Qualcomm Expands Portfolio with Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and 7c+ Gen 3 To Accelerate Mobile Computing

During the annual Snapdragon Tech Summit, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. expanded the portfolio of solutions for Always-On, Always Connected PCs with the introduction of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 compute platform, designed to deliver the performance and exceptional experiences users deserve in premium ultra-slim and fanless laptops. To strengthen the entry-tier Windows PC and Chromebook ecosystems with robust 5G connectivity and advanced AI experiences, the Company also unveiled the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 Compute Platform. Both platforms utilize smart, connected technology to modernize PC experiences and redefine mobile computing for end-users.

Breakthrough Performance Per Watt, for Extreme Performance with Maximum Efficiency

Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 marks the World’s First 5nm Windows PC platform, delivering best-in-class performance and efficiency. Our advanced 5nm process node, combined with other optimizations, allows us to dramatically improve the performance of the Qualcomm Kryo CPU, while maintaining similar power consumption to our previous generation, resulting in new levels of efficiency.

With the integration of new prime cores, Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 delivers an up to 85% generational performance uplift and up to 60% greater performance per watt over the competitive x86 platform*. This means users will experience premium computing power to work faster in productivity applications with support for up to multiple days of battery life.

 

 

During GPU-intensive activities, like web browsing, video and photo editing, and video conferencing, users will benefit from the graphics and software experiences of the Qualcomm Adreno GPU at a staggering performance improvement of up to 60% versus our previous generation. This premium platform also supports gaming at full HD (up to 120 FPS) and is optimized to allow users to game up to 50% longer than certain competing platforms.

Immersive Videoconferencing and Streaming, With Crystal-Clear Audio and Leading Camera Capabilities

Video conferencing has become more prevalent, and 8cx Gen 3 continues the innovation of video and audio capabilities, delivering crisp visuals and clear audio that enable incredible experiences available on a laptop. Utilizing the Qualcomm Spectra ISP with improved camera start-up time, users can begin video conferences up to 15% faster than with our previous generation.

8cx Gen 3 delivers the latest generation 3A – Autofocus, Auto White Balance, and Auto Exposure – so Microsoft Teams or Zoom calls adapt to the user’s movement and lighting changes with high-quality video. Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 enables crystal clear audio in almost any environment, with Qualcomm Noise and Echo Cancellation technology – part of the Qualcomm Voice Suite.

 

 

This feature is enhanced through AI acceleration to improve the clarity and quality of users’ audio. That means that the user’s laptop can remove unwanted background sounds such as barking dogs or a neighbor mowing their lawn. Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 also supports up to 4K HDR camera quality and up to 4 cameras for new use cases.

Advanced AI-Accelerated Experiences

In addition to enabling the everyday features users to rely on, such as face detection or background blur and audio noise suppression, the built-in AI capabilities of Snapdragon compute platforms at every tier support key power optimization for AI workloads.

8cx Gen 3 delivers an incredible 29+ TOPS of AI acceleration, almost 3X the leading competitive platform, helping users experience more performant AI experiences. With the rapid adoption of AI capabilities to accelerate application experiences, users will experience even more advanced security, modern new use cases, and enriching experiences.

Security from the Chip to the Cloud

Users deserve the peace of mind around the security of their data, especially as our digital lifestyles put laptops at the center of working, learning, and connecting. 8cx Gen 3 is architected to deliver security from chip to cloud, introducing a new standard for protecting users’ devices and data from malicious activity.

 

 

In addition to a layered chipset-level Secure Boot process and the security of cellular connectivity, 8cx Gen 3 continues to enable Microsoft Secured-core PCs for high-level protection out of the box. 

8cx Gen 3 also introduces a camera security framework supporting Windows Hello login and a dedicated Computer Vision processor for continuous authentication that helps ensure the user’s device automatically locks when they leave their machine. 8cx Gen 3 also introduces runtime memory encryption, while Zero Trust frameworks can use more sensors and connection health monitoring to enable real-time authentication of access to corporate resources.

Delivering a New Level of Entry-Tier Computing

The new Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 Compute Platform will enable a new class of entry-tier devices with exceptional levels of performance and advanced capabilities. Purpose-built for users across our Windows PC and Chromebook ecosystem, the 6nm 7c+ Gen 3 delivers up to 60% faster CPU performance and up to 70% faster GPU performance uplift. The 7c+ Gen 3 also introduces 5G connectivity for the first time in an entry-level platform, raising the bar of accessible connectivity for affordable device users.

The integrated Snapdragon X53 5G Modem-RF system supports 5G sub-6 and mmWave– enabling download speeds of up to 3.7 Gbps. The addition of FastConnect 6700 brings multi-gigabit Wi-Fi 6 and 6E with speeds up to 2.9 Gbps. We remain committed to making connectivity more accessible, and the improved connectivity technology in Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 will enable fast, advanced, efficient always-connected laptops for a new level of entry-tier Windows PCs and Chromebooks.

Devices powered by Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 are expected to launch in 1H22.