Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon 8S Gen 3, a chipset positioned just below its flagship counterpart, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This latest addition aims to democratize premium features, including on-device generative AI models, for more affordable smartphones, marking a significant expansion in Qualcomm's high-level tier offerings.

The Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 boasts a GPU akin to the standard 8 Gen 3, albeit with slight adjustments such as a lower frequency and one less performance core. Notably, it incorporates the previous-generation modem, the X70 5G, with Wi-Fi 7 support, alongside hardware-accelerated ray tracing for enhanced gaming experiences.

With support for multimodal generative AI on-device, the 8S Gen 3 enables the execution of large language models up to 10 billion parameters, facilitating advanced functionalities like gen AI virtual assistants and image expansion. While not exhaustive in AI capabilities compared to its flagship counterpart, it signifies a significant leap in AI integration for mid-range devices.

According to Qualcomm's Senior Director of Product Management, Deepu John, the Snapdragon high-level tier framework follows a hierarchical structure with three sub-categories within each tier. Positioned below the standard 8 Gen 3, the "S" series chipset offers a compelling alternative, bridging the gap between flagship and mid-range offerings.

The unveiling of Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 sets the stage for potential future iterations, hinting at the possibility of an 8 Plus Gen 3 model in the pipeline. As Qualcomm continues to innovate and expand its chipset portfolio, consumers can anticipate greater accessibility to premium features across a wider range of devices.