Qualcomm unveils AI-powered Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip

Qualcomm‘s latest Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset marks a significant mid-range processor upgrade, promising substantial performance improvements and bringing generative AI capabilities to more affordable smartphones. Built on a 4nm process, this new platform narrows the gap between mid-range and flagship devices with its upgraded CPU architecture, enhanced graphics capabilities, and expanded AI features. The announcement signals Qualcomm’s continued push to democratize advanced mobile technologies beyond premium devices.

The big picture: Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 mobile platform delivers significant performance upgrades while bringing generative AI capabilities to mid-range smartphones.

• The 4nm chipset promises 27% faster CPU performance, 30% improved graphics rendering, and 65% better AI processing compared to its predecessor.
• Honor and Vivo will be the first manufacturers to release phones with the new chipset this month, with Realme following shortly thereafter.

Key specifications: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 features a revamped Kyro CPU with a three-tier architecture designed for balanced performance and power efficiency.

• The processor includes one prime core (2.8GHz), four performance cores (2.4GHz), and three efficiency cores (1.8GHz).
• The chipset supports up to 16GB of advanced LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options, enabling faster app loading and multitasking capabilities.

AI capabilities: For the first time in the 7-series, the chipset brings support for generative AI features through its enhanced Hexagon NPU.

• The platform can run on-device image generation with Stable Diffusion 1.5 and supports popular large language models for smart assistants and real-time translation.
• Previously premium features like Qualcomm’s Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) technology now appear outside the 8-series chipsets for the first time.

Gaming enhancements: The platform incorporates several gaming technologies previously reserved for higher-end processors.

• The Qualcomm Adaptive Performance Engine 4.0 intelligently allocates system resources for smoother gameplay during intensive gaming sessions.
• Additional gaming features include Snapdragon Game Super Resolution and Qualcomm Game Quick Touch for more responsive controls.

Camera improvements: The new Spectra Image Signal Processor brings significant photography upgrades to the mid-range segment.

• The triple 12-bit ISPs support camera sensors up to 200MP and introduce hardware-based electronic image stabilization for the first time in the 7-series.
• AI-enhanced features are built directly into the hardware for improved auto focus, white balance, and exposure.

Connectivity features: The chipset includes Qualcomm’s latest connectivity technologies to ensure fast and reliable connections.

• The platform supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and Qualcomm’s 5G Modem-RF System.
• Quick Charge 5 Technology enables rapid battery charging for supported devices.