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The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a mid-generation refresh of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It raises CPU clocks and moves production from Samsung’s 4 nm process to TSMC’s 4 nm process, while keeping a closely related core layout and feature set. Qualcomm claims up to 10% better CPU performance and improved power efficiency, but those figures are not guaranteed results for every phone. For a real-world comparison, the handset’s cooling, firmware, and power limits matter as much as the chip name.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs 8+ Gen 1: key specifications

Both platforms use a one-plus-three-plus-four CPU arrangement: one Cortex-X2 prime core, three Cortex-A710 cores, and four Cortex-A510 cores. The Plus version raises the listed clock speeds for all three core groups. AnandTech’s 2022 comparison also lists 6 MB of system-level cache for each platform.

Specification Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Manufacturing process Samsung 4 nm (AnandTech, 2022) TSMC 4 nm (AnandTech, 2022)
CPU configuration 1 Cortex-X2, 3 Cortex-A710, 4 Cortex-A510 1 Cortex-X2, 3 Cortex-A710, 4 Cortex-A510
Prime-core clock 3.0 GHz (AnandTech, 2022) 3.2 GHz (AnandTech, 2022)
Performance-core clocks 2.5 GHz (three Cortex-A710 cores; AnandTech, 2022) 2.8 GHz (three Cortex-A710 cores; AnandTech, 2022)
Efficiency-core clocks 1.8 GHz (four Cortex-A510 cores; AnandTech, 2022) 2.0 GHz (four Cortex-A510 cores; AnandTech, 2022)
System-level cache 6 MB (AnandTech, 2022) 6 MB (AnandTech, 2022)
GPU Adreno; exact clock not stated in the cited AnandTech comparison Adreno, with a 10% higher GPU clock than the 8 Gen 1 (Qualcomm claim)
Modem and ISP X65 modem; 18-bit Spectra ISP (AnandTech, 2022) X65 modem; 18-bit Spectra ISP (AnandTech, 2022)

These are platform specifications, not a promise that phones using the chips will have identical connectivity, cameras, memory, charging, or software support. Those depend on each manufacturer’s device design and configuration.

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What changed in the Plus version?

Higher CPU clocks

The 8+ Gen 1 increases the listed prime-core clock from 3.0 to 3.2 GHz, the performance-core clocks from 2.5 to 2.8 GHz, and the efficiency-core clocks from 1.8 to 2.0 GHz. Qualcomm describes the resulting CPU performance improvement as up to 10%; that is a vendor comparison, not a universal benchmark result.

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A different 4 nm manufacturing process

The original 8 Gen 1 is identified as a Samsung 4 nm chip, while the 8+ Gen 1 is identified as TSMC 4 nm. The process change is central to the refresh’s efficiency story, alongside its higher clocks; the “4 nm” label alone does not make the two chips equivalent in manufacturing.

Closely related platform features

The chips retain the same broad CPU core arrangement, X65 modem, and 18-bit Spectra ISP in AnandTech’s comparison. The Plus model is principally a process-and-clock refresh rather than a wholly new feature generation.

What Qualcomm claims about performance and power

Qualcomm’s platform materials claim up to 10% better CPU performance, a 10% increase in GPU clock speed, 30% improved CPU power efficiency, and 30% lower GPU power consumption compared with the 8 Gen 1. These are Qualcomm’s claims, not independent guarantees for every phone, workload, or battery test. Qualcomm also advertises longer video streaming and web browsing, but those statements should not be read as universal measured battery-life results.

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For Qualcomm’s own comparison and feature description, see the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform page.

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What benchmark comparisons can—and cannot—tell you

There is no single benchmark percentage that describes how much faster every 8+ Gen 1 phone will be. AnandTech’s launch analysis found results varied by test: Qualcomm’s Geekbench figures were somewhat higher, while the material reviewed did not show a meaningful PCMark gain. GPU results also varied, and peak performance did not establish sustained performance across handsets.

A short benchmark run measures a different thing from a long gaming session. As a phone heats up, its cooling design, firmware, and power limits can affect sustained CPU and GPU speeds. A benchmark result is useful only when it identifies the handset, benchmark and version, software build, and whether the run measures a brief peak or sustained performance. AnandTech discusses these caveats in its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 launch analysis.

How to compare two phones using these chips

If you are choosing between actual phones, compare the devices rather than treating the processor name as the whole experience. Check:

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  • Peak performance: Compare results from the same benchmark and version, with the device and software build identified.
  • Sustained gaming: Look for results from the same game or stress test, run for a stated duration, with thermal behavior reported.
  • Battery life: Distinguish Qualcomm’s chipset efficiency claims from measured battery life for the specific handset and test conditions.
  • Device configuration: Verify the phone’s supported modem bands, memory, camera hardware, charging, and software-support policy. Shared chip capabilities do not guarantee matching phone specifications.

A phone that uses Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

Qualcomm announced that the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 powered Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 devices globally. That confirms a real handset implementation, but it is not a controlled performance comparison with a particular Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone. Qualcomm’s device announcement is available at Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Powers Samsung Galaxy Z Series Devices Globally.

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