On Thursday, Qualcomm expanded its Silicon Powering portfolio for Always On, Always Connected PCs by introducing the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 computing platforms, at the Snapdragon Technology Summit 2021. Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is specially designed for the high-end, fanless thin super notebook that demands both performance and battery efficiency. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 is aimed at Windows laptops and low-end Chromebooks. In addition to the new Snapdragon chip for laptops, Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 gaming platform for handheld gaming devices. It also partnered with Razer to announce the first Snapdragon G3x Handheld Gaming Developer Kit as a reference design for developers.
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 based devices will launch in the first half of 2022, Qualcomm speak. On the other hand, the Snapdragon G3x Handheld Game Developer Kit is now available to developers.
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 Specifications
Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is the world’s first 5nm platform for Windows PCs and Chromebooks. The new chip is also touted to deliver up to 85% generational efficiency gains and up to 60% better performance per watt than “competitive x86 platforms”. In addition, it is said to have three times higher artificial intelligence (AI) performance than Snapdragon 8cx 2nd Generation” It’s a launched in September of last year.
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is touted as the world’s first 5nm platform for Windows PCs and Chromebooks
Image credit: Qualcomm
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 includes a Kryo CPU and a Qualcomm Adreno GPU. Even so, the company has yet to reveal the exact models. However, it claims that using the new GPU, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 supports gaming in full-HD resolution along with frame rates up to 120 fps. It is also said to be optimized to allow users to play games up to 50% longer than competing platforms.
Qualcomm has integrated the Hexagon processor along with the Qualcomm Sensor Hub for machine learning processes. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 also features a new Qualcomm Spectra ISP that is said to offer improved camera boot times, allowing users to start video conferences 15% faster than the previous generation. Furthermore, there is a new 3A solution to provide autofocus, auto white balance and auto exposure. The chip also features Qualcomm’s Noise and Echo Cancellation technology to improve the video conferencing experience.
To enhance video conferencing quality, Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 also supports up to 4K HDR camera quality and up to four separate camera sensors.
This chip features the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System for 5G connectivity and provides peak download speeds of up to 10Gbps. Manufacturers can also choose Snapdragon X55 or Snapdragon X62 modems. You’ll also get Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E as well as Bluetooth v5.1 support.
Qualcomm has enabled Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 to support Microsoft’s secure core PCs. There is also a camera security framework with support for Hello Windows login and a dedicated Computer Vision processor for persistent authentication. The latter is supposed to allow the system to automatically restrict access when the user leaves their machine.
The overall combination on Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is rated to deliver up to 25+ hours of battery life on a single charge.
Specifications of Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3
Based on the 6nm process, Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 is designed for low-cost laptops and Chromebooks. This chip is claimed to deliver up to 60% faster CPU performance and up to 70% faster GPU performance boost from Snapdragon 7c 2nd Generation”. It also comes with the Qualcomm AI Engine which is said to deliver AI performance improvements up to 6.5 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS). Furthermore, it introduces 5G connectivity to the low-end segment using the Snapdragon X53 integrated 5G Modem-RF system.
Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 claimed to deliver up to 60% faster CPU performance than its predecessor
Image credit: Qualcomm
The Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 also comes with FastConnect 6700 to deliver Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E at up to 2.9Gbps. There is also support for Bluetooth v5.2.
Qualcomm has enabled support for Windows 11 on Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 to bring the latest Windows experience to the masses. This chip also integrates Qualcomm Spectra ISP with support for up to three cameras at 22 megapixel resolution or a single camera up to 64 megapixels. There is also support for 4K HDR video recording.
Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Specifications
Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 is specially designed for mobile gamers who want to play Android games, content from the cloud game library, and stream games from their home console or PC. – along with accessing Android applications. It is equipped with an Adreno GPU to enable a frame rate of 144fps and supports 10-bit HDR. The chip also has Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Players can also get 5G support through the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1.
Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 comes with Adreno GPU to enable 144fps frame rate and 10-bit HDR support
Image credit: Qualcomm
For an enhanced experience, Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 includes Snapdragon Sound technology. This is claimed to provide low latency and high quality audio output. The company also supports AKSys for precise touch using the built-in controller in various games.
The Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 also has multi-display support, along with the ability to connect to the XR viewer via USB Type-C. The device powered by the platform can also act as a companion controller to a 4K TV.
Snapdragon G3x Handheld Game Developer Kit Specifications
Along with Snapdragon G3x chip, Qualcomm has combined with Razer to bring the Snapdragon G3x Handheld Game Developer Kit using the same chip to help developers build newer experiences. The device comes with a 6.65-inch OLED display with full-HD+ resolution and 10-bit HDR support. It also includes a 120Hz refresh rate.
The 1st Gen Snapdragon G3x Handheld Game Developer Kit features a 6.65-inch full-HD+ OLED display
Image credit: Qualcomm
The developer kit also features a 5-megapixel webcam with two microphones to allow gamers to stream their games or record their expressions while playing their favorite games. There is also 5G support as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. Additionally, there are four-way speakers along with Snapdragon Sound for an enhanced audio experience.
“Together, Qualcomm Technologies and Razer will lead the way with new and innovative solutions that push the boundaries of fidelity and quality available in mobile gaming, transforming the way these games are experienced.” , said Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer, in a statement.
