5 Minutes
What Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Brings to Mid-Range Phones
Qualcomm has quietly introduced the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, its newest 4nm mid-range mobile platform designed to succeed the well-received Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. The upgrade centers on a slightly faster prime core clock — rising from 2.5GHz to 2.7GHz — and delivers a claimed 7% uplift in combined CPU and GPU performance. Targeted at performance-conscious mainstream devices, the 7s Gen 4 balances power efficiency with improved AI, camera, and connectivity capabilities.
Key Features and Technical Highlights
CPU, GPU and Process
The SM7635 silicon is built on TSMC 4nm process technology and features a 1+3+4 Kryo CPU configuration: one Cortex-A720-based Kryo Prime up to 2.7GHz, three Cortex-A720-based performance cores up to 2.4GHz, and four Cortex-A520-based efficiency cores up to 1.8GHz. An integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU supports modern APIs including Vulkan 1.3, OpenGL ES 3.2 and OpenCL 2.0 FP.
AI and On-Device Intelligence
On the AI front, the platform integrates Qualcomm Hexagon NPU with fused AI, tensor and vector accelerators. It supports mixed-precision inferencing (INT4, INT8, INT16) and runs a broad set of local language models and LLMs such as Llama 1B and Qwen 1B, enabling smarter on-device experiences for voice, camera, and sensory tasks.
Camera, Imaging and Media
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 retains a triple 12-bit Spectra Image Signal Processor (ISP) and supports up to 200MP photo capture, 64MP single captures with zero shutter lag, and multi-camera configurations (up to 21MP triple or 32+21MP dual setups). Video capabilities include 4K HDR recording at 30fps, HDR10+/HDR10/HLG playback, and slow-motion capture at 1080p 120fps.
Connectivity and Audio
This platform integrates the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF system supporting mmWave and sub-6GHz with peak download speeds up to 2.9Gbps and Dual-SIM Dual-Active 5G+5G or 5G+4G operation. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio, and the FastConnect mobile connectivity suite. Audio features leverage Qualcomm Aqstic codecs, Snapdragon Sound technologies, and support for aptX voice, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive.
Comparisons and Advantages over Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Compared with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, the Gen 4 delivers a modest but meaningful incremental uplift: a faster prime core (2.7GHz vs 2.5GHz) and an overall 7% gain in CPU/GPU performance. Beyond raw clocks, Gen 4 improves AI throughput via Hexagon enhancements, adds broader local LLM support, and brings contemporary connectivity standards such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, making it a stronger choice for multitasking, gaming, and on-device AI tasks.
Use Cases: Who Benefits from Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 is ideal for mid-range flagships and upper-mid devices that need fast displays, capable cameras, and solid AI features without the power and cost of flagship silicon. Typical use cases include mobile gaming on WFHD+ 144Hz HDR10+ screens, content creation with 4K HDR capture, local AI assistants and real-time video processing, and premium audio experiences using Snapdragon Sound and aptX codecs.
Market Relevance and Availability
By packing modern features like LLM support, robust NPU capabilities, 5G DSDA, and high-refresh HDR displays into a 4nm mid-range SoC, Qualcomm positions the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 to accelerate premium features across more affordable phones. Xiaomi is the initial adopter, with the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ slated to be the first handset powered by this chipset at its China debut.
Connectivity, Memory and Storage
The platform supports LPDDR5 at 3200MHz (also LPDDR4x 2133MHz), up to 16GB memory, UFS 3.1 storage, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, and Quick Charge 4+ fast charging. GNSS support includes GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and triple-frequency positioning for improved navigation accuracy in urban and highway scenarios.
Final Take
Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 represents Qualcomm's effort to bring near-flagship capabilities — high-refresh HDR displays, advanced imaging, AI-ready NPUs, and multi-gigabit 5G — into the mid-range segment. For manufacturers and consumers seeking a balanced mix of performance, connectivity and AI, Gen 4 is a compelling upgrade path over its predecessor.
Source: fonearena
Comments