Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs Dimensity 9400: Who is the Performance King?

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs Dimensity 9400: Who is the Performance King?While many users are still claiming that smartphone performance is already over the top, the performance of the core of smartphones, SoCs (System on a Chip), continues to break limits. Especially Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek, after adopting the 3nm process and a new performance architecture, have brought unprecedented user experience

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs Dimensity 9400: Who is the Performance King?

While many users are still claiming that smartphone performance is already over the top, the performance of the core of smartphones, SoCs (System on a Chip), continues to break limits. Especially Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek, after adopting the 3nm process and a new performance architecture, have brought unprecedented user experience. With the release of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and the Dimensity 9400 processor, the performance comparison between these two top-tier SoCs has become the focus of users' attention. This article will delve into the comparison between these two processors to see who the true performance king is.

CPU: The Showdown between Custom Architecture and All-Core Design

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is equipped with Qualcomm's self-developed Oryon architecture CPU, dubbed "Second-Generation Customized Oryon," which brings a 40% performance boost and 40% energy efficiency improvement, while achieving a 27% reduction in overall power consumption. The processor adopts a "2+6" design, namely two "super cores" and six "performance cores." The two super cores have a frequency of up to 4.32GHz, and the six performance cores have equally impressive frequencies. Each core is equipped with 12MB of L2 cache. Compared to the previous generation, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy's single-core performance has improved by 40% and its multi-core performance by 42%.

The Dimensity 9400 processor adopts a second-generation all-core 8-core CPU. It utilizes ARMv9's latest generation IP Blackhawk architecture design and builds on TSMC's new 3nm process, achieving a 15% IPC improvement. Its single-core performance has improved by 35% compared to the previous generation, and its multi-core performance has improved by 28%. It features one 3.626GHz Cortex-X925 super core, three 3.3GHz X4 large cores, and four 2.4GHz A720 cores.

Judging from the CPU's frequency and architecture design, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy's self-developed architecture adopts a more aggressive approach in performance, reflecting Qualcomm's leading edge in chip design.

GPU: Adreno 830 vs Mali-G925-Immortalis MC12

In terms of GPU, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy adopts the brand new Adreno 830 GPU. This GPU not only delivers a 44% boost in peak performance but also boasts a 25% improvement in energy efficiency. It operates at a frequency of up to 1100MHz and comes equipped with 12MB of dedicated cache.

The Dimensity 9400 processor adopts Mali-G925-Immortalis MC12, which delivers a 41% improvement in peak performance compared to the Dimensity 9300, along with a 44% reduction in power consumption at peak performance.

The performance gap between the two processors in terms of GPU is not significant. Currently, it's difficult to definitively determine which one is superior; real-world device testing is necessary to draw conclusions. However, it's certain that both processors offer GPU performance capable of meeting user needs.

AI Performance: Hexagon NPU vs NPU890

Regarding AI performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy integrates an enhanced Hexagon NPU, boasting a 45% performance improvement and 80TOPS of computing power. It supports on-device multi-modal AI and longer Token input, providing users with a richer AI application experience.

The Dimensity 9400 processor comes equipped with the new eighth-generation AI processor NPU890 and integrates the Dimensity AI Intelligent Agent Engine. It supports autonomous perception of environmental understanding, target identification, environmental change strategy adjustment, communication between multiple intelligent agents, and collaboration.

It's apparent that the two processors adopt different technical approaches in AI. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy focuses more on AI processing power, while the Dimensity 9400 prioritizes expansion of AI application scenarios.

ISP: AIISP vs Imagiq1090

In terms of ISP, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy benefits from the combination of AIISP and NPU, enabling unlimited semantic segmentation at 4K resolution.

The Dimensity 9400 is equipped with the flagship ISP image processor Imagiq1090 and supports Dimensity All-Focal-Length HDR technology, Dimensity Smooth Zoom technology, 8K All-Focal-Length Dolby Vision HDR video recording, Dimensity AI Pointing Sound Capture technology, Dimensity AI Super Clear Long Focal-Length Algorithm, and more.

Both processors have their unique advantages in ISP. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides stronger AI support, while the Dimensity 9400 focuses more on optimizing video recording and AI image algorithms.

Other Technological Advantages:

Besides the advantages in CPU, GPU, AI, and ISP, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy also supports native Unreal Engine 5.3 solutions, adopts the Snapdragon Sound technology suite, integrates the X80 5G modem-RF radio frequency system, features a FastConnect 7900 wireless Wi-Fi connection system with 40% efficiency improvement, supports UFS 4.0 storage technology, 5.3GHz LPDDR5x memory, USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, Bluetooth 6.0, and other advanced technologies.

The Dimensity 9400 processor supports Dimensity Adaptive HDR display technology, adopts the Dimensity 5G High-Efficiency AI Model, achieves 12 Mbps Bluetooth throughput, and supports 384KHz audio transmission.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and the Dimensity 9400 processor both represent the highest level of smartphone SoCs today. Both processors excel in performance and feature support.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, with its self-developed Oryon architecture and powerful AI processing power, holds a leading edge in both performance and functionality. The Dimensity 9400 processor, with its all-core architecture and robust image processing capabilities, demonstrates superior strength in multitasking and image capture.

Ultimately, the true performance king depends on users' specific needs.

Future Outlook:

As major smartphone manufacturers launch devices with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the coming weeks, it's reasonable to believe that this new SoC will deliver an even better user experience. The Dimensity 9400 processor will also bring users a more powerful performance experience in the future.

We look forward to seeing the actual performance of both processors across different phones as we witness the continuous breakthrough and evolution of smartphone performance.