Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the company's flagship chipset to power 2022's top-end phones. The chip is the successor to the Snapdragon 888, but uses the new single-digit + generation naming scheme the company recently announced. The new chip uses a cutting-edge 4nm manufacturing process that offers 1.7x better power efficiency. Compared to the 888, it offers up to 4x better AI performance and 30% faster graphics rendering. A new Snapdragon Sight brand encompasses the improved triple ISP that powers camera functions. It can process 3.2 gigapixels per second at 18 bits, which means it can process 4,096x more camera data compared to the 888. It supports 18-bit RAW photos, 8K HDR video capture, and a new night mode that collects 5x as much image data. A new low-power ISP enables always-on camera features like touchless face unlock. The new chip also supports Bluetooth LE Audio, including new LE Audio functionality like broadcast audio, wireless stereo recording, and voice back-channel for gaming. The 5G modem supports 3GPP Release 16, including support for downlink speeds up to 10 Gbps, as well as uplink carrier aggregation for faster upload speeds. Qualcomm is also applying AI processing to new areas, from camera auto-focus to boosting the cellular signal. Qualcomm expects the first phones using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 to launch before the end of this year. Motorola, OnePlus, and Sony are among the companies that have already committed to launching phones using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Read on for additional details.


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