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Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 is the stronger performer on the available evidence. Qualcomm claims 36% better CPU performance and 59% faster GPU performance than the previous generation, and NanoReview’s reported benchmark aggregates also favor Gen 4. Those results are not a controlled comparison of two chips in otherwise identical phones, so a specific handset’s cooling, memory, software, and other design choices still matter.
How the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and Gen 3 compare
| Area | Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing process | 4 nm, according to Qualcomm | 6 nm, according to Qualcomm |
| CPU and GPU performance claim | Qualcomm claims 36% improved CPU performance and 59% faster GPU performance versus the previous generation | Previous-generation comparison point for Qualcomm’s claim |
| Maximum CPU frequency | Not stated in the cited Qualcomm product brief | Up to 2.3 GHz |
| Memory and storage support | Not stated in the cited Qualcomm product brief | LPDDR4x up to 2133 MHz; UFS 2.2 |
| Charging technology | Not stated in the cited Qualcomm product brief | Quick Charge 4+ |
| Platform-level features advertised | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, support for 144 FPS gaming and 200 MP photo capture | Not stated in the cited product brief |
Specifications are platform capabilities, not guarantees about every phone. Manufacturers decide which supported features to implement, and the finished device’s display, camera hardware, regional network configuration, and other components determine what buyers can use. Sources: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 product brief and Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 product brief.
Which chip is faster in benchmarks?
NanoReview’s comparison-page aggregates show Gen 4 ahead in the listed tests. The figures below are reported aggregates, not scores from a controlled same-phone test. Sample counts are limited, and different phone models can vary in cooling, software, memory, and test conditions.
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| Benchmark | Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | Reported sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu 11 | 829,894 | 617,626 | 10 vs 31 tests |
| Geekbench 6 single-core | 1,009 | 938 | 7 vs 6 tests |
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 2,892 | 2,183 | 7 vs 6 tests |
| PCMark 3.0 | 13,206 | 11,509 | Fewer than 3 vs 5 phone models |
The PCMark result for Gen 4 deserves particular caution because the comparison lists fewer than three phone models on that side. The figures support a general performance advantage for Gen 4, but they cannot predict the exact gap between two retail phones. Source: NanoReview Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 vs Gen 3 comparison (accessed 2026).
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What Qualcomm’s performance claims mean
Qualcomm’s Gen 4 product brief claims a 36% CPU performance improvement and a 59% faster GPU compared with the previous generation. The brief qualifies the comparison as being against the previous generation, but these are vendor claims, not independently established results in a controlled test. NanoReview’s aggregates point in the same direction, though their limited and mixed-device samples are a different kind of evidence.
Will Gen 4 improve gaming, battery life, or everyday use?
Gaming
The higher published GPU-performance claim and stronger benchmark aggregates make Gen 4 the more promising choice for graphics-heavy games. Qualcomm advertises support for 144 FPS gaming, but that does not mean every Gen 4 phone can run every game at 144 frames per second. The game, phone cooling, display refresh rate, and manufacturer configuration all affect the result.
Rank #2
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Battery life
Qualcomm identifies Gen 4 as a 4 nm platform and Gen 3 as 6 nm. A smaller process node alone does not establish how long a finished phone will last on a charge. The available comparison does not provide a controlled battery test in equivalent devices, so no specific endurance gain can be assigned to Gen 4.
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Everyday responsiveness
NanoReview’s Geekbench and PCMark aggregates favor Gen 4, suggesting it may feel more capable in CPU-heavy work and mixed everyday tasks. Actual responsiveness also depends on the phone’s memory configuration, software, storage, and workload; chipset benchmarks are not a guarantee of a particular user experience.
Rank #3
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 phone if the two devices are otherwise comparable and you value the stronger published CPU and GPU performance evidence.
- Consider a Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 phone if its full device specification, price, or other features better suit you. Its documented platform support includes LPDDR4x memory up to 2133 MHz, UFS 2.2, and Quick Charge 4+, subject to the phone maker’s implementation.
- Compare the complete phone, not just the chip name. Check the exact model and regional variant, supported network bands, display refresh rate, camera hardware, memory and storage configuration, and charging implementation.
The cited sources do not verify a current handset shortlist for either platform. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon device finder can help identify Snapdragon-powered phones, but confirm the precise model and regional variant with its manufacturer before buying.
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