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Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is the newer and generally more capable platform, with a redesigned CPU layout, newer graphics features, and updated AI and connectivity capabilities. Qualcomm claims up to 35% faster CPU performance, up to 40% better power efficiency, and up to 25% faster graphics rendering than the prior generation. Those are manufacturer claims, not guaranteed results for every phone. Independent benchmark scores also measure specific devices, whose cooling and software can affect performance.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Gen 2 at a glance
| Area | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Earlier Kryo CPU generation; Qualcomm lists speeds up to 3 GHz. | Revised CPU microarchitecture with a 1-4-3 core arrangement; Qualcomm lists up to 3.36 GHz, with a 3.19 GHz version also available. |
| Graphics | Adreno GPU; supports Vulkan 1.1. | Adreno GPU; supports Vulkan 1.3 and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. |
| AI | 7th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine; the product page describes INT8, INT16 and FP16 precision support. | Micro-tile inferencing and INT4 support; Qualcomm describes improved AI performance, including for a specific MobileBERT workload. |
| Connectivity | Snapdragon X65 modem; platform page lists Wi-Fi 6/6E features. | Snapdragon X70 modem; Qualcomm lists peak downloads up to 10 Gbps and Wi-Fi 7 through FastConnect 7800. |
| Imaging | 18-bit ISP and 8K HDR capture features. | 18-bit triple Cognitive ISP, semantic segmentation features, and support for up to 200 MP single capture. |
These are platform capabilities, not a complete description of any one phone. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 specifications and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 specifications describe the platforms; phone makers choose implementation details such as cooling, memory, cameras and regional connectivity.
How much faster is Snapdragon 8 Gen 2?
Qualcomm’s 2022 launch announcement says Gen 2 offers up to 35% faster CPU performance and up to 40% better power efficiency than its predecessor. Qualcomm’s Gen 2 product page also claims up to 25% faster graphics rendering over Gen 1. The phrase “up to” matters: these are company comparisons, not promises that every app or phone will show those gains. The CPU figures appear in Qualcomm’s Gen 2 launch release; the graphics claim is on its Gen 2 product page.
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Gen 2’s AI figures need similar context. Qualcomm says it can deliver up to 4.35 times the AI performance of its predecessor in a MobileBERT context, and describes 60% better performance-per-watt for sustained INT4 inference. Neither figure means all AI tasks run that much faster; both apply to specified workloads and should be read as Qualcomm’s claims.
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What do the benchmark results show?
Graphics: a device-level 3DMark comparison
In a 2022 test, Tom’s Guide reported that a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 device scored 48% higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than its Galaxy S22 Ultra result of 56.9 fps. This indicates a substantial graphics difference in that test setup, but it compares particular phones rather than isolating the chips under identical conditions. See Tom’s Guide’s benchmark report.
CPU: Geekbench 5.1 results from tested phones
Android Central’s comparison reported Geekbench 5.1 multi-core results of 4,760 for its tested Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone, 4,286 for its tested Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 phone, and 3,152 for its tested Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone. These are handset results from that comparison, not scores every phone with those processors should achieve. The inclusion of 8+ Gen 1 also matters: it is a distinct platform, not another name for the original 8 Gen 1. Details are in Android Central’s comparison.
Why two phones with the same chip can perform differently
A benchmark runs on a phone, not on an abstract processor. Cooling design, firmware, power limits, memory, display resolution and performance settings can all affect a result. A brief benchmark peak does not necessarily predict sustained gaming performance: a phone may reduce power or clock speeds as it heats up.
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- 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
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- 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.
For a useful comparison, look for the same benchmark version run on clearly identified retail phones, and check whether the test measures a short peak or repeated sustained performance. Consider heat and power behavior alongside the headline score rather than treating one number as a universal rating.
What the newer platform means in everyday use
Gaming and graphics
Gen 2 adds Vulkan 1.3 support and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, alongside Qualcomm’s claimed graphics-rendering improvement. These features can benefit compatible software, but the phone’s cooling and sustained power limits help determine how well it maintains performance during longer play. The benchmark evidence above is specific to tested devices, not a guarantee for every Gen 2 handset.
Photos and video
Gen 2’s triple Cognitive ISP and semantic segmentation capabilities add platform-level imaging features, while Gen 1 already supports an 18-bit ISP and 8K HDR capture features. Neither chip alone determines the quality of a finished photo or video: sensors, lenses, image processing and camera software are central to the result. A claimed 200 MP single-capture capability is support for a platform configuration, not evidence that every Gen 2 phone has a 200 MP camera.
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- 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.
Mobile data and Wi-Fi
Gen 2’s X70 modem and Wi-Fi 7 support are newer platform capabilities than Gen 1’s X65 modem and Wi-Fi 6/6E features. Qualcomm’s listed peak download speed of up to 10 Gbps is a capability figure, not an expected everyday speed. Actual service depends on the phone’s regional configuration and antennas as well as carrier coverage, network bands and local conditions.
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Gen 2 is a meaningful platform-generation step, especially if gaming performance, newer graphics features or connectivity capabilities are priorities. But the processor comparison alone cannot establish whether a particular upgrade is worthwhile. Compare the exact phone models and regional configurations, including street price, sustained performance and heat, battery life, camera hardware and processing, network bands, software support and warranty. A well-cooled Gen 1 phone may behave differently from a Gen 1 device with tighter thermal limits, just as Gen 2 phones can vary.
For an existing Gen 1 owner, prioritize evidence about the specific replacement phone and the tasks you care about. A higher peak benchmark does not by itself establish better battery life, camera results, or overall value.
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