The company has not clarified whether the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will have generative AI capabilities identical to its more powerful sibling, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Regardless, the implementation of the chip's generative AI will be decided by each manufacturer. The chip still uses the Kyro CPUs, but there could be a performance boost if Qualcomm switches to the new Oryon CPU in 2024. The first phones with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will be released by Honor and vivo, with more expected next year.
Key takeaways:
- Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a new mobile chip that brings generative AI technology to more affordable handsets. The chip will be used in phones from manufacturers like Honor and vivo, with the first devices expected to arrive later this month.
- The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 has an upgraded neural processing unit for handling generative AI tasks, is 15% faster than its predecessor, has 20% better power efficiency, supports fast recharging, and for the first time in the 7-series, features spatial audio with head tracking.
- On-device generative AI, a key feature of the new Snapdragon chips, has advantages over cloud-based solutions such as lower latency, the ability to consider personal info like behavioral patterns, and the ability to work in areas without cell signals. It also offers potential benefits for privacy and security as it handles tasks locally.
- Qualcomm has partnered with Honor and vivo for the first phones with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, and more devices from other manufacturers, potentially including Motorola, are expected to use the chip in 2025 and beyond.