The Tool Desk
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How the specifications compare
Both are 4 nm Qualcomm mobile platforms. Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 on March 18, 2024; NanoReview lists the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 as announced in November 2022. The specification differences below describe platform capabilities, not features guaranteed in every phone.
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| Specification | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Process designation | 4 nm (Qualcomm) | 4 nm (Qualcomm) |
| Maximum CPU clock | Up to 3 GHz (Qualcomm current listing) | Up to 3.36 GHz (Qualcomm current listing) |
| GPU identified in comparison | Adreno 735 (NanoReview) | Adreno 740 (NanoReview) |
| Storage capability noted in Qualcomm brief | UFS 4.0 | Not stated in the cited Qualcomm brief for 8s Gen 3 |
| Memory/connectivity details noted in Qualcomm brief | LP-DDR5X up to 4200 MHz; FastConnect 7800 with Wi-Fi 7 | Not stated in the cited Qualcomm brief for 8s Gen 3 |
Qualcomm’s 8s Gen 3 brief identifies the platform as part number SM8635. Qualcomm also cautions that optional features can depend on OEM or carrier selection. A chipset’s feature list therefore does not establish that a particular handset includes every capability.
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Which is faster in CPU tests?
The clock specifications alone do not settle CPU performance. In NanoReview’s live aggregate snapshot accessed October 4, 2026, Geekbench 6 results favor the 8 Gen 2 modestly: the 8s Gen 3 records 1,923 single-core and 5,179 multi-core, versus 2,004 and 5,311 for the 8 Gen 2. NanoReview reports 64 and 132 samples respectively.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support eSIM. This device is compatible with T-Mobile networks and its MVNOs in the United States, carrier compatibility, activation, and network performance may vary depending on IMEI acceptance policies, carrier requirements, regional network support, and available frequency bands.
- NOT compatible with the MVNO's (Spectrum, Cricket, Xfinity, H2O, Visible, etc.), may not recognize international IMEI numbers for activation. Carrier compatibility is not guaranteed in all areas of the United States. Please verify compatibility with your carrier prior to purchase. No U.S. manufacturer warranty; seller return policy applies.
- The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger, 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2340px, Fingerprint (under display, optical), IP67 dust and water resistance
- 256GB, 8GB, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm), Octa-core, Adreno 710 GPU, Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 8MP, f/2.2 + 5MP, f/2.4, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 5000mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.4
A separate live comparison snapshot from 91mobiles, accessed October 4, 2026, reports Geekbench results of 2,003 single-core and 5,094 multi-core for the 8s Gen 3, and 2,023 and 5,564 for the 8 Gen 2. The ordering is similar, but the scores differ because these are separate publisher-reported aggregates, not a controlled same-phone test.
Which is better for gaming and graphics?
NanoReview’s accessed 2026 aggregates favor the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the listed 3DMark graphics tests:
Rank #2
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| 3DMark test | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Nomad Light | 1,033 | 1,092 |
| Solar Bay | 4,992 | 5,312 |
| Wild Life Extreme | 3,116 | 3,667 |
These are publisher-reported aggregates, not a guarantee of frame rate, sustained performance, temperature or battery life. GPU model names alone cannot predict how a game will run: phone cooling, power limits, display resolution, memory configuration and firmware all affect the outcome. Stability results also vary by test and should not be treated as interchangeable with peak scores.
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NanoReview’s live AnTuTu 11 aggregate accessed October 4, 2026 gives the 8s Gen 3 1,797,821 and the 8 Gen 2 1,757,044, based on 287 and 238 tests respectively. That is a slight lead for the 8s Gen 3 in that specific version and dataset.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
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91mobiles’ separate live comparison snapshot, also accessed October 4, 2026, reports AnTuTu scores of 1,815,619 for the 8s Gen 3 and 1,611,015 for the 8 Gen 2. The figures should not be averaged with NanoReview’s or treated as results from the same test setup. Benchmark version, sampled phones and publisher methodology can change the apparent gap; compare scores only when their test version and context match.
What the benchmark numbers can—and cannot—tell you
The scores above are live publisher aggregates accessed October 4, 2026, rather than permanent chipset specifications. Their samples combine results from multiple phone models, so they do not isolate the processors under identical cooling, power or software conditions. They are useful for seeing the pattern across specific tests, not for predicting every handset’s everyday speed or gaming endurance.
Rank #4
- 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to ~1750 nits brightness, HDR10+ support, and ultra-smooth responsiveness for gaming and scrolling.
Qualcomm presented the 8s Gen 3 as a platform with on-device generative AI and advanced photography capabilities. In its March 18, 2024 announcement, Qualcomm senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets Chris Patrick said it was “designed to enhance user experiences, fostering creativity and productivity in their daily lives.” That is Qualcomm’s stated design intent, not an independent performance finding.
Which phone should you choose?
Choose between actual phone models, not chip names in isolation. Compare the exact regional variant and handset configuration, then check:
Best Value
- Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display with adaptive 48–120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness high enough for strong outdoor visibility — giving you vibrant, crisp visuals and smooth motion while staying compact.
- Cooling and sustained performance: reviews of the specific phone are more useful for long gaming sessions than a peak chipset score.
- Memory, storage and display: confirm the phone’s installed RAM and storage type, screen resolution and refresh rate; platform support does not prove a model uses every option.
- Price and software support: compare current local pricing and the manufacturer’s update policy for the exact model.
- Connectivity: verify the phone’s implemented network and Wi-Fi features rather than relying only on the platform brief.
91mobiles’ comparison page lists examples including the iQOO Neo 10R and OnePlus Nord 5 with the 8s Gen 3, and the Samsung Galaxy S23, OnePlus 12R and OnePlus 11 with the 8 Gen 2. These are examples from that page, not claims about current availability or value; verify the market, exact variant and current listing before buying.
Quick Recap
Sources and scope
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform Product Brief — platform capabilities and specifications.
- Qualcomm’s March 18, 2024 announcement — release context and Qualcomm’s stated design intent.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile Platforms: Products — current listed process nodes and maximum CPU clocks, accessed October 4, 2026.
- NanoReview comparison — live benchmark aggregates and sample counts, accessed October 4, 2026.
- 91mobiles comparison — a separate benchmark snapshot and example phones, accessed October 4, 2026.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
