Qualcomm has once again raised the bar in mobile processing with its chipset- Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both these chipsets are known to power premium and flagship phones. However, what makes these chipsets different from each other and which one should you choose in 2025? Let us understand that with this blog. So, let’s begin.
Also Read: Xiaomi Xring O1 Vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Performance Face-Off 2025
Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Benchmark Scores
Benchmark scores help us understand how well the chipset is performing. The more the benchmark score, the better is the performance. Here, have a look at the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 benchmark scores:
| Test | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Difference |
| AnTuTu 10 | 2743058 | 2047758 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+34% |
| GeekBench 6 Single-Core | 3155 | 9723 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+44% |
| GeekBench 6 Multi-Core | 2193 | 7304 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+33% |
| 3DMark | 23881 | 14979 | Snapdragon 8 Elite ⬆️+59% |
Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Specs Overview
Let us now have a look at the specs of both these chipsets:
| Specs | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| CPU | 2x 4.32 GHz- Oryon (Phoenix L) 6x 3.53 GHz- Oryon (Phoenix M) | 1x 3.3 GHz- Cortex-X4 3x 3.15 GHz- Cortex-A720 2x 2.96 GHz- Cortex-A720 2x 2.27 GHz- Cortex-A520 |
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process | 3 nanometers | 4 nanometers |
| GPU | Adreno 800 | Adreno 700 |
| GPU Frequency | 1100 MHz | 903-1000 MHz |
| Neural processor (NPU) | Hexagon | Hexagon |
| Memory | LPDDR5X 5333 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 | Flagship |
| Announced | October 2024 | October 2023 |
Also Read: Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Exynos 2500: Performance And AI Battle 2025
Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Gaming & Performance
Both these chipsets are designed for premium and flagship phones. That is why, you don’t have to worry about the performance of the chipsets.
When it comes to gaming, both the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offer flagship-level performance, effortlessly handling even the most demanding titles at the highest settings. However, the Elite raises the bar further with its more powerful GPU, improved thermal efficiency, and more consistent frame rates- particularly noticeable during long, intense gaming sessions.
Here’s a look at how these two chipsets perform in some of the most popular mobile games:
| Game | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Difference & Notes |
| PUBG Mobile/ BGMI/ New State | 120–144 FPS ultra-smooth, stable even in long sessions | 120–144 FPS smooth, occasional drops in extended play | Snapdragon 8 Elite stays cooler and more consistent |
| Call of Duty Mobile | Max settings at 120 FPS with flawless, sustained performance | Max settings at 120 FPS; minor dips after extended play | Snapdragon 8 Elite maintains stable FPS throughout |
| Genshin Impact | Stable 60 FPS at max settings with minimal stutter or dips | 55–60 FPS at max settings; occasional frame drops in heavy scenes | Snapdragon 8 Elite provides smoother and more consistent gameplay |
Verdict: Snapdragon 8 Elite has an edge when it comes to heavy gaming for longer hours. 8 Gen 3 is ideal for casual gamers.
Also Read: Exynos 2400 Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Who Wins The Battle In 2025?
Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: AI
Smartphones today are designed in a way that they can handle heavy AI tasks with quite ease. Let us see how Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 compete with each other when it comes to AI offering.
Snapdragon 8 Elite
The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers impressive AI power, with an AI engine that’s about 45% faster than its predecessor. This means it can handle complex tasks quickly, such as real-time language translation, advanced camera features, and smart voice assistants.
- Runs advanced models like Stable Diffusion and OpenAI’s Whisper, enabling on-device content creation.
- Offers features like real-time object removal, scene recognition, and improved low-light photography.
- Efficiently runs multiple AI tasks at once, thanks to its powerful architecture.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also brings solid AI improvements, focusing on enhancing everyday smartphone functions. While it’s not quite as powerful as the Elite, it still offers meaningful AI upgrades over previous generations.
- Supports models like Meta’s LLaMA 2 and Stable Diffusion for content generation and editing.
- Improves real-time image and video editing, including object removal and better low-light adjustments.
- Uses Qualcomm’s Sensing Hub to adapt assistant responses based on user habits.
| Feature | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| AI Performance | Faster and more advanced | Strong and suitable for everyday tasks |
| Generative AI Support | Yes, includes Stable Diffusion and Whisper | Yes, supports LLaMA 2 and Stable Diffusion |
| Camera AI Features | Real-time object removal, scene recognition | Enhanced image and video editing |
| Multitasking AI | Handles multiple AI apps smoothly | Efficient with standard AI tasks |
| Target Devices | High-end smartphones | Premium smartphones across brands |
Also Read: Don’t Miss These 5G Mobile Phones Under 15000: Budget Picks 2025
Who Should Choose Which Chipset?
Both chipsets are excellent, but they cater to slightly different audiences.
Choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 If:
- You want flagship-level performance without paying for the very latest.
- You are a casual gamer or regular smartphone user.
- You value great performance and better battery life at a more reasonable price point.
Choose Snapdragon 8 Elite If:
- You demand the best performance in every area- gaming, AI, and multitasking.
- You play graphics-heavy games competitively or need sustained peak performance.
- You want the most future-proof flagship phone available.
Final Thoughts
That’s all about the Snapdragon 8 Elite vs 8 Gen 3. Both these chipsets are excellent in terms of their offerings. And which one should you choose depends on your priority. If you want the most of each aspect including multitasking, gaming, AI, cameras, etc., go for the Snapdragon 8 Elite. However, if you want performance at a reasonable rate, go for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Want to read more on chipsets? Have a look at these blogs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which processor is better than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is a better chipset than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It comes with advanced CPU and GPU architecture, making it a better option when it comes to overall performance and gaming.
Which phone features the Snapdragon 8 Elite?
Phones like Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy S25 Ultra, OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15 Ultra etc. are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
Which Dimensity processor is equal to Snapdragon 8 Elite?
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 offers somewhat similar performance to that of Snapdragon 8 Elite.
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