Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 looks stronger overall on the published specifications and NanoReview’s current AnTuTu 11 aggregate, while Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 lists a slightly higher maximum CPU clock. Neither chip’s headline numbers guarantee how a particular phone performs. The handset’s cooling, memory, software and network configuration still matter.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 vs 6s Gen 3: specifications
Qualcomm’s product pages list the following platform-level specifications. They describe chip capabilities, not features every phone maker must implement.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process node | 4 nm | 6 nm | 6 Gen 1 has the smaller stated process node. That fact alone does not establish better battery life. |
| Maximum CPU clock | Up to 2.2 GHz | 2.3 GHz | 6s Gen 3 has the slightly higher listed maximum. Clock speed alone does not determine real-world performance. |
| Cellular modem | Snapdragon X62 | Snapdragon X51 | The listed modem components differ; supported bands and carrier compatibility depend on each phone and market. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E support listed | Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 listed | 6 Gen 1 has the higher listed Wi-Fi generation. |
| Memory support | LPDDR5 support highlighted | LPDDR5 support not stated on the reviewed product page | Actual memory type and capacity depend on the phone configuration. |
| Charging | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ | Phone design and the included charger affect the charging experience. |
| Peak modem download | Platform capability listed; a directly comparable figure is not stated on the reviewed product page | 2.5 Gbps listed | A theoretical modem figure does not predict measured network speed. |
Qualcomm also lists Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 support for 3GPP Release 16 5G, image capture up to 200 MP, and FHD+ displays up to 120 fps. These are platform capabilities, not guarantees that a phone using the chip will offer them. See Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 specifications and Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 specifications.
Which chipset is faster in benchmarks?
NanoReview’s comparison page reports AnTuTu 11 aggregate scores of 737,054 for Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and 617,626 for Snapdragon 6s Gen 3. That is about a 19% lead for 6 Gen 1 in this particular listing. NanoReview reports 70 samples for 6 Gen 1 and 31 for 6s Gen 3.
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Geekbench 6 single-core results on the same comparison are much closer, with 6s Gen 3 ahead by about 1%. The contrast shows why one benchmark score is not a complete performance verdict: results vary by workload, and a CPU clock figure or aggregate score does not predict every task.
These are third-party aggregates collected across multiple phones, not a controlled test of two matched handsets under identical conditions. Scores can change as the comparison page is updated. Do not treat them as guaranteed results for a phone you are considering. See NanoReview’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 benchmark comparison.
What the specifications mean in practice
CPU and sustained performance
The listed 2.3 GHz maximum for 6s Gen 3 is slightly higher than 6 Gen 1’s 2.2 GHz maximum, but maximum clock is only one factor in performance. Chip design, cooling and power limits in the individual phone affect how quickly it completes work and whether it can maintain performance during a longer workload.
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.
Connectivity
Qualcomm lists an X62 modem and Wi-Fi 6E support for 6 Gen 1, compared with an X51 modem and Wi-Fi 4/5 on the 6s Gen 3 page. These chipset-level differences do not confirm that a particular handset supports every relevant 5G band, carrier, or Wi-Fi feature. Check the exact model and regional variant before buying.
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Qualcomm highlights LPDDR5 support for 6 Gen 1, while the reviewed 6s Gen 3 product page does not state LPDDR5 support. That absence is not proof that a specific 6s Gen 3 phone uses a particular memory type. Phone makers choose the implemented memory configuration. Similarly, the smaller stated process node does not by itself prove longer battery life: battery capacity, display, software and device design all affect endurance. Both platforms list Quick Charge 4+, but the phone and charger determine what charging options are available to the user.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
If you are comparing chipsets alone, the published specifications and NanoReview’s AnTuTu 11 aggregate lean toward Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. The 6s Gen 3’s slightly higher listed CPU clock is not enough to make it the clear winner, especially when the benchmark evidence differs by test. There is no basis here to recommend a specific phone: the sources establish chipset specifications and multi-device benchmark aggregates, not handset-level test results or current models and prices.
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.
Compare the exact phones rather than buying on the processor name alone. Check:
- Performance and temperature under the same sustained workload, ideally from tests of the exact handset models.
- RAM capacity and memory type, plus storage capacity and type.
- 5G bands and Wi-Fi features for the handset variant sold in your region.
- Battery capacity and measured endurance, not just the chipset’s process node.
- Software update policy, display and camera implementation, and current price.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Series product comparison provides an additional official overview of platforms in the family.
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