“Victory lies in stabilizing heat generation!” This motto encapsulates the success of every generation of Snapdragon flagship processors. In the seven years since Snapdragon 810’s release in 2014, users experienced mixed reviews of Snapdragon cores, with fire dragons and ice dragons appearing alternately. However, the reputation began to improve with the first-generation Snapdragon 8 in 2021. By 2022’s Snapdragon 8 Gen2, the balance of reputation gradually tilted towards the positive end.
After three generations of accumulation, on October 24, 2023, the third generation of the Snapdragon 8 mobile platform, Snapdragon 8 Gen3, was born. Its performance remains top-notch, and its energy efficiency performance and heat control outshine other modern Snapdragon chips—the best generation.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s core specifications:
In terms of process technology, Snapdragon 8 Gen3 still employs the relatively mature 4nm and hasn’t upgraded to 3nm like the Apple A17 Pro.
The 8-core Kryo CPU upgraded to a pure 64-bit architecture and adopted a 1+5+2 combination layout for the first time. Compared to the previous 1+4+3 layout, it features one more performance core.
The main core’s frequency (Prime super large core) is as high as 3.3GHz, the performance cores’ frequency (Performance large core) is up to 3.2GHz, and the energy efficiency cores’ frequency (Efficiency small core) is 2.3GHz.
Compared with Snapdragon 8 Gen2, the frequencies of the three cores have increased by 100MHz, 400MHz, and 300MHz, respectively. Officials claim a 30% performance improvement and a 20% reduction in power consumption.
The GPU continues to lead, with a 25% performance improvement from the previous generation, enhancing performance and energy efficiency by 25%.
Qualcomm, once again securing the top spot as the Android flagship, garnered overwhelming praise. Mobile phone manufacturers also reached unprecedented levels of enthusiasm for Snapdragon 8 Gen3.
The release pace of Snapdragon 8 Gen flagship phones of mainstream first-tier mobile phone manufacturers accelerated. Previously released after the Spring Festival the following year, this time, companies completed the layout before the end of 2023.
During the OEM testing stage, major brands understood and released the strength and potential of this chip in advance. For instance, Xiaomi 14, with global launch rights for Snapdragon 8 Gen3, teamed up with Qualcomm, implementing more than 60 hardware requirements through the “Performance Planning and Design” project before the product announcement.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s success is a win-win. Qualcomm established a forward-looking, in-depth, and differentiated joint innovation technology cooperation mechanism with many mobile phone brands from the planning stage.
The past blame on mobile phone manufacturers for chip heating or the difficulty in fully exerting chip performance on mobile terminals no longer exists.
Up to now, 19 Snapdragon 8 Gen3 models have been released and sold globally, showing increasing maturity in chip tuning among mobile phone manufacturers. Snapdragon 8 Gen3’s solid foundation gives manufacturers room for optimization, though differences persist in tuning orientation, polishing level, and temperature control strategies between mobile phone brands.
So, who truly masters training your dragon?
As the Year of the Dragon began in 2024, eight mainstream Snapdragon 8 Gen3 flagships hit the market: Honor Magic6 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Pro, OPPO Find X7 Ultra, OnePlus 12, Realme GT5 Pro, Redmi K70 Pro, iQOO 12 Pro, and Meizu 21. We conducted a comprehensive inspection, evaluating CPU, GPU, AI, frame rate stability, power consumption, energy efficiency ratio, and temperature control in high-load games. The test, conducted in an office environment with a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, aimed to provide valuable references for users considering new phone purchases.
Theoretical Performance Measurement
AnTuTu Comprehensive Test
In the AnTuTu comprehensive test, 5 out of 8 mobile phones scored above 2 million. iQOO 12 Pro led with a score of 2.1855 million, nearly reaching 2.2 million. Transitioning to other models, OPPO Find X7 Ultra, realme GT5 Pro, and Meizu 21 had slightly lower scores, but overall, they maintained a high level of performance.
Geekbench6 Single Test (CPU Single-Core and Multi-Core Performance, CPU Single-Core and Multi-Core Power Consumption, CPU Energy Efficiency Ratio)
Moving to the GeekBench6 test, iQOO 12 Pro continued its outst
anding performance, securing the top spot. Following closely were the Redmi K70 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Notably, these two Xiaomi phones exhibited consistent performance scheduling.
For other mobiles, single-core scores hovered around 2200 points, and multi-core scores around 7000 points. Meizu 21 took a more conservative approach, emphasizing power consumption control, with a single-core score of 1770 points and a multi-core score of 6060 points—slightly different from its counterparts.
In terms of power consumption, the OnePlus 12 registered the highest single-core and multi-core consumption. However, its overall score positioned it in the mid-range among the eight phones, indicating a relatively low CPU energy efficiency ratio. This suggests that while the OnePlus 12 performs adequately in daily use, its power consumption may be faster.
Highlighting energy efficiency, Meizu deserves recognition. Despite its lower absolute performance score, its processor’s energy efficiency optimization stands out among the eight phones. Following closely is Honor Magic 6 Pro, showcasing remarkable multi-core energy efficiency performance.
3D Mark Wild Life Extreme (GPU Single Test, Performance, Power Consumption, Energy Efficiency Ratio)
Shifting the focus to the 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme GPU stress test, scores among various models showed minimal differences, but power consumption varied. Xiaomi Mi 14 Pro, with powerful GPU scheduling and relatively low power consumption, demonstrated superior energy efficiency. Utilizing Xiaomi Mi 14 Pro for GPU-intensive mobile games theoretically promises an excellent gaming experience.
3D Mark Solar Bay (Light Tracing Single Test, Reflecting Ray Tracing Performance)
In the ray tracing comprehensive performance test, iQOO 12 Pro exhibited the best performance, trailed by OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14 Pro, and Honor Magic 6 Pro. Several other phones surpassed 8500 points in ray tracing performance, indicating solid performance.
These eight mobile phones collectively promise an excellent gaming experience when rendering complex ray-tracing scenes.
Shifting to the AI performance test, realme GT5 Pro emerged as the most aggressive scheduler, securing the top spot with a score of 3361 points.
Comparatively, even the lowest score among the eight phones reached 3061 points, significantly surpassing the previous generation Snapdragon 8 Gen2’s average score of 2100 by more than 45%.
This aligns with Qualcomm’s official statement, highlighting the significant AI performance improvement in Snapdragon 8 Gen3 as a key feature of this chip generation.
Game Test
Dive into the “Honkai Impact: Star Railroad” game, where we navigated the map, taking down monsters on the designated route. Among the 8 flagship phones tested, the iQOO 12 Pro emerged as the frontrunner, boasting the strongest frame rate and minimal fluctuations. Notably, its temperature control also outshone the competition, making it the ideal choice for mobile gamers.
Moreover, the Meizu 21, with a more conservative tuning, posted a frame rate of 58.6 FPS and a slight average fluctuation of 3.1 FPS. While it didn’t top the charts among the 8 phones, its temperature control ranked second, suggesting it might excel in keeping cool during summer gaming sessions—a potential strategy tailored to the Snapdragon 8 Gen3.
As for the OnePlus 12, it takes the crown for energy efficiency, displaying the lowest power consumption and maintaining the lowest temperatures on both the front and back of the device. Its performance is characterized by smooth gameplay, low power usage, and minimal heat generation during gaming.
In summary, all eight Snapdragon 8 Gen3 mobile phones aced the “Honkai Impact” test, running smoothly at high frame rates. With power consumption below 5W and temperatures staying below 40 degrees Celsius, it’s evident that the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 significantly outperforms its predecessor, bidding farewell to the era of the Fire Dragon, marked by a mere 3.5-degree temperature difference.
Test of “Original God,” another high-load mobile game, the OnePlus 12 once again stands out. It not only achieves a frame rate surpassing the native rate but does so with minimal fluctuation—60.1FPS with an average fluctuation of only 0.6. This ensures a seamless gaming experience for all large mobile games.
Both the Redmi K70 Pro and iQOO 12 Pro demonstrate exceptional stability, boasting an ultra-low average fluctuation of 0.5 during gameplay—making them the most reliable options among the 8 phones.
For the ultimate combination of energy efficiency and temperature control, look no further than the iQOO 12 Pro. With a commendable frame rate of 59.9FPS, it excels in overall performance.
Remarkably, throughout this round of testing, no Snapdragon 8 Gen3 mobile phone exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in temperature, and the frame rate consistently remained above 59 frames. This aligns perfectly with the title of “the strongest core for games” in the first half of 2024.
Verdict
This year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen3 mobile phones deliver strong performance on a solid platform. However, companies employ distinct optimization strategies.
After testing 8 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones, we’ve compiled the following observations:
The Xiaomi 14 Pro and Honor Magic 6 Pro stand out as the most balanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones. For gaming enthusiasts, the iQOO 12 Pro, OnePlus 12, and Redmi K70 Pro are the top choices. iQOO 12 Pro, OnePlus 12, and OPPO Find X7 Ultra excel in temperature control among Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones. Redmi K70 Pro and Realme GT5 Pro offer the best value for money.
The iQOO 12 Pro leans towards radical tuning, delivering a “spareless” performance, especially excelling in gaming. OnePlus 12 surpasses native limits in “Honkai: Star Rail,” dominating with high frame rates, energy efficiency, and low temperatures.
Redmi K70 Pro not only maintains a full frame rate but also boasts excellent frame stabilization for smooth gaming. For gamers, the iQOO 12 Pro, OnePlus 12, and Redmi K70 Pro are highly recommended, depending on your budget. Yet, not all users prioritize gaming; many value daily performance.
Xiaomi Mi 14 Pro and Honor Magic 6 Pro, from first-tier manufacturers, exhibit stability in every test, providing a comfortable overall experience. If you seek a smooth, all-round experience with a budget of 5,000 and above, Xiaomi 14 Pro and Honor Magic 6 Pro are solid choices.
Users sensitive to temperature favor the iQOO 12 Pro, OnePlus 12, and OPPO Find X7 Ultra for their exceptional temperature control. However, it’s crucial to note that all eight Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones show commendable temperature control. For most users, the heat dissipation differences may not be significant.
Any recommendation without considering price is considered “hooliganism.” For those on a budget, Realme GT5 Pro and Redmi K70 Pro, both cost-effective Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones, offer excellent choices.
After extensive testing, we affirm that Snapdragon Gen 3 deserves the title of “Qualcomm’s best mobile phone SoC in three years.” Its superior performance, lower power consumption, and higher ceiling provide manufacturers ample room for innovation. In 2024, when choosing an Android flagship phone, Snapdragon Gen 3 remains the top choice. So, which one will you choose?
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