Qualcomm has announced that the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 based devices will be launched in the first half of 2022.
Qualcomm on Thursday unveiled its portfolio of silicon powering Always On, Always Connected PCs by introducing the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 compute platforms at the Snapdragon Tech Summit 2021. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is specifically designed for premium, ultra-slim fanless laptops that require both performance and battery efficiency. Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3, on the other hand, is targeted at entry-level Windows laptops and Chromebooks. In addition to the new Snapdragon chips for notebooks, Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 gaming platform for handheld gaming devices. It partnered with Razor to launch the first Snapdragon G3x handheld gaming developer kit as a reference design for developers.
Qualcomm has announced that the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 based devices will be launched in the first half of 2022. On the other hand, the Snapdragon G3x Handheld Gaming Developer Kit is now available for 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 an up to 85 percent generational performance uplift and up to 60 percent better performance per watt over the “competitive x86 platform.” In addition, it claims to have three times more artificial intelligence (AI) performance than the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 which was launched in September last year.
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 includes the Kryo CPU and Qualcomm Adreno GPU. The company did not disclose the exact models, however. However, it does use a new GPU that supports gaming with a Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 Full-HD as well as a 120fps frame rate. It is also claimed that it is optimized to allow users to play up to 50 percent more games than competing platforms.
Qualcomm has integrated its hexagon processor with Qualcomm sensing hub for machine learning processes. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 also features a new Qualcomm Spectra ISP, which is claimed to provide better camera start time, allowing users to start video conferencing up to 15 percent faster than the previous generation. Furthermore, there is a new 3A solution to provide auto focus, auto white balance and auto exposure. The chip also features Qualcomm Noise and Echo Cancellation technology for a better video conferencing experience.
To enhance video conferencing, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 supports up to 4K HDR camera quality and up to four different camera sensors. The chip features the Snapdragon X65 5G modem-RF system for 5G connectivity and offers a maximum download speed of up to 10Gbps. Manufacturers can also choose Snapdragon X55 or Snapdragon X62 modems. You get Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E as well as Bluetooth v5.1 support.
Qualcomm has enabled the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 to support Microsoft Secured-core PCs. There is also a camera security framework with support for Windows Hello Login and a specialized computer vision processor for continuous authentication. The latter is claimed to enable the system to automatically restrict access when the user exits their machine.
The overall combination of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is rated to provide a maximum of 25 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 specifications
Based on the 6nm process, the Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 is designed for low-cost laptops and Chromebooks. The chip Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 is claimed to offer up to 60 percent faster CPU performance and up to 70 percent faster GPU performance. It also comes with a Qualcomm AI engine, which can deliver up to 6.5 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS). Furthermore, it introduces 5G connectivity to the entry-level segment using the integrated Snapdragon X53 5G modem-RF system.
The Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 also comes with the Fast Connect 6700 to deliver Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E at speeds of up to 2.9Gbps. Bluetooth v5.2 is also supported.
Qualcomm has launched support for Windows 11 in the Snapdragon 7c + Gen 3 to bring the latest Windows experience to the public. The chip also has an integrated Qualcomm Spectra ISP with support for up to three cameras at a resolution of 22-megapixel or a single camera of up to 64 megapixels. There is also 4K HDR video recording support.
Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 specifications
The Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 is specifically designed for mobile gamers who want to play Android games, cloud gaming libraries and stream games from their home console or PC alongside accessing Android apps. It is equipped with an Adreno GPU to enable 144fps frame rate and 10-bit HDR support. The chip also includes the Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Gamers can also get 5G support through the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1.
For a better experience, the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 features Snapdragon Sound technology. It is claimed to provide low-latency and high-quality audio output. The chip supports AKSys for precise touch in various games, using the company’s built-in controllers.
The Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 also has multi-screen support, along with the ability to tether the XR viewer via USB Type-C. The platform-based device also acts as a companion controller for 4K TV.
Snapdragon G3x Handheld Gaming Developer Kit specifications
In addition to the Snapdragon G3x chip, Qualcomm has partnered with Razer to bring the Snapdragon G3x handheld gaming developer kit that uses the same chip to help developers create new experiences. The device comes with a 6.65-inch OLED display with full-HD + resolution and 10-bit HDR support. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate.
The developer kit also includes a 5-megapixel webcam with two microphones, which allows gamers to stream their games or capture their expressions while playing their favorite games. 5G as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E support. Additionally, there are four-way speakers along with Snapdragon Sound to provide a better audio experience.
“Together with Qualcomm Technologies and Razor will lead the way with new and innovative solutions that push the boundaries of reliability and quality in portable gaming, changing the way we enjoy these games,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO, in a statement.
