A smartphone processor determines how efficiently the CPU, GPU, memory, ISP, and modem work together during multitasking, gaming, photography, video streaming, and connectivity. Comparing these hardware components provides a clearer understanding of everyday smartphone performance and long-term usability.
General
Both processors target affordable 5G smartphones, combining efficient Kryo CPU cores with integrated Snapdragon X51 5G connectivity. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 launched in 2022, while Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 arrived in 2024 with higher CPU frequencies and updated platform optimisation for everyday smartphone workloads.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|
| Brand | Qualcomm | Qualcomm |
| Model | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
| Announced | September 2022 | June 2024 |
| Target segment | Budget 5G smartphones | Budget and mid-range 5G smartphones |
| Network support | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE |
| Manufacturing process | 6nm | 6nm |
| Foundry | TSMC | TSMC |
CPU
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 both use eight Kryo CPU cores with Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 architectures. Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 raises the peak clock to 2.3GHz, helping reduce application loading times and maintain smoother responsiveness when switching between multiple apps.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55 | Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55 |
| CPU cores | 8-core | 8-core |
| Performance cores | 2x Cortex-A78@2.0GHz | 2x Cortex-A78@2.3GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6x Cortex-A55@1.8GHz | 6x Cortex-A55@2.0GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.0GHz | 2.3GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8.2-A |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Process node | 6nm | 6nm |
Graphics
Both processors integrate Qualcomm Adreno graphics designed for casual gaming, HD video playback, and responsive user interfaces. Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 combines the Adreno GPU with higher CPU frequencies to sustain smoother gameplay and application transitions while supporting FHD+ displays at refresh rates up to 120fps.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| GPU generation | Adreno 600 Series | Adreno 600 Series |
| Gaming capability | Casual gaming, FHD gaming | Casual gaming, FHD gaming |
| Maximum display refresh rate | Up to 120fps | Up to 120fps |
| Vulkan support | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
Memory
Memory architecture influences app loading speeds, background multitasking, and data transfer between the CPU and RAM. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports LPDDR4X memory up to 2133MHz, while Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 supports LPDDR4X memory at the same 2133MHz with a higher maximum RAM capacity for handling more simultaneous applications.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR4X | LPDDR4X |
| Maximum memory frequency | 2133MHz | 2133MHz |
| Memory bus width | 2 x 16-bit | 2 x 16-bit |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 17GB/s | 17GB/s |
| Maximum RAM support | 8GB | 12GB |
| ECC memory support | No | No |
Multimedia (ISP)
The multimedia engine determines camera processing, display support, storage compatibility, and video capabilities. Both processors include Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP technology, support FHD+ displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz, and are designed for photography, video recording, and smooth multimedia playback on modern smartphones.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|
| ISP | Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP | Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP |
| Storage support | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Maximum display resolution | FHD+ | FHD+ |
| Maximum refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Maximum camera resolution | 108MP | 108MP |
| Video capture | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 60fps |
| Video playback | Full HD | Full HD |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | Qualcomm Aqstic audio | Qualcomm Aqstic audio |
Connectivity and network
Connectivity features determine mobile network speeds, wireless performance, navigation accuracy, and accessory compatibility. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 both integrate the Snapdragon X51 5G modem, support Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple satellite navigation systems for reliable everyday connectivity.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
|---|
| Cellular modem | Snapdragon X51 5G | Snapdragon X51 5G |
| Network support | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE |
| Maximum download speed | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| Maximum upload speed | 900Mbps | 1500Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS |