When you look at the spec sheets for most of the best Android phones this year, you'll see a common trait. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is the industry standard right now, found in devices like the Xiaomi 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
It's no slouch either. The 8 Gen 2 marks a significant step up from its predecessor, with a CPU that is 35% faster and 40% more efficient. It also has a GPU which is 25% faster, and improves ray-tracing for more accurate gameplay.
It's an undeniably brilliant processor – but the next generation looks set to get even better. That's according to respected tech tipster The Galox, who tweeted a few bits of information about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which should succeed it this year.
According to the posts, the next generation processor will have a 30% faster CPU, with 20% more power efficiency. Plus, another tweet suggested that the 8 Gen 3 would be capable of multi-core scores around 6,200 in Geekbench testing. That would put it on par with the best scores seen on phones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a league above handsets with the current Snapdragon processor.
It's tough to comprehend just how good that could be. The 8 Gen 2 is already far more capable than most users need, allowing for blistering speeds and massive workloads without breaking a sweat. For power users and gamers the additional horsepower will be a welcome boost, though, making it easier to tackle intensive tasks that might have otherwise needed a tablet or a laptop.
One thing is for certain though – it's going to push the best phones to be even better. And that is certainly no bad thing for consumers.
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Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
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