Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is newer and leads in CPU benchmark results in the published phone comparison available here, but its gaming scores were close to those of Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Qualcomm also lists Gen 2 with a newer modem and Wi-Fi system. These are platform-level differences, not guarantees of how any two finished phones will perform: cooling, software, battery, and other hardware matter.
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: specifications
Both platforms are listed as 4 nm and support an 18-bit Spectra ISP and Quick Charge 5. The differences below are Qualcomm’s platform specifications; supported features and actual performance depend on the phone and its implementation.
| Specification | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| Peak CPU clock | Up to 3.2 GHz; a 3 GHz version is also available | Up to 3.36 GHz; a 3.19 GHz version is also available |
| 5G modem | Snapdragon X65 | Snapdragon X70 |
| Wi-Fi system | FastConnect 6900; up to 3.6 Gbps; Wi-Fi 6E | FastConnect 7800; up to 5.8 Gbps; Wi-Fi 7 |
| ISP and charging support | 18-bit Spectra ISP; Quick Charge 5 | 18-bit Spectra ISP; Quick Charge 5 |
Qualcomm warns that maximum CPU speed varies by platform version and advises checking the phone maker’s specifications. The same caution applies to connectivity: a phone and network must support the relevant features for a user to benefit from them. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 specifications and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 specifications describe the platform capabilities.
What the specification differences mean
- CPU ceiling: Gen 2 has the higher listed peak clock, though that figure alone does not predict sustained speed in a particular phone.
- Connectivity: Gen 2 names the newer X70 modem and FastConnect 7800 with Wi-Fi 7 support. Actual cellular bands, Wi-Fi features, and speeds depend on the handset, carrier, router, and network conditions.
- Same listed process node: Both are described as 4 nm. That fact by itself does not establish which phone will be more efficient or last longer on a charge.
- Camera and charging: Both list the same ISP depth and Quick Charge 5 support. A phone’s camera pipeline and charging implementation are determined by its maker, so these platform labels do not ensure identical camera output or charging speed.
Qualcomm’s 8+ Gen 1 page also claims, versus the preceding generation, a 10% increase in GPU clock speed, 30% lower GPU power, 10% better CPU performance, and 30% better CPU power efficiency. These are Qualcomm’s vendor comparisons against the prior generation, not direct 8+ Gen 1-versus-8 Gen 2 test results.
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#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support eSIM. This device is compatible with T-Mobile networks and its MVNOs in the United States, carrier compatibility, activation, and network performance may vary depending on IMEI acceptance policies, carrier requirements, regional network support, and available frequency bands.
- NOT compatible with the MVNO's (Spectrum, Cricket, Xfinity, H2O, Visible, etc.), may not recognize international IMEI numbers for activation. Carrier compatibility is not guaranteed in all areas of the United States. Please verify compatibility with your carrier prior to purchase. No U.S. manufacturer warranty; seller return policy applies.
- The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance
- 256GB, 8GB, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core, Adreno 710 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 8MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.4
Published benchmark comparison
Android Central compared different phones: an iQOO 11 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, an ASUS Zenfone 9 with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, and a Galaxy S22 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The results below describe those devices, not a controlled chip-only test. Android Central’s comparison reports the following figures:
| Test | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 iQOO 11 |
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 ASUS Zenfone 9 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossMark overall | 1074 | 1008 | 999 |
| Geekbench 5.1 single-core | 1474 | 1311 | 1005 |
| Geekbench 5.1 multi-core | 4760 | 4286 | 3152 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme score | 2838 | 2801 | 2098 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme frame rate | 17 fps | 16.75 fps | 12.55 fps |
CPU results
In this comparison, the Gen 2 iQOO 11 scored higher than the 8+ Gen 1 Zenfone 9 in both Geekbench 5.1 CPU tests: 1474 versus 1311 in single-core and 4760 versus 4286 in multi-core. That supports a CPU benchmark advantage for the tested Gen 2 phone; it does not guarantee the same gap between every pair of phones using these platforms.
Rank #2
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- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
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Graphics and gaming results
The phones’ 3DMark Wild Life Extreme scores were close: 2838 for the Gen 2 iQOO 11 and 2801 for the 8+ Gen 1 Zenfone 9, with reported frame rates of 17 and 16.75 fps. Android Central described the 8+ Gen 1 as nearly on par with Gen 2 in this test. The reviewer also described sustained gaming on the iQOO 11 as strong, but that observation applies to the tested handset and its design. It does not establish a universal gaming or heat advantage for the chip.
Android Central reported no obvious difference in ordinary day-to-day fluidity among the phones it tested. Benchmark results can reveal workload-specific differences that are not necessarily noticeable in routine use.
Rank #3
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
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How to interpret newer Geekbench results
Geekbench’s current Android chart lists the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 at 1755 single-core and 5052 multi-core in Geekbench 6. This is a live chart entry, not a fixed specification or a matched comparison with an 8+ Gen 1 phone. The chart can change as results are added or updated. See Geekbench’s Android chart.
Do not compare these Geekbench 6 figures directly with the Geekbench 5.1 results above as though they came from the same test run. The benchmark versions and test devices differ.
Rank #4
- 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to ~1750 nits brightness, HDR10+ support, and ultra-smooth responsiveness for gaming and scrolling.
Which platform should you choose?
Choose based on the complete phone, not the processor name alone. An 8 Gen 2 phone is the stronger starting point if you want the newer listed connectivity and the CPU lead shown in the cited comparisons. An 8+ Gen 1 phone can still be the better choice if its price, cooling, battery, screen, camera, storage, software support, or condition suits you better.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display with adaptive 48–120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness high enough for strong outdoor visibility — giving you vibrant, crisp visuals and smooth motion while staying compact.
- For gaming: Compare sustained performance and heat reviews for the exact models you are considering; the cited graphics benchmark results are close, and phone cooling affects longer sessions.
- For battery life: Compare battery capacity and independent endurance results for those specific phones. The platform specifications and benchmark data here do not establish a universal battery-life winner.
- For connectivity: Check the phone’s regional specifications, supported cellular bands, Wi-Fi features, and whether your carrier and network support them.
- For long-term ownership: Check each manufacturer’s software-support policy and the specific model’s remaining update period.
- For a used phone: Factor in battery health, physical condition, and repair history alongside the chip.
- For value: Compare current local prices and availability for the exact variants. These sources do not establish which platform offers better value today.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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