The Snapdragon 8 Elite is a flagship processor while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is a mid-range chipset with performance that can compete with older flagships. However, when we compare both these chipsets, both have their unique strengths and target audiences. Let us understand the full performance comparison of the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs 8s Gen 4 in this blog.
Also Read: Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: What’s the Difference?
What Are The Key Specs Of Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs 8s Gen 4?
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specifications of both processors:
| Specs | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| CPU | 2x 4.32 GHz- Oryon (Phoenix L) 6x 3.53 GHz- Oryon (Phoenix M) | 1x 3.21 GHz- Cortex-X4 3x 3 GHz- Cortex-A720 2x 2.8 GHz- Cortex-A720 2x 2.02 GHz- Cortex-A720 |
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process | 3 nanometers | 4 nanometers |
| GPU | Adreno 800 | Adreno 800 |
| GPU Frequency | 1100 MHz | 1150 MHz |
| Neural processor (NPU) | Hexagon | Hexagon |
| Memory | LPDDR5X 5300 MHz | LPDDR5X 4800 MHz |
| Max Camera Resolution | 1x 320MP | 1x 200MP |
| Video Capture | 8K at 60FPS, 4K at 120FPS | 8K at 60FPS, 4K at 120FPS |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | 7 | 7 |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Class | Flagship | Mid-Range |
| Announced | October 2024 | April 2025 |
How Do Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs 8s Gen 4 Compare In Benchmarks?
Benchmark scores are crucial in understanding how well these processors perform under various workloads.
Here, have a look at the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs 8s Gen 4 benchmark scores:
| Test | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Difference |
| AnTuTu 10 | 2743058 | 2060800 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+33% |
| GeekBench 6 Single-Core | 3155 | 2154 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+46% |
| GeekBench 6 Multi-Core | 9723 | 6880 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+41% |
Takeaway: The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers a significant impressive performance in multi-core, single-core and graphics-intensive tasks. The 8s Gen 4, however, still outperforms many 2023 flagships and is more than capable for daily use, gaming, and photography.
Also Read: Xiaomi Xring O1 Vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Performance Face-Off 2025
Performance Comparison
While both the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 offer excellent performance, their CPU architecture, GPU tuning, and AI processing capabilities reveal key differences that cater to different user needs.
CPU Architecture & Core Performance
Snapdragon 8 Elite is built on Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores, which are based on the Phoenix architecture. This setup includes:
- 2x high-performance cores (Phoenix L) @ 4.32 GHz
- 6x balanced efficiency cores (Phoenix M) @ 3.53 GHz
This architecture provides exceptional single-threaded performance, faster task switching, and improved power optimisation under load, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and AI workloads.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, in contrast, uses a more traditional ARM core structure:
- 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.21 GHz (Prime core)
- 3x Cortex-A720 @ 3.0 GHz
- 2x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8 GHz
- 2x Cortex-A720 @ 2.02 GHz
This setup offers excellent efficiency and matches the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, even surpassing some early Gen 3 chips in real-world use. However, it falls short of the peak power delivered by the Oryon-based Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Takeaway: Snapdragon 8 Elite dominates in raw CPU power. However, 8s Gen 4 is excellent for everyday tasks and productivity.
GPU & Gaming Performance
Both Snapdragon 8 Elite vs 8s Gen 4 uses Adreno 800 GPU. Despite that, the performance vary.
| Feature | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1100 MHz | 1150 MHz |
| Memory Bandwidth | Higher (5300 MHz LPDDR5X) | Lower (4800 MHz LPDDR5X) |
| Thermal Headroom | Better in premium phones | May throttle in long sessions |
Also Read: Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Exynos 2500: Performance And AI Battle 2025
Though the 8s Gen 4 has a slightly higher GPU frequency, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite benefits from better memory throughput, higher sustained performance, and optimized GPU drivers for flagship devices.
Here, have a look at the performance of both chipsets based on various games:
| Game | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| Genshin Impact | 59.9 FPS at max settings; minimal thermal throttling | 60 FPS at max settings; minimal thermal throttling |
| PUBG Mobile | 120 FPS; consistent performance under load | 120 FPS; consistent performance under load |
| PUBG New State | 120 FPS; smooth gameplay | 120 FPS; smooth gameplay |
| Call of Duty Mobile | 120 FPS; stable frame rates | 120 FPS; stable frame rates |
| Fortnite | 60 FPS; playable at high settings | 60 FPS; playable at high settings |
| Mobile Legends | 120 FPS; smooth performance | 120 FPS; smooth performance |
Takeaway: Both Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8s Gen 4 deliver smooth, high-frame-rate gaming in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact. The 8 Elite excels in thermal efficiency during extended play to maintain consistent performance, while the 8s Gen 4 offers flagship-level gaming at a more affordable price, making it a great value for gamers.
AI & NPU Performance
Both chipsets feature Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU, however, Snapdragon 8 Elite processes tokens faster, supports larger model sizes, and can handle multi-modal AI tasks more efficiently.
Key advantages of Snapdragon 8 Elite:
- Runs on-device ChatGPT and Gemini with near real-time inference
- Faster image generation and AI photo enhancement
- Supports multi-tasking with AI apps (e.g., AI camera + summarization)
Takeaway: If AI is a core part of your smartphone usage, Snapdragon 8 Elite provides a significantly better experience.
Battery Efficiency
While the 8 Elite is more powerful, the 3nm process it’s built on makes it more power-efficient per task. However, due to higher overall performance and thermal demands, it can drain battery faster in gaming or video editing.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, using a 4nm process, consumes less power under regular use and is found in phones with battery-optimised hardware setups.
Takeaway: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 has an edge when it comes to battery efficiency and long extended usage.
Also Read: Exynos 2400 Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Who Wins The Battle In 2025?
When Should You Choose Snapdragon 8 Elite or 8s Gen 4?
Choose Snapdragon 8 Elite if:
- You want the highest performance for gaming and AI tasks.
- You need advanced camera features and 8K video support.
- You want the fastest 5G speeds and best connectivity.
- You’re okay with paying a premium price.
Choose Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 if:
- You want near-flagship performance at a lower cost.
- You prioritize good battery life and efficiency.
- You need solid AI and camera capabilities for everyday use.
- You want reliable 5G speeds without the highest price tag.
Final Thoughts
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers the best performance in speed, gaming, AI, and connectivity, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is surprisingly powerful. It offers great value, handles multitasking well, supports modern AI, and has good battery life, making it a smart choice for most users who don’t need the very top-end features. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you prefer the most.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better- Snapdragon 8 Elite or 8s Gen 4?
Snapdragon 8 Elite is a flagship-grade chipset and is excellent when it comes to raw CPU power and heavy-gaming. The 8s Gen 4, on the other hand, is a mid-range chipset, excellent for extended usage, light to moderate gaming and everyday tasks.
Is Snapdragon 8 Elite the best processor?
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a top-tier flagship processor, it is not the best in every scenario. Processors like Exynos 2500 have a lot to offer to the users.
Is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 good for gaming?
Yes, the 8s Gen 4 is excellent when it comes to gaming, offering powerful performance and strong graphics capabilities. This chipset can easily handle demanding games like BGMI, COD, Genshin Impact, etc.
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