Qualcomm Reveals Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 Processors
Key Takeaways
- Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 built on 6nm process with up to 2.9GHz CPU, lacks 5G
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 built on 4nm process with 5G, supports LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1
- Both chips support up to 108MP cameras and 1080p@60fps video, but lack WiFi 6
Qualcomm recently announced two new entry-level system-on-chips (SoCs), the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4. These processors aim to bring modest upgrades to budget and mid-range smartphones, although their naming has sparked confusion among consumers and industry observers alike.
The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 is fabricated on a 6nm process, an improvement over the 11nm node used in its predecessor. It features a Kryo CPU configuration capable of reaching speeds up to 2.9GHz, which Qualcomm states is 51% faster than the previous generation. In contrast, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 utilizes a more advanced 4nm process and adopts a different CPU setup, with two cores clocked at 2.3GHz and six cores at 2.0GHz. While the 6s 4G Gen 2 boasts higher clock speeds, it lacks 5G support, whereas the 4 Gen 4 includes sub-6GHz 5G connectivity.
Both chips incorporate Adreno GPUs that can drive displays up to 1080p+ at 120Hz refresh rates. Qualcomm claims the GPU in the 6s 4G Gen 2 is 20% faster than its predecessor, although no similar performance claims were made for the 4 Gen 4. Neither processor is designed for demanding gaming, but they can handle casual games adequately.
In terms of memory and storage, the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 supports up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM operating at 2,133MHz and UFS 2.2 storage, with Quick Charge 3 technology enabling an 80% charge in approximately 35 minutes. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 offers a clear advantage here, supporting both LPDDR4X and the faster LPDDR5 memory standard at speeds up to 3,200MHz, along with UFS 3.1 storage and Quick Charge 4+, which can charge 50% of the battery in just 15 minutes.
Camera capabilities are similar across both chips, with support for up to 108MP sensors. The 6s 4G Gen 2 utilizes a 12-bit triple image signal processor (ISP) that can process configurations such as 13MP + 13MP + 5MP or 16MP + 16MP with zero shutter lag. The 4 Gen 4 features a dual ISP setup and supports 16MP + 16MP configurations with zero shutter lag. Both processors are limited to 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second and lack support for AV1 decoding.
Connectivity options differ notably between the two chips. The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 is limited to 4G LTE with download speeds up to 390Mbps, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 adds 5G sub-6GHz support with download speeds reaching 2.5Gbps but remains at WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, a point of criticism as WiFi 6 has become expected even in budget chipsets.
Qualcomm states that devices featuring these new processors will begin appearing next year, although specific brand partnerships and launch timelines, including availability in Nepal, have not yet been disclosed.
