 3. To counter the increased power demand, smartphone manufacturers might incorporate larger, 5,500mAh batteries in their devices featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
• 4. Rumors suggest that three flagship models, possibly including brands like OPPO, Xiaomi, Vivo, and potentially the OnePlus 13, are currently being tested with these high-capacity batteries.
• 5. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to launch in October, according to a Qualcomm executive.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s Power Consumption: A New Challenge

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could potentially draw more power due to the rumored absence of efficiency cores. The chipset is speculated to feature a “2 + 6” configuration, focusing on performance cores only. This configuration bears a resemblance to MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300, known for its higher power consumption compared to its competitors.

The potential higher power draw of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 due to the absence of efficiency cores and the focus on performance cores in a “2 + 6” configuration is a matter of trade-offs. On one hand, this configuration could result in improved performance, allowing for faster and more demanding tasks. On the other hand, it might lead to higher power consumption compared to chipsets that prioritize power efficiency.

Whether this is considered good or not depends on individual preferences and priorities. If a user values raw performance and is willing to accept a potential increase in power consumption, then the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s configuration could be seen as beneficial. However, if power efficiency and longer battery life are more important, then this configuration might be seen as a drawback.

Ultimately, the suitability of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s configuration will depend on the specific needs and preferences of users and how well it balances performance and power efficiency in real-world usage scenarios.

Larger Batteries: The Possible Solution

To counterbalance the high power demand, smartphone manufacturers may opt for larger batteries in their devices. It is speculated that phones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 may house high-capacity, 5,500mAh batteries.

By incorporating larger batteries, smartphones can potentially provide longer battery life and better endurance, compensating for the increased power consumption of the chipset. This can be beneficial for users who prioritize extended usage time without needing to frequently recharge their devices.

According to rumors, three flagship smartphones are currently undergoing testing, featuring the aforementioned high-capacity batteries. Renowned for their inclination towards incorporating larger batteries, Chinese smartphone brands such as OPPO, Xiaomi, and Vivo are speculated to be among the manufacturers exploring this option.

Interestingly, the OnePlus 12, which is powered by the previous generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, already boasts a 5,500mAh battery. This observation has sparked speculation that the upcoming OnePlus 13 could potentially be one of the devices currently undergoing testing, further reinforcing the trend of incorporating larger batteries in flagship smartphones.

Conclusion

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is anticipated to be released in October, as indicated by a statement from a Qualcomm executive. However, it’s crucial to note that the information mentioned earlier is based on unverified rumors and should be approached with caution. The final product specifications and performance may differ from the current speculation, potentially bringing unexpected advancements and innovations to the tech industry. It’s always exciting to witness how technology evolves and surprises us with new possibilities.