What it’s essential know
Earlier this week, Qualcomm quietly launched the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 cellular platform, which feels like a wholly new chip.It isn’t, as Qualcomm confirmed that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is basically a rebranded Snapdragon 695.If Qualcomm isn’t innovating sufficient within the low-end of the chipmaking market, rivals like MediaTek might pull forward.
Qualcomm subtly added a brand new cellular processor to its web site earlier this week on Monday, June 10 — the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3. This chip continues a pattern of Qualcomm naming processors in a means that’s complicated at greatest or deliberately deceptive at worst. It would sound like an improve over the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, but it surely isn’t. The truth is, it’s a downgrade as a result of the “new” Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor is basically a rebranded model of the Snapdragon 695.
There have been obtrusive similarities between the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and the Snapdragon 695, however there are some things in regards to the former chip which are new. Qualcomm cleared up the hypothesis with an announcement to Android Authority, which confirmed that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 isn’t actually a brand new chip.
“Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is an enhanced model of Snapdragon 695 delivering improved CPU, GPU, and AI performances (sic),” the corporate stated.
Earlier than this was made clear, it already appeared just like the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 was yet one more rebranded model of the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, which was first launched in 2021. For starters, the start of the mannequin variety of the previous (SM6375-AC) is similar to that of the latter (SM6375). Each chips additionally used the 6nm manufacturing node, which is an older course of. We’ve already seen 3nm cellular chips come out, and the 6nm course of is much from innovative in 2024.
With that being stated, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 does have a couple of clear benefits over the Snapdragon 695. The ”enhanced” model of the chip has the next CPU and GPU clock pace, doubtlessly making for quicker efficiency. Qualcomm additionally says that there’s assist for “AI performances,” however we actually don’t know what meaning. It’s unlikely that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 will be capable of ship the varieties of recent on-device AI options that we see on stronger platforms, just like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the Tensor G3.
These minor enhancements can’t change the truth that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is constructed on the very same structure because the Snapdragon 695, and there’s solely a lot Qualcomm can do to tug extra efficiency out of it. This creates a scenario the place new units with a “new” processor are doubtlessly beginning three years behind competing units.
We all know Qualcomm can do higher
It’s disappointing that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is nothing new, as a result of we all know Qualcomm can do higher. This isn’t just like the darkish days at Intel, the place the whole firm was struggling to enhance its chipmaking and fabrication applied sciences throughout its portfolio. Qualcomm is doing higher than ever, and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon X platforms are giving Apple a run for its cash for the primary time in a protracted whereas.
Qualcomm clearly focuses on the money-makers, and it’s not arduous to see why. The corporate has had primarily a monopoly on the flagship Android cellular processor house for some time, even after Google moved to its personal Tensor processors. The newest Tensor G3 doesn’t come near matching the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, so any purchaser nervous about efficiency will select a Qualcomm-powered telephone. That’s with out even stepping into the grip Qualcomm has on wi-fi modems.
The corporate is breaking into the laptop computer and desktop markets with the Snapdragon X platform, which is powering a strong lineup of recent Home windows laptops set for launch this week. Qualcomm is the one firm making a chip that will likely be appropriate with Microsoft’s Copilot+ characteristic set at launch. It already introduced plans to convey Snapdragon X to extra type elements, beginning with a Snapdragon Dev Package mini PC.
This is the reason it’s a disgrace that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is only a 2021 chip with a couple of tweaks. Nobody is anticipating Qualcomm to make its price range chips aggressive with flagship ones, however the firm can actually do greater than rebadging three-year-old processors.
Qualcomm can be making a mistake by turning into complacent
When Intel bought complacent, AMD was proper there to swoop in and seize some market share. Now, the “group purple” and “group blue” race is again on in full swing. The identical factor might occur within the smartphone chipmaking {industry} if Qualcomm retains re-releasing chips with none new innovation. Qualcomm isn’t the one firm making cellular processors, and it’s dealing with actual competitors, particularly within the low finish of the market.
MediaTek has the potential to one-up Qualcomm within the price range market, particularly if its newest chips point out what it will probably do. The corporate has been teasing a flagship Android system powered by a MediaTek processor, which might be large for the corporate. MediaTek appears to have the chops to compete with Qualcomm industry-wide, however it will probably undoubtedly accomplish that within the price range sector if Qualcomm retains releasing ”new” chips just like the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3.