In the process of creating the undisclosed Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, Qualcomm could have taken no short cuts. Recent record-breaking benchmarks may also be explained by a new leak that shows the flagship processor is using an entirely new eight-core arrangement with a Cortex-X4 primary core with an unheard-of peak mobile clock speed.
According to a claim on a Chinese website, which cites user Digital Chat Station as the source, Qualcomm is adopting a different cluster design for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in place of the 1+4+3 layout used by its predecessor. Instead, Qualcomm is employing a 1+5+2 structure. According to reports, the configuration consists of a primary Cortex-X4 core, five big cores, and two efficiency cores.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s maximum clockspeed
Aside from the fact that there are now more potent cores, Qualcomm has also raised the main core’s maximum speed to 3.7 GHz. For comparison, the normal Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is rated at 3.2 GHz while the Cortex-X3 on a bespoke Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can reach up to 3.36 GHz.
Currently, only Samsung’s Galaxy S23 line of handsets have the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The majority of other Android manufacturers rely on the processor’s default rating. What the base speed of the forthcoming Qualcomm silicon will be is also unknown.
Will the GPU on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also be improved?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be constructed on the latest TSMC N4P node, excluding from the CPU. Although it continues to use a 4 nm process, it is claimed to be more efficient than the SoC from the previous year. Regarding graphics, it is said that the Adreno 750 GPU performs 50% better than the Adreno 740.
The chipmaker is expected to make its next-generation chipset announcement earlier than it did last year. This might be because Qualcomm abandoned its plans to release a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “plus” model.
Meanwhile, let us know your thoughts on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Are you willing to wait for it before upgrading your next smartphone?
This week, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2, which is obviously a significant improvement over the mid-range Snapdragon 7 series on paper.
A single Cortex-X2 core running at 2.91 GHz, three Cortex-A710 cores running at 2.49 GHz, and four Cortex-A510 cores operating at 1.8 GHz make up the new chipset’s amazing CPU system, which is reminiscent of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 series. The Cortex-X CPU core is now present in a Snapdragon 7 series chipset for the first time. Moreover, Qualcomm claims that the Adreno GPU has been updated and will perform twice as well as the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 did.
What does this all mean in terms of actual performance, though? We were able to benchmark a Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 reference handset ahead of launch to get a better idea of what to expect.
Design
Obviously, the reference devices from Qualcomm are not smartphones. In essence, these are test versions intended for internal use. It’s important to remember that although this specific device is rather slim, reference designs often have a tendency to be fairly thick when compared to commercial handsets. But, due to software, cooling systems, and various designs, we are still anticipating diverse results for commercial devices.
Nonetheless, the Qualcomm reference design features a 4,192mAh battery, a 6.65-inch 144Hz OLED screen in FHD+, 12GB of LPDDR5 Memory, and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Moreover, the phone lacks an active cooling system like a fan.
Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 tests
Since all three chipsets use the same CPU cores, we anticipated CPU-related results to be comparable to those of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 family going into this. Due to greater Processor clock speeds, nevertheless, we might anticipate the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 to have a slight advantage.
The normal Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a particularly interesting comparison because it is made using the lesser 4nm Samsung technology, whereas the 7 Gen 2 uses the superior 4nm TSMC process. Our research demonstrates that, at least in part as a result of the move from Samsung to TSMC, the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 enjoys a significant performance and efficiency increase. Let’s examine the 7 Plus Gen 2 to determine if the same is the case.
Furthermore, in single-core tests, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 reference phone defeats the Exynos 2200-equipped and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 S22 Ultra and even edges out the OnePlus 11 powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. To maximize efficiency, OnePlus is extremely careful with single-core performance in the latter circumstance. Yet the S23 Ultra, which has less restrictions, outperforms rivals like the recently released Snapdragon 7.
The reference design manages to outperform every Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 device on the list when looking at multi-core CPU results. Also, it has a score that is comparable to smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. However Qualcomm’s most recent flagship 8 Gen 2 chip continues to hold a significant lead.
Overall, it appears that, in terms of CPU performance, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 is competitive with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 across the board. The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 phones, meanwhile, are also not far behind. The somewhat quicker CPU clock rates and possibly different cache capacities could account for this.
GPU testing
The question of graphical performance is a murkier one on paper, owing to the closed-box nature of the Adreno GPU architecture. However, Qualcomm has noted that the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 enjoys a two-fold performance boost over the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. How does this compare to flagship silicon, though?
Comparing mid-range chipsets to their flagship counterparts, mid-range chipsets often perform worse in the GPU domain, and the traditional 3DMark Wild Life test confirms this is still the case. The 7 Plus Gen 2 reference design and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 series as a whole have significantly different scores.
Thankfully, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 easily surpasses the Arm Mali GPU of the Pixel 7 Pro while matching the high-end AMD GPU of the Exynos 2200. Moreover, the reference design score indicates that the Snapdragon 778G Plus GPU in the Nothing Phone 1 offers 2.7x the GPU performance.
This score highlights that Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 phones can handle today’s demanding games at respectable frame rates. Demanding gamers might still want a phone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 series or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for advanced games down the line, but this is a significant win for the mid-tier chipset nonetheless.
Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 stress testing
One-off GPU testing is one thing, but a lot can be gleaned from stress tests. We subjected the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 device to a 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test to get a better idea of sustained performance.
The stress test results make for very interesting reading, as the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 reference device displays rock-solid stability of 99.76%. In fact, this stability means that the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 handset can beat the Galaxy S22 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) when put under extended stress. Needless to say, the Nothing Phone 1 and its Snapdragon 778G Plus chipset is far behind as well.
What’s particularly intriguing is that over the course of the stress test, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 smartphone closed the gap with the Galaxy S23 Ultra and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. This is primarily because the Galaxy handset only maintained 64.6% stability; other 8 Gen 2 handsets performed better.
Although the cynic in us suspects that commercial phones equipped with this chipset may not be as reliable, it still augurs well for prolonged play sessions.
Overall thoughts
Benchmarking reveals that we’re looking at a chipset that’s at least as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from a CPU perspective. That’s no mean feat, and it’s a good sign for those who value speed, be it for everyday performance or those who intend to keep their phones for a few years.
Even when compared to more recent flagship chips, mid-range processors typically show a sizable GPU performance disparity. The bad news is that, in one-off GPU testing, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 is not really an exception. Between Qualcomm’s mid-range and flagship chips, there is still a significant disparity. The less powerful GPU, however, was able to surpass Google and Samsung’s flagship CPUs.
The good news is that the 4nm TSMC architecture and purportedly lower GPU clock speed suggest that we could be looking at rock-solid sustained performance in this case. In a stress test, the chipset can even defeat some Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 series smartphones.
Again, this is just a reference design, but those on the hunt for sustained gaming performance on a budget should keep an eye on phones with the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait too long, as Qualcomm confirmed that the first phones are coming this month. The company also name-dropped Redmi and realme as brands working on devices with this chipset.
The OnePlus 11, which was previously available only in China, has now arrived in the US. Pre-orders have now been available for the flagship device. Here are the finest locations to order the device in advance and locate the best discounts and trade-in prices.
OnePlus 11 pre-orders
Even without the enormous camera array on the back of the phone, the OnePlus 11 offers a lot. The OnePlus 11 features top-notch specs on the inside. A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, as much as 16 GB of RAM, and either 128 or 256 GB of internal UFS 4.0 storage are all included in that.
The 50MP Hasselblad-branded sensor system is housed in a well-known wraparound camera configuration on the back of the device by OnePlus. The 5,000mAh battery is charged using an 80W rapid charging system. Unfortunately, the US model can only charge at 80W while other models can do so at 100W. Additionally, this time around there is no wireless charging.
The best part about the flagship device from OnePlus is the price. The OnePlus 11 comes in at $699, taking a bite at the competitively priced Pixel 7 series while offering a Qaulacomm SoC and other heavy specs.
As is normally the case, the website with the best deal is from the company selling the device, OnePlus. With a Red Cable Club account, buyers earn a number of points for future purchases. On a purchase like the OnePlus 11, that means getting a larger amount of credits.
Although rewards points are fantastic, the real value is seen when you trade in your outdated technology. Naturally, OnePlus has some restrictions. According to OnePlus, you’ll receive an immediate $500 credit toward your OnePlus 11 purchase if you trade in a OnePlus smartphone, yet we were unable to make this credit show up.
You can also receive up to $200 with that and any other trade-ins; this money could be paid to you after you make a purchase or be made immediately. For instance, OnePlus will add $200 to the trade-in value of a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, making the total trade-in value $560. These values wouldn’t even come close to justifying the trade-in without the credit.
If you’re looking for accessories with your OnePlus 11 pre-order, now would be the time to bundle the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. At $50 off, those who are looking to keep it in the OnePlus ecosystem will want to take that offer up.
The second best place to pick up the OnePlus 11 is Best Buy. Unfortunately, the company isn’t offering trade-in deals with pre-orders, however, customers who place a pre-order will get a $100 gift card. While it isn’t a glamorous trade-in bonus, a Best Buy gift card can go a lot further than OnePlus credit if you already have the devices you need.
The OnePlus 11 should ship out around February 16, with pre-orders going on until the day before.
The Red Magic 8 Pro is one of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 smartphones that have already been released. Since its late December launch, the phone has only been available in China, but that will now change.
Today, Nubia announced the Red Magic 8 Pro’s global release, and it does appear to be a fantastic gaming phone. The aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, together with an enhanced cooling system, powers the phone.
More specifically, among other cooling measures, you have a bigger vapor chamber cooling plate and an integrated cooling fan with a maximum speed of 20,000 RPM. Therefore, people looking for the finest long-term gaming performance should keep this phone in mind. Another thing that shouldn’t be surprising is the presence of two capacitive shoulder triggers.
What else does it bring to the table?
The rest of the phone also looks pretty impressive, featuring a 6.8-inch 120Hz OLED screen, 12GB to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, a 6,000mAh battery, and 65W wired charging via the included charger.
Switching to the cameras, Nubia’s handset brings a second-generation 16MP under-display selfie camera. Otherwise, you’ve got a triple camera system on the back, consisting of a 50MP GN5 main camera, 8MP ultrawide snapper, and 2MP macro lens.
A 3.5mm connector (excellent), Bluetooth 5.3, dual stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint sensor with heart rate detection, Red Magic OS 6.0 on top of Android 13, and support for Wi-Fi 7 are some further noteworthy Red Magic 8 Pro features.
Red Magic 8 Pro pricing and availability
These specs don’t mean much if the device is hideously overpriced. Thankfully, the Red Magic 8 Pro is one of the more competitively priced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones in global markets.
The 12GB/256GB phone will be available for $649 / €649 / £579. Need more RAM and storage? Then the 16GB/512GB model will set you back $799 / Є749 / £709. The Red Magic 8 Pro will go on sale from February 2 in Asia-Pacific regions, Europe, Latin and North America, and the Middle East.
You may or may not remember Samsung tipster Ice Universe pointing out that the low Geekbench results for the Galaxy S23 line suggested that the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip powering the Galaxy S23 devices was not functioning properly. A benchmark test called Geekbench is used to evaluate and compare the central processing unit CPU of chipsets used in smartphones (it works with processors on other types of devices, but we are focused on handsets for this story).
The Galaxy S23‘s single-core Geekbench score was comparable to other smartphones powered by the same SoC, as we noted approximately a week and a half ago. However, the multi-core scores fell short of expectations, which is strange given that the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s X-3 high-performance core should result in higher Geekbench scores than other models using the chip’s stock configuration.
Previous Geekbench tests hinted that Samsung was throttling the CPU of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for the S23 line
And since none of the multi-core Geekbench tests for the Galaxy S23 line topped a score of 5,000 (something that other phones running the latest Snapdragon application processor (AP) did, it led to concerns that Samsung must be throttling the processor on the Galaxy S23 series which is something that would be done if the chipset was overheating.
Let’s explore the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that powers the Galaxy S23 range in more detail. There are two variations; the Motorola X40 and OnePlus 11 will use the 4nm process node and the X-3 high-performance core, which has a 3.2 GHz clock speed. Samsung Foundry will produce the version for the Galaxy S23 range utilizing its 4nm production node and an X-3 high-performance processor clocked at 3.32GHz.
However, a recent Geekbench test on the Galaxy S23 Ultra resulted in a multi-core score of 5,179, finally crossing the 5,000 threshold, according to Android Headlines. This suggests that any thermal issues that would have compelled Samsung to reduce the processor’s speed may have been resolved.
The cooling system on the Galaxy S23 model will reportedly be enhanced and 1.6 times more effective than the cooling system on the Galaxy S22, according to a Twitter tipper by the name of Ahmed Qwaider (@AhmedQwaider888). The cooling system on the Galaxy S23+ will be 2.8 times more effective than the one on the Galaxy S22+, while the cooling system on the Galaxy S23 Ultra will be 2.3 times more effective than the one on the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
The new chipset and cooling systems should keep the Galaxy S23 line from overheating
The upgraded cooling systems will be able to prevent the Galaxy S23 series from overheating during periods of high usage without the need to throttle the processor, which is the bottom line. Furthermore, if your flagship phones’ overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets are going to be throttled in any case, what would be the point?
The tipper notes that the Galaxy S23 models’ battery life would increase and less heat will be produced as a result of the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and better cooling system. Additionally, he claims that the performance of the Neural Processing Unity (NPU) would increase by 60% due to the enhanced usage of artificial intelligence (AI) features, and that the performance of the CPU will increase by 36% compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip used in the Galaxy S22 series.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is rumored to be pre-installed with the One UI 5.1 interface which includes newer Android 13 features that were released by Google with the Android 13 Quarterly Platform Release 1 that was dropped early last month. The One UI interface is designed to make it easier for users to reach on-screen elements that are usually placed out of reach of users sporting a large-screened phone. This is done by keeping most of the elements near the bottom of the display.
The long-rumored, relentlessly teased Motorola X40 is now a reality. The Xiaomi 13 series and the Vivo X90 Pro Plus arrived at the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 party before Motorola, but the X40 has many positive specs.
To begin with, Motorola is now providing a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a display refresh rate of a whopping 165Hz. That is not the quickest refresh rate ever achieved on a smartphone. Device refresh rates of up to 240Hz have been observed in the past. However, the average flagship’s maximum frequency is 120Hz. Motorola is attempting to entice gamers with a combination of a more cheap price, the potent Adreno 740 GPU, and a modest Full HD+ resolution that won’t be as resource-intensive as QHD+ panels found on other flagships by maintaining the refresh rate at par with phones like the ROG Phone 6 Pro.
The Motorola X40’s 125W charging is another impressive feature. It also has wireless charging, but it’s dismally weak at only 15W, compared to 50W on the X30 Pro (Edge 30 Ultra worldwide), the flagship from the previous year. However, many people should be able to get by with the cable charger because it can top off the phone’s 4,600mAh battery to 50% in just 7 minutes.
The Motorola X40 has three lenses: a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP camera with a 2x optical zoom. Given that the Edge 30 Ultra from the previous year had a 200MP camera on board, the phone’s muffled camera specifications suggest a Pro version may be in the works.
Motorola X40 price and availability
When it comes to price, the X40 occupies a highly desirable position among flagship models. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage option is available for just 3,400 Chinese yuan (about $490). Additionally, it is available in versions with 8GB and 256GB of storage for 3,700 yuan (about $530), 12GB and 256GB for 4,000 yuan (about $573), and 12GB and 512GB for 4,300 yuan (about $616).
China will start selling the phone on December 22. It is anticipated to make its debut early in 2019.
The introduction of Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship system on a chip (SoC) is about to be announced; it is anticipated to take place during the company’s event in November. Although the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has been anticipated for some time, there is a speculation that a surprise version of the chipset may be on the horizon.
The rumor was passed along via informant Digital Chat Station. According to a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Qualcomm may be getting ready to introduce two different Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor models.
According to reports, this variant would have a microprocessor with an ultra-high frequency that significantly increases clock rates. One of the chipsets would be your typical chipset, while the ultra-high frequency processor may operate at 3.4 to 3.5GHz, according to Digital Chat Station. Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 currently operates at 3.19GHz as a point of comparison.
Even while everything seems thrilling, you should treat this rumor with a lot of skepticism. The likelihood of this rumor being true is remote. The rumor is that Qualcomm will release two chipsets simultaneously, which wouldn’t make much sense.
The informant also highlighted Mediatek’s future Dimensity chip in addition to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. They assert that Mediatek’s upcoming chip could significantly boost CPU performance. Check out the comparisons here to see how the Dimensity 9000 and the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 stack up against one another.
Late last year, Qualcomm launched a new naming scheme for its chipsets, which it continued with the upper mid-range Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 earlier this year. The SD 4 Gen 1 and SD 6 Gen 1 are now being revealed by the US chip creator, who is going downstream.
The new chipsets, which take the place of the SD 400 and SD 600 naming conventions, also add a few useful features to their respective price ranges. What you need know about them is as follows:
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
The 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is undoubtedly the best chipset out of the bunch, with an octa-core CPU (4x Cortex-A78 and 4x Cortex-A55) with a claimed 40% performance improvement over the Snapdragon 695, which is, admittedly, a weaker chip. A 35%-better performing Adreno GPU is also included with the SoC, along with gaming-specific features like variable rate shading and jank minimization.
Qualcomm’s new SoC also brings an improved AI engine with a Hexagon Tensor Accelerator and a claimed 3x increase to AI performance, as well as a Snapdragon X62 5G modem.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
CPU
2x Cortex-A78 6x Cortex-A55
4x Cortex-A78 4x Cortex-A55
GPU
Adreno
Adreno
Modem
Snapdragon X51 5G 2.9Gbps down
Snapdragon X62 5G 2.5Gbps down
Camera
108MP snapshot 32MP single 25MP+13MP dual 13MP triple
48MP single 25MP+16MP dual 13MP triple 108MP snapshot 4K HDR
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.2 Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth 5.2 Wi-Fi 6E
Manufacturing process
6nm
4nm
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 also offers a respectable selection of photographic features, including up to 200 MP for a single camera (likely for a snapshot), 25 MP and 16 MP for a dual camera, and 13 MP for a triple camera. Additionally, 4K HDR video recording is something you can anticipate, which is an upgrade over the Snapdragon 695’s complete lack of 4K video recording.
Other noteworthy features include 120Hz at FHD+ display resolutions, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for Quick Charge 4+.
You’re in for a bit of a wait if you want a phone with this chipset, as Qualcomm says devices with the SD 6 Gen 1 are set to launch in Q1 2023. Motorola has also confirmed that it will offer a phone with the new SoC.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
Additionally, Qualcomm unveiled the 6nm SD 4 Gen 1, which replaces the SD 6 Gen 1. With a claimed 15% boost over the SD 480, the new lower mid-range SoC offers an octa-core CPU (2x Cortex-A78 and 6x Cortex-A55). The GPU reportedly experiences a 10% performance increase.
Otherwise, it appears that the SD 4 Gen 1 and the SD 695 have a lot in common. Similar camera features (including support for 108MP snapshots but no 4K video recording), 120Hz support at FHD+ resolutions, Quick Charge 4+ support, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 5 are all present. Additionally, the Snapdragon X51 5G modem can reach downlink rates of 2.5Gbps.
You won’t have to wait long to see the first phones with the SD 4 Gen 1, as Qualcomm confirmed that the first devices will land this quarter (Q3 2022). Vivo’s Iqoo brand has revealed that the Iqoo Z6 Lite will be one of the first globally available phones with the new chipset.
Xiaomi is planning to release the Redmi K50 series in China in February. According to the newest information, Xiaomi will release the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-powered Redmi K50 first, followed by the Dimensity 9000-powered variant. These new advances coincide with the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated according to the Lunar calendar, and most Chinese firms have planned releases and activities to commemorate the auspicious occasion. Xiaomi, predictably, will be present at these events, where the much-anticipated Redmi K50 series will be unveiled. The Redmi K50 series will have four variants with AMOLED high-refresh display panels, new-generation processors, multi-camera configurations, and rapid charging capabilities.
Snapdragon 8 Gen to launch first
Xiaomi has planned to introduce the Redmi K50 devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU, according to Xiaomi executive Lu Weibing. The Redmi K50 models with the Dimensity 9000 processor will be released later. However, the real cause behind the launch’s spread is unknown. The Redmi K50 lineup is likely to include many variants and is expected to come with a variety of processing units, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the Dimensity 9000, the Dimensity 8000, the Dimensity 7000, and the Snapdragon 870.
Redmi K50 series specifications
ReRedmi K50, K50 Pro, K50 Pro+, and K50 Gaming Edition are expected to be included in the Redmi K50 series. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC is believed to be used in the Redmi K50 Pro+, while the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 870 SoC could be used in the Redmi K50 Pro. The Dimensity 9000 SoC could be included in the Redmi K50 Gaming Edition. Finally, either the Dimensity 8000 or the Dimensity 7000 are expected to power the vanilla Redmi K50.
The Redmi K50 series is expected to come with MIUI 13 based on Android 12 (expected). Lower-end models will get a 50W/67W fast charging support while the higher and more expensive models will benefit from a 120W fast charging support. The device is expected to get a 108MP main camera sensor accompanied by other sensors. The Redmi K50 Pro can be launched as a rebadged POCO.
Samsung, with its Galaxy Tab S series, is one of the few manufacturers interested in selling high-end Android tablets. The forthcoming Tab S8 series has been leaked a few times in recent months, due to regulatory filings and numerous renders, but thanks to a fresh revelation from WinFuture, we may finally know everything there is to know about the tablets.
The Galaxy Tab S8 series includes precise specifications and a few press renders, according to WinFuture. Samsung appears to be sticking with three variants this year, as previously reported via leaks: the Tab S8, Tab S8 Plus, and Tab S8 Ultra (there was no Ultra for the Tab S7). According to reports, all three tablets will come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, dual rear cameras (12MP primary and 6MP ultra-wide), Wi-Fi 6, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 5.2, optional 5G, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1, fingerprint readers, Android 12 with One UI 4.1, and a S Pen.
The screen size is the most significant distinction between each tablet. The Tab S8 will reportedly have an 11-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2800 x 1752, while the Tab S8 Plus will have a 12.7-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2800 x 1752. The Tab S8 Ultra will boast a gigantic 14.6-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, whereas Apple’s iPad Pro series only goes up to 12.9 inches. The Tab S8 Ultra, on the other hand, will have a notch at the top (in landscape mode) that houses two 12MP cameras, which seems ridiculous.
Pricing information is not yet known for any of the tablets, but the base Galaxy Tab S7 was $649.99 at release in the United States, and the Tab S7 Plus with a 12.4-inch screen was $849.99 at launch. If the prices are similar this year, it might be best to wait for a sale — even with Samsung’s custom DeX interface, there just aren’t as many tablet-optimized apps available on Android compared to. iPadOS.
