Snapdragon Chip Names Explained (2025): What Snapdragon 8, 7, 6, and 4 Actually Mean

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll break down how Snapdragon chips are named, what those numbers and suffixes really mean, and how to spot the difference between flagship powerhouses and everyday performers.

Snapdragon Naming Format: Tier + Generation

Qualcomm now uses a more structured format: Snapdragon [Tier Number] Gen [Generation Number]. Here’s what it tells you:

• Tier Number (8, 7, 6, or 4): Indicates the performance class.
• Generation (Gen 1, 2, 3, etc.): Tells you how recent the chip is.

Example: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 means it’s a mid-range chip (7 series) from the 3rd generation of this architecture.

What the Numbers Actually Mean

Let’s break down what each tier means in real-world terms:

• Snapdragon 8 Series: Flagship tier. Top-tier speed, AI, GPU, and camera support. Powers phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Great for gaming, pro photography, and longevity.
• Snapdragon 7 Series: Upper mid-range. Smooth performance, good gaming, strong efficiency. Ideal for users who want high-end features without flagship prices.
• Snapdragon 6 Series: Mid-range/mainstream. Found in affordable phones with reliable daily performance and solid battery life.
• Snapdragon 4 Series: Entry-level. Best for basic users—calls, messaging, light apps. Not built for multitasking or gaming.

New in 2025: Snapdragon 8 Elite

Qualcomm has rebranded its top-of-the-line chip as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, replacing what would have been the 8 Gen 4. This isn’t just a name change—it’s a way to spotlight their most powerful mobile processor to date.

With custom Oryon CPU cores, cutting-edge AI performance, and the best graphics and modem tech Qualcomm offers, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is in a league of its own. Expect it to headline the most premium Android devices of 2025.

Pro tip: If a phone has the Snapdragon 8 Elite, you’re getting the best Qualcomm has to offer.

What “Plus” Means (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, etc.)

A “+” or “Plus” chip is a mid-cycle refresh of an existing generation. You’ll usually see:

• Higher CPU or GPU clock speeds
• Improved power efficiency
• Better thermal performance

If you’re deciding between, say, a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 and a 7+ Gen 3, the Plus version will likely deliver smoother gaming and better battery life. It’s not a completely new chip—just a better-tuned version of the original.

What Does the “s” Stand For?

The “s” (as in Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 or 6s Gen 3) signals a slightly stripped-down version of the standard chip. You still get the same CPU architecture, but it comes with cutbacks like:

• Lower GPU or AI performance
• Reduced camera processing features
• Less advanced modems

This helps phone makers offer high-performance chips at more competitive prices—ideal for so-called “flagship killers” like the POCO F7 or iQOO Neo 10.

What About the “5G” Label?

If a chip name includes “5G,” like Snapdragon 480 5G, don’t read too much into it. In 2025, nearly every Snapdragon chip supports 5G out of the box. The label is mostly there for marketing purposes.

Focus on the tier and generation instead—they tell you far more about real-world performance.

Snapdragon Chip Comparison (2025 Snapshot)

• Snapdragon 8 Elite: Ultimate flagship chip with custom cores and maxed-out features.
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: High-end chip from last generation, still excellent.
• Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: Almost flagship-level with slight downgrades.
• Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3: Great upper mid-range chip for gaming and everyday use.
• Snapdragon 6 Gen 1: Balanced mid-range option for casual users.
• Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: Budget choice for light use, basic apps, and communication.

Takeaway: Know Your Chip, Own Your Experience

Choosing a smartphone in 2025 means more than just screen size and camera specs—understanding the Snapdragon chip inside can help you get better performance, longer battery life, and more value for your money.

Whether you’re buying a flagship or a budget device, decoding Qualcomm’s chip names gives you the power to shop smarter.