The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is the stronger chip by a wide margin in the published benchmark aggregates available, and it brings a newer CPU design and platform features. The comparison is not a controlled test of two phones: results vary by handset, and Qualcomm’s own performance percentages compare the 8s Gen 4 with the 8s Gen 3—not the 865 Plus.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 865 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement date | April 2, 2025 (NanoReview) | July 8, 2020 (NanoReview) |
| Manufacturing process | 4 nm (Qualcomm and NanoReview) | 7 nm (Qualcomm and NanoReview) |
| CPU configuration | 1 Cortex-X4 up to 3.21 GHz; 3 Cortex-A720 at 3.0 GHz; 2 at 2.8 GHz; 2 at 2.02 GHz (NanoReview). Qualcomm lists a peak of 3.2 GHz. | 1 Kryo 585 Prime/Cortex-A77 at 3.1 GHz; 3 Gold/Cortex-A77 at 2.42 GHz; 4 Silver/Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz (NanoReview). Qualcomm lists a peak of 3.1 GHz. |
| GPU | Adreno 825 (NanoReview); Qualcomm describes a sliced Adreno GPU. | Adreno 650 (NanoReview) |
| Modem and wireless | Integrated Snapdragon 5G modem-RF system; Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 (Qualcomm) | Snapdragon X55 modem-RF system (Qualcomm family overview); Wi-Fi details are not stated there. |
| ISP and charging technology | 18-bit Spectra ISP; Quick Charge 5 (Qualcomm) | Spectra 480; Quick Charge AI and Quick Charge 4+ (Qualcomm family overview) |
Qualcomm describes platform capabilities; phone makers decide which features to implement in each model and regional version. The listed process node is a chip specification, not proof of a particular phone’s battery life.
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Benchmark comparison: published aggregates
| Benchmark | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Snapdragon 865 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 single-core | 2,072 (50 CPU samples) | 1,254 (4 CPU samples) |
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 6,649 (50 CPU samples) | 3,297 (4 CPU samples) |
| AnTuTu 11 total | 2,314,417 | 909,414 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 3,705 | 1,217 |
These are NanoReview’s published aggregates, not results from the same phones under matched conditions. The Geekbench sample counts differ substantially; NanoReview’s AnTuTu 11 device table also lists many 8s Gen 4 phones but only one 865 Plus phone. Scores can change with the handset, operating system, cooling and benchmark build, so treat the figures as directional rather than a guarantee of what a particular phone will achieve.
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Qualcomm reports 31% improved CPU performance and up to 49% improved GPU performance for the 8s Gen 4, but its stated baseline is the previous Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Those percentages do not describe the 8s Gen 4’s measured advantage over the 865 Plus.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
What the difference means in everyday use
The 8s Gen 4’s newer Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 CPU cores, smaller listed process and higher aggregate benchmark scores point to a substantial generational performance advantage. The GPU aggregates also favor the 8s Gen 4. That supports choosing it when chip performance and a newer platform are your main priorities, but it does not establish exact gaming frame rates or sustained performance for every phone.
A phone’s cooling system and power limits affect how long it can sustain heavy workloads. Battery capacity, firmware, display, storage and camera hardware are also handset-level factors. The available comparison does not establish matched-device battery endurance, temperatures, sustained performance or long-term software support.
Rank #2
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Which phone should you choose?
Choose an 8s Gen 4 phone if performance is the priority
Its published benchmark aggregates are clearly higher, and its platform is newer. Examples listed by NanoReview include the Nothing Phone (3), iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro and Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro. These are examples, not a complete catalog or confirmation of current availability; verify the processor in the exact model and regional listing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteConsider an 865 Plus phone only as a phone-level value decision
The chip launched in 2020, so a used phone built around it should be judged on its actual price, condition, battery health, remaining software support and overall hardware—not its former flagship positioning. NanoReview lists the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 as an example of an 865 Plus phone, not as a statement about current stock.
Quick Recap
Compare the specific handsets, not just the chip names
- Look for long-duration gaming or stress tests of the exact model to assess cooling and sustained performance.
- Compare independent battery-endurance results and the phone’s actual charging implementation; platform charging support alone does not guarantee it is enabled.
- Check display, cameras, storage and software support, which are not determined by the processor name.
- For a used 865 Plus model, inspect battery condition, physical condition and the seller’s stated software-support status.
Sources
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Series Mobile Platforms
- NanoReview: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 specifications and benchmarks
- NanoReview: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus specifications and benchmarks
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