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Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a modest step up from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, not a leap. Qualcomm lists it with a higher peak CPU clock (up to 2.3 GHz versus up to 2 GHz), a newer 4 nm process (versus 6 nm), and the Snapdragon X61 5G modem (versus X51). Qualcomm claims up to 10% better CPU performance. Those are platform specifications and vendor claims. They do not guarantee that every Gen 2 phone will beat every Gen 1 phone, because the phone maker’s memory, storage, cooling, software and network setup all shape the result.
Specification comparison
| Attribute | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU peak clock | Up to 2.3 GHz; a 2.2 GHz version also exists | Up to 2 GHz | Check the exact phone’s configuration, since the clock can differ by variant. |
| Process | 4 nm | 6 nm | Qualcomm describes Gen 2 as the first 4 nm platform in the Snapdragon 4 series. A smaller process label does not by itself establish battery life in a retail phone. |
| 5G modem | Snapdragon X61 | Snapdragon X51 | Qualcomm’s Gen 2 page lists peak download up to 2.5 Gbps. That is a peak figure, not a typical user speed. |
| Storage highlighted | UFS 3.1 | Not stated in the sources used here | Do not assume Gen 1 lacks or has equivalent storage support from this comparison. |
| Qualcomm performance claim | Up to 10% better CPU performance than the previous generation | Reference generation | Vendor claim, not an independent finding. |
Sources: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 product page and product brief (revision C), and Qualcomm’s mobile product portfolio for the Gen 1 figures.
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What Qualcomm actually claims
The Gen 2 product brief says its Kryo CPU offers “up to 10% better performance” than the previous generation. The brief’s own caveat reads: “All comparisons made are in reference to previous generation, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 Mobile Platform. Results will vary, depending on OEM implementation and other factors.” Read “up to” literally: it is a ceiling under Qualcomm’s conditions, and typical app and game behavior may fall short of it. No independent study confirming the figure was found.
Benchmark results
The only specific benchmark comparison available is from NanoReview, which aggregates user-submitted results. When checked in 2026, its comparison page showed these figures:
#1 Best Overall
- [Qualcomm QCS6490 flagship core support] Rubik Pi 3 SBC as the first AI development board equipped with 6nm qua-lcomm QCS6490, achieves intelligent computing power scheduling with triple-cluster CPU architecture (1×2.7GHz + 3×2.4GHz + 4×1.9GHz). Coupled with a 12TOPS NPU, it delivers 300% higher performance than Rasp berry Pi 5. The edge-optimized hardware design supports one-click TensorFlow/PyTorch model deployment, eliminating developers' computing power constraints.
- [Fast Response, Stable and Durable] Rubik Pi 3 Single Board Computer is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4x memory, which significantly improves the efficiency of multitasking and AI computing; and 128GB of UFS 2.2 flash memory, with a measured sequential read speed of 1,050MB/s and a write speed of 240MB/s, which is a performance increase of more than 300% compared to the traditional SD card solution. This configuration is perfectly adapted to edge computing, robot control and other high-intensity application scenarios, and fully meets the dual needs of developers for storage performance and reliability.
- [Multi-OS Development Platform] The RUBIK Pi 3 Single Board Computer supports multiple operating systems including qua-lcomm Open Source Linux, Android, Ubuntu for qua-lcomm IoT platforms, and Debian 12. Featuring a compact 100×75mm lightweight design, it streamlines both prototyping and mass production workflows.
- [Industrial Grade Multimedia Processor] The RUBIK Pi 3 AI development board is capable of hardware-accelerated 4K60 H.264/H.265/VP9 decoding and 4K30 encoding.The Spectra 570 ISP supports advanced imaging configurations including a single 64-megapixel or three 22-megapixel cameras, while the 12TOPS NPU enables real-time AI processing.
- [8-core open-source development board] RUBIK Pi 3 development board features one 2.7 GHz qua-l-comm Kryo 670 Gold Plus CPU core, three 2.4 GHz qua-l-comm Kryo 670 Gold CPU cores and four 1.9 GHz qua-l-comm Kryo 670 Silver CPU cores, which is actually a qua-lcomms upgrades for the Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55.
| Benchmark (NanoReview) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu 11 aggregate | 568,395 (17 samples) | 521,686 (7 samples) |
| Geekbench 6 single-core | 915 (page showed a 7% relative advantage in the displayed comparison) | not stated |
The AnTuTu gap works out to roughly 9%, which is in line with Qualcomm’s “up to 10%” CPU claim, though the two measure different things. Treat these numbers carefully. The sample counts are small, the pages update over time, and the phones behind each average differ in RAM, storage, cooling and software. They are not a controlled test of two otherwise identical devices, and they say nothing reliable about game frame rates, thermals or battery endurance. No same-device battery or gaming test was available for this comparison.
Which is better?
On paper Gen 2 is better on every listed point: faster peak clock, newer process, newer modem. The gain is incremental, so a Gen 1 phone is not obsolete simply because Gen 2 exists. If you are upgrading from a Gen 1 phone, expect a small improvement rather than a transformation.
Rank #2
- [Qualcomm QCS6490 flagship core support] Rubik Pi 3 SBC as the first AI development board equipped with 6nm qua-lcomm QCS6490, achieves intelligent computing power scheduling with triple-cluster CPU architecture (1×2.7GHz + 3×2.4GHz + 4×1.9GHz). Coupled with a 12TOPS NPU, it delivers 300% higher performance than Rasp berry Pi 5. The edge-optimized hardware design supports one-click TensorFlow/PyTorch model deployment, eliminating developers' computing power constraints.
- [Fast Response, Stable and Durable] Rubik Pi 3 Single Board Computer is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4x memory, which significantly improves the efficiency of multitasking and AI computing; and 128GB of UFS 2.2 flash memory, with a measured sequential read speed of 1,050MB/s and a write speed of 240MB/s, which is a performance increase of more than 300% compared to the traditional SD card solution. This configuration is perfectly adapted to edge computing, robot control and other high-intensity application scenarios, and fully meets the dual needs of developers for storage performance and reliability.
- [Multi-OS Development Platform] The RUBIK Pi 3 Single Board Computer supports multiple operating systems including qua-lcomm Open Source Linux, Android, Ubuntu for qua-lcomm IoT platforms, and Debian 12. Featuring a compact 100×75mm lightweight design, it streamlines both prototyping and mass production workflows.
- [Industrial Grade Multimedia Processor] The RUBIK Pi 3 AI development board is capable of hardware-accelerated 4K60 H.264/H.265/VP9 decoding and 4K30 encoding.The Spectra 570 ISP supports advanced imaging configurations including a single 64-megapixel or three 22-megapixel cameras, while the 12TOPS NPU enables real-time AI processing.
- [8-core open-source development board] RUBIK Pi 3 development board features one 2.7 GHz qua-l-comm Kryo 670 Gold Plus CPU core, three 2.4 GHz qua-l-comm Kryo 670 Gold CPU cores and four 1.9 GHz qua-l-comm Kryo 670 Silver CPU cores, which is actually a qua-lcomms upgrades for the Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55.
- Everyday use: both are entry-level platforms aimed at basic smartphone tasks; the difference between them is likely to be small.
- Gaming and battery life: the chip is only one input. Qualcomm’s figures do not establish either, so look for device-level reviews.
- Connectivity: X61 versus X51 matters mainly if your network supports the features involved; the supported bands in your region matter more than the modem name.
How to compare real phones
Since you buy a phone, not a chip, compare these on the actual models:
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- Price and local availability
- RAM and storage type and size
- Display type and refresh rate
- Battery capacity, charging speed and independently tested endurance
- Camera hardware and image processing
- Software update policy
- Supported 5G and LTE bands for your carrier
- Sustained-performance and gaming tests that can be repeated
When shopping for phones with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, confirm the exact chipset and the full configuration on the manufacturer’s spec sheet, since a cheaper Gen 1 phone with better RAM, display or battery can be the better buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- UNLEASH 12 TOPS AI POWER: Powered by the advanced Qualcomm QCS6490 chipset, this development board delivers a staggering 12 TOPS of AI computing performance. Perfect for demanding edge AI, machine learning, and computer vision projects, ensuring lightning-fast processing and real-time analytics.
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- MULTI-OS FLEXIBILITY: Designed for true developers, this board offers comprehensive Multi-OS support. Whether you prefer the versatility of Android or the robust control of Linux, seamlessly switch and deploy the environment that best suits your project needs.
- 🛠️ THE ULTIMATE IOT & AI CATALYST: Transform your ideas into reality. From smart home automation and industrial robotics to advanced AI prototyping, this board provides the enterprise-grade reliability and cutting-edge specs required to build the future of technology.
Rank #4
- Product advantages:Core board module programming development board's the speed of developing product prototypes is faster, the program is easier to achieve modularity, and maintenance is more convenient
- More suitable for beginners:Programming development board does not require complicated settings, installation of special software and additional hardware, or compilation and downloading. Programming in any text editor via a USB
- Most of the hardware functions:Core board module programming development board can be driven by a single command, and can be developed quickly without understanding the underlying hardware. Very good for product prototyping and software migration, making the development process easy and full of fun
- Programming development board includes 4 LEDs on the for pyboard, the USR button, the reset button and the booto button, that can indicate and use to interact with the system, built-in USB, with flash and reset switches, easy to program
- Applicable users:Core board module programming development board is a program development learning tool for makers, DIY enthusiasts, and engineers
Rank #3
- ESP32-C6 GEEK Development Board,Suitable for creative WF 6 and BT applications based on ESP32-C6.
- Integrated LCD display, TF card slot, BOOT button and other peripheral interfaces.
- Adopts high-performance 32-bit RISC-V processor, up to 160MHz main frequency.
- Onboard 3PIN UART header, 3PIN GPIO header and 4PIN I2C header.
- Equipped with plastic case and cables.
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