Qualcomm has officially announced its latest mid-range mobile processor, bringing flagship features to more affordable smartphones. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor with substantial performance improvements across CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities, while also introducing premium connectivity features previously reserved for higher-end devices.
Performance Leap for Mid-Range Devices
The new Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 delivers impressive performance gains compared to the previous generation. Qualcomm reports a 27% improvement in CPU performance, thanks to a revised core configuration featuring one high-performance Cortex-A720 core clocked at 2.8GHz, four performance Cortex-A720 cores running at 2.4GHz, and three efficiency Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8GHz. This represents a shift from the previous generation, with the new chip featuring a higher-clocked prime core and an additional performance core at the expense of one efficiency core. Graphics performance also sees a substantial 30% boost, making the platform more capable for demanding mobile games and applications.
Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Key Specifications:
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CPU Configuration:
- 1x Cortex-A720 core @ 2.8GHz
- 4x Cortex-A720 cores @ 2.4GHz
- 3x Cortex-A520 cores @ 1.8GHz
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Performance Improvements:
- 27% better CPU performance
- 30% better GPU performance
- 65% better AI performance
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Camera Support:
- Single 64MP camera
- Dual 32MP + 21MP cameras
- Triple 21MP cameras
- 200MP photo capture with zero shutter lag
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Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 7 (up to 5.8 Gbps)
- Bluetooth 6.0
- 3GPP Release 17 5G
- XPAN Wi-Fi audio support
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Manufacturing Process: 4nm
AI Capabilities Take Center Stage
Artificial intelligence continues to be a focal point for Qualcomm, with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 boasting a remarkable 65% improvement in AI performance over its predecessor. This significant enhancement comes from the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, which now features a two-fold increase in shared memory and support for INT4 precision to enable better compression of large language models for on-device tasks. The chip supports popular LLMs and can handle advanced AI workloads including Stable Diffusion 1.5 image generation—a first for the Snapdragon 7 series. These improvements enable more sophisticated on-device AI capabilities like smarter voice assistants, real-time translation, and enhanced content creation tools.
Premium Connectivity Features Debut in Mid-Range
Perhaps the most notable advancement is the inclusion of Qualcomm's Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology, marking the first time this feature has appeared outside the flagship Snapdragon 8 series. XPAN allows for audio transmission over Wi-Fi networks rather than Bluetooth, enabling higher-quality wireless audio and extended range for compatible accessories. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 also introduces Bluetooth 6.0 support to the 7-series lineup and includes Wi-Fi 7 compatibility with peak speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps—double the 2.9 Gbps maximum of the Wi-Fi 6E-equipped Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. The chip also supports 3GPP Release 17 5G standards for improved cellular connectivity.
Enhanced Camera Capabilities
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 incorporates the Qualcomm Spectra Image Signal Processor, supporting sophisticated camera configurations including a single 64-megapixel camera, dual 32MP and 21MP cameras, or triple 21MP cameras. The chip can also process 200-megapixel photo captures with zero shutter lag. Additional camera enhancements include AI-powered autofocus, auto-exposure, and auto-white balance, along with hardware-based electronic image stabilization, multi-frame noise reduction, and real-time video super-resolution—all contributing to more capable camera performance in mid-range devices.
Gaming Improvements
Mobile gaming gets a boost with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 through Qualcomm's Adaptive Performance Engine 4.0 and Snapdragon Adaptive Configuration Engine technologies. These features help maintain smooth gameplay while optimizing battery consumption. The Adreno GPU supports HDR gaming, OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0 FP, and Vulkan 1.3, providing a robust foundation for mobile gaming experiences. The chip also supports displays with refresh rates up to 144Hz at WQHD+ resolutions, further enhancing the visual experience.
Market Availability
Qualcomm has confirmed that Honor and Vivo will be the first manufacturers to adopt the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, with devices expected to be announced later this month. Industry rumors suggest the Honor 400 series and Vivo S30 could be among the first smartphones to feature the new chipset. Honor's president of products, Fei Fang, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating the platform will enable us to deliver unparalleled performance and cutting-edge features. Similarly, Vivo's vice president of product, Weifeng Ouyang, highlighted the chip's ability to immerse users in innovative and efficient mobile experiences.
Manufacturing and Additional Features
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is manufactured using a 4nm fabrication process, the same as its predecessor. Additional features include Quick Charge 5 support for rapid battery charging and the ability to drive high-resolution displays at smooth refresh rates. With its combination of performance improvements, AI capabilities, and premium connectivity features, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 represents a significant step forward for mid-range smartphones, potentially blurring the line between premium mid-range and flagship devices.