In a significant development for artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) has launched two high-performance processors: the Snapdragon X Elite for laptops and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for phones. Both chips are specifically designed to handle generative AI tasks and offer enhanced CPU and GPU speeds, surpassing competitors like Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), AMD, and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL).
The Snapdragon X Elite processor delivers top-tier CPU performance for Windows laptops and exceptional GPU speeds. It shines in AI benchmark tests, delivering 45 TOPS on INT4 and processing 30 tokens per second on Meta’s Llama 2 AI model, outpacing its competitors by a factor of 4.5. The chip also supports LPDDR5X memory and is capable of running generative AI models with up to 13 billion parameters.
On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor offers a speed increase of 30% compared to its predecessor while consuming 20% less battery power. It can process 20 tokens per second and provides real-time segmentation for advanced image processing. The chip also supports multi-modal applications on phones, a first in the industry as announced by Durga Malladi, Qualcomm's SVP and GM of technology planning and edge solutions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports generative AI models with up to 10 billion parameters.
Both chips are equipped with an NPU (neural processor) and a sensing hub, promising lower latency and cost benefits due to technological synergy. They also support on-device AI processing for enhanced data security.
In addition to its impressive AI capabilities, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor features a Qualcomm Adreno GPU that's 25% faster and a NPU that's 98% faster than previous versions. It supports graphics for high-end gaming at 240 FPS and displays with a variable refresh rate from 1 Hz to 240 Hz. The processor also supports next-gen ray-tracing systems, Unreal Engine 5 with Lumen Support, and upscaling games to 8K resolutions.
The Qualcomm Kryo CPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports up to 24GB of LPDDR5x-4800 memory and features an integrated Snapdragon X75 5G modem along with Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 wireless system with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support.
Several phone manufacturers, including Asus, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony (NYSE:SONY), Xiaomi (OTC:XIACF), and ZTE (HK:0763), have announced plans to release phones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. However, Samsung (KS:005930) was notably absent from this list.
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