Qualcomm has discreetly introduced its latest chipset, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, updating its mobile platform lineup with a new addition that might initially confuse due to its naming scheme. The “s” in its name indicates a step-down version in Qualcomm’s array of processors.
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is offered in 4G (SM-6370) and 5G (SM6375-AC) variants, subtly hinting at its lineage through the model number. It is essentially an iteration of the Snapdragon 695, first introduced in 2021 and later rebranded as the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (SM4375). Manufactured on a 6nm TSMC process, this chipset features an octa-core CPU setup that includes two Cortex A78 cores with a clock speed of up to 2.3 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores operating up to 2.0 GHz—representing a slight overclock compared to its predecessors.
Alongside the CPU, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 incorporates an Adreno 619 GPU and a FastConnect 6200 modem, supporting LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. However, it falls short in the camera department, supporting video capture only up to 1080p at 60fps, a limitation that seems out of step with current expectations for mobile device capabilities in 2024.
The earlier Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, built on a more advanced 4nm process, boasts superior specifications. It features additional Cortex-A78 CPU cores, a more robust Adreno 710 GPU, faster LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage, a FastConnect 6700 modem, and supports 4K video capture at 30fps.
Despite its modest fanfare, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is already making its way into upcoming devices. According to recent benchmark leaks, the Motorola G85 is hinted as one of the first phones to feature this new chipset. This release signals Qualcomm’s continued expansion and adaptation of its chipset offerings to meet diverse market needs.
