At the Snapdragon for India event, Qualcomm announced a new entry-level processor for Android smartphones. It’s called the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (2024), and it appears to be a slightly toned-down version of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (2023) released last year. To make things even more confusing, there’s also a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (2022) in the mix. So, which is the most capable chipset of all these? Should you look for a specific model for your next budget smartphone? Find the answers to all your questions below, in the detailed comparison between Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Vs. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1.
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: CPU
All the chipsets feature eight processing cores divided into groups of performance and efficient cores.
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 features two A78 cores clocked at 2.0GHz and six A55 cores at 1.8GHz. The 4 Gen 2, on the other hand, features a slightly more powerful performance cluster with two A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. Last but not least, the 4 Gen 1 has a similar configuration to the latest 4s Gen 2 SoC: (two A78 cores at 2.0GHz and six A55 cores at 1.8GHz).
While the 4s Gen 2 and the 4 Gen 2 share a 4nm fabrication process (Samsung), the 4 Gen 1 is based on a 6nm (TSMC) process. Hence, the first two are more efficient than the third.
Winner: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
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Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: GPU
While Qualcomm hasn’t specified the GPU on the 4s Gen 2 SoC, the one-year-old 4 Gen 2 features an Adreno 613 GPU clocked at 955MHz. It features 96 shading units and 192 total shaders. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, on the other hand, ships with Adreno 619 GPU clocked at 825MHz. It features 128 shading units and 256 total shaders. Hence, oddly enough, it is the 4 Gen 1 that has a more powerful GPU, even though it is the oldest.
Per the official landing page, the GPUs on all three processors support OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.1, and OpenCL 2.0.
Winner: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (due to missing info about Snapdragon 4s Gen 2)
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: Storage/RAM
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 supports LPDDR4X RAM (clocked at 2,133MHz), which is similar to what the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 can handle. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 supports LPDDR5x (3,200MHz), which is much faster and more efficient than the one on the others.
Remember how the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features the most powerful processor of all? Well, it’s the UFS 3.1 storage that adds to the speed, reducing the booting and app loading times. While Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 also features UFS 3.1, the 4 Gen 1 is stuck with UFS 2.2.
Winner: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
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Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: Display
When it comes to support for displays, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 maxes out at FHD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and 4 Gen 1 can handle FHD+ resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate.
Winner: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: Cameras
- Both the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 and the 4 Gen 2 feature a dual 12-bit ISP, while the 4 Gen 1 features a triple 12-bit ISP.
- With regards to single camera support, the latest processor can handle one 84MP camera, while the two older ones can manage one 108MP camera.
- When it comes to clicking pictures with zero shutter lag, the 4s Gen 2 and 4 Gen 2 tie at 32MP.
- While Multi Frame Noise Reduction (MFNR) is common across all processors, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 also offers Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS).
- All the processors support 1080p videos at 60 fps in either H.264 or H.265 codecs.
Winner: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: Modem And Connectivity
The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, being the latest processor, doesn’t offer the best 5G connectivity. It features peak download speeds of up to 1Gbps, while the upload speeds aren’t mentioned on the official product page.
In contrast, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features the X61 5G Modem-RF System, which provides a peak download speed of up to 2.5Gbps and a peak upload speed of up to 900Mbps.
Even the oldest processor, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, features the X51 5G Modem-RF System, which has a peak download speed of up to 2.5Gbps and a peak upload speed of up to 900Mbps.
All chipsets feature Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth v5.1 (aptX). Besides, wired connectivity includes USB 3.1 Gen 1 and support for Quick Charge 4+.
Winner: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
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Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 2 Vs. 4 Gen 1: Availability
Per the official press release sent by the brand, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will initially be adopted by key OEMs, including Xiaomi and its other brands, with the first commercial device expected to come out before the end of this year.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is available on smartphones like Xiaomi Redmi 13 5G, Poco M6 Pro, Vivo Y58 5G, and the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is available on smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, the Vivo Y200 5G, and the iQoo Z6 Lite.
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