Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: Modest Upgrade or Marketing Maneuver?

 

Qualcomm has recently introduced its latest mid-range 5G mobile processor, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3. While the new chip boasts certain features like AI capabilities and 120Hz display support, a deeper dive reveals it might be more of a rehash than a true successor. Let's explore the intricacies of this release and its implications for the mobile industry.

Confusing Naming Scheme: 6s Gen 3 vs 6 Gen 1

Qualcomm's naming conventions have often been a point of confusion, and the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is no exception. Traditionally, the "s" in Qualcomm's nomenclature denotes a slightly less powerful variant. True to this pattern, the 6s Gen 3 indeed falls short of the 2022 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in several key aspects, including core count, GPU, and video capture capabilities.

Rebranded Snapdragon 695?

A closer examination reveals that the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (part number SM6375) bears a striking resemblance to the Snapdragon 695, a chip launched in 2021. The primary difference is a mere 4.5% CPU clock speed increase from 2.2 GHz to 2.3 GHz. Benchmark leaks further corroborate this, showing minimal performance differences between the two. The GPU remains the same Adreno 619, reinforcing the notion that the 6s Gen 3 is essentially a rebranded Snapdragon 695.

So, What's New?

Despite its similarities to the older Snapdragon 695, the 6s Gen 3 does offer some improvements. It supports higher refresh rate displays (up to 120Hz) and includes the Snapdragon X51 5G modem, which offers both sub-6 GHz and mmWave connectivity. These enhancements, while not groundbreaking, do provide a modest boost over its predecessor.

A Strategic Marketing Move?

The rebranding of an older chip as a new product raises questions about Qualcomm's strategy. By launching the 6s Gen 3, Qualcomm provides manufacturers the opportunity to market phones with a seemingly "newer" processor, potentially appealing to less tech-savvy consumers. This move may also help Qualcomm keep up with competitive pressures without investing heavily in entirely new designs.

Key Features and Expected Performance

• Built on a 6nm process: Ensures efficiency and power management.
• Kryo CPU cores clocked at up to 2.3 GHz: Slight performance increase.
• Adreno 619 GPU: Consistent with Snapdragon 695.
• Snapdragon X51 5G Modem: Supports both sub-6 and mmWave 5G.
• Qualcomm FastConnect 6200: Provides Wi-Fi 6 capabilities.
• Triple 12-bit ISPs: Supports up to 108MP camera.
• LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage: Standard for mid-range devices.
• Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ Technology: Faster charging capabilities.

The Motorola Moto G85: First to Feature Snapdragon 6s Gen 3

The first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is expected to be the Motorola Moto G85. This device is likely to offer mid-range performance, suitable for everyday tasks and basic gaming needs. There’s also talk of a potential 4G variant (SM6370) aimed at markets where 5G is not yet prevalent.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Consumers

The launch of the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 highlights the complexities of Qualcomm's current naming strategy. Consumers expecting a significant leap in performance from the 6 Gen 1 might be disappointed, as the 6s Gen 3 represents a minor upgrade at best. This rebranding could lead to confusion and potentially mislead consumers about the actual capabilities of their devices.

Conclusion: A Modest Upgrade with Strategic Implications

In summary, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is more of a strategic rebranding effort than a substantial technological advancement. While it offers slight improvements over the Snapdragon 695, it does not surpass the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in most areas. Consumers should closely examine detailed specifications before making purchasing decisions based on processor names alone. As we await real-world performance reviews, it remains to be seen how this chip will fare in the competitive mid-range market.

Shakir Bukhari  

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