The mid-tier smartphone landscape has long been under the sway of MediaTek’s Dimensity series, but Qualcomm is staging a robust resurgence with the introduction of the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset. Our hands-on experience with the maiden device sporting this cutting-edge chipset, the OnePlus Ace 3V from China, enabled us to conduct an exhaustive array of benchmarks, meticulously assessing its prowess in CPU, GPU, AI capabilities, and 5G performance.
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3: Specifications Overview
Before delving into the benchmark findings, let’s elucidate the key specifications of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Process Node | TSMC 4nm |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo CPU (1x 2.8GHz Cortex-X4, 4x 2.6GHz Cortex-A720, 3x 1.9GHz Cortex-A520) |
| GPU | Adreno 732 GPU with Super Resolution, AFME 2.0, and Game Post Processing Accelerator |
| NPU | Hexagon NPU for on-device AI model execution |
| Camera Support | Cognitive ISP, Triple 18-bit ISPs, up to 200MP photo capture, 4K HDR video capture at 60 FPS, Google Ultra HDR photo capture, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LE |
| Modem | Snapdragon X63 5G Modem with peak download speed of 4.2 Gbps |
| Storage/RAM Support | UFS 4.0, LPDDR5X memory up to 4200MHz |
| NavIC Support | Yes |
Geekbench 6 and CPU Performance
Evaluating the CPU performance of the Gen 3 chip involved running the Geekbench 6 test. The chipset delivered an impressive single-core score of 1,747 and a multi-core score of 4,511 on the OnePlus Ace 3V. These figures underscore its prowess, positioning it in close contention with last year’s flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
AnTuTu Benchmark
In the AnTuTu benchmark, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 showcased remarkable performance, garnering a staggering score of 1,456,859. This achievement not only breaches the 1-million threshold effortlessly but also surpasses the performance benchmark set by the Dimensity 8300 Ultra, firmly establishing the Gen 3 as a formidable contender in the mid-tier segment.
CPU Throttling and Sustained Performance
Our assessment of the chipset’s ability to sustain demanding workloads included a CPU Throttling test. The Gen 3 exhibited exceptional performance, experiencing throttling to only 84% of its maximum capacity during the 15-minute test duration. Its performance remained consistent without any discernible drops, even after subjecting it to seven consecutive runs to gauge performance degradation over time.
GPU Performance and 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test
The performance evaluation of the Adreno 732 GPU entailed subjecting it to the rigorous 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress test. The Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 continued to impress, achieving a peak loop score of 2,954 and a lowest loop score of 2,476 with a stability rating of 83.8%.
AI Performance and Benchmark Results
Turning our focus to the Hexagon NPU’s capabilities, the AITuTu benchmark yielded an impressive overall score of 582,942 for the Gen 3, underscoring its AI prowess. While attempts to execute the AI Benchmark test and the Geekbench ML app encountered hurdles due to unsupported APIs or framework issues, the chipset’s AI capabilities remained evident.
5G Speed Test
Our evaluation of the Snapdragon X63 modem’s 5G capabilities on the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 revealed commendable performance. On the Jio and Airtel 5G networks, the chipset attained a peak download speed of 352 Mbps and a peak upload speed of 61.3 Mbps. It’s noteworthy that the importation of the OnePlus Ace 3V from China may entail limitations in 5G band support in India, potentially impacting the results.
Redefining Mid-tier Dominance
The benchmark outcomes unequivocally affirm Qualcomm’s resurgence in the mid-tier segment with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. Surpassing the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra, it ascends as the new standard-bearer in mid-tier performance.
Following numerous iterations, Qualcomm has delivered a remarkable 7-series chipset that excels across diverse facets, from CPU and GPU capabilities to AI performance and 5G speeds. Anticipation mounts for the imminent debut of the OnePlus Nord 4, fueled by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, heralding a paradigm shift in the mid-tier smartphone domain.