SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2 COSTS MORE THAN APPLE’S A16 BIONIC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 Bionic

HomeComparisonsSNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2 COSTS MORE THAN APPLE’S A16 BIONIC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 Bionic

Highlights

1) Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A16 Bionic both are products of TSMC’s N4 node.
2) Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen more expensive than Apple A6 Bionic.
3)In this article ,we bring to you the comparison between Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 & Apple A16 Bionic on their specifications & price.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A16 Bionic are mass-produced under the same process.

They both are products of TSMC’s N4 node. Considering that, it would be safe to assume that both the chipsets cost the same to produce. And that would mean they cost the same to purchase, right?

To acquire Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, manufacturers had to spend more than what it cost Apple to produce A16 Bionic.

In other words, Qualcomm put a much higher value on its chipset than it actually is. And the bad news is that the same thing will happen with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

New rumor claims the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is sold for $160 per unit to Qualcomm’s smartphone partners.

New findings from Derrick on Twitter claim that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is priced higher than what Qualcomm’s clientele would like to pay because, for $160, flagship smartphone makers will have to raise the prices of their devices to generate any meaningful margins.

Earlier, we reported about Apple’s A16 Bionic price, and even though it is more than twice as expensive to produce compared to the A15 Bionic, at $110 apiece, it is still $50 cheaper than what Qualcomm is charging.

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

However, one should note that Apple has developed the A16 Bionic to incorporate into its own iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, not to sell to other device manufacturers.

Assuming Apple had some agreement with Android companies to ship them A16 Bionic batches, it is likely that the price would have been higher. Since Qualcomm needs to profit from its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 sales, it needs to price it at some range, though some readers might argue that forcing manufacturers to pay $160 is steep.

Looking at the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s price, it is possible Qualcomm charges more for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, especially given that it is expected to be mass produced on TSMC’s slightly more advanced N4P process and is rumored to deliver more performance without sacrificing efficiency.

This year, none of Samsung’s Galaxy S23 models featured the Korean giant’s Exynos chipset. Instead, all models exclusively shipped with the ‘Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy,’ so Samsung paying Qualcomm a premium means each handset sold globally ate into the company’s margins.

This might be one reason why Samsung has been reported on multiple occasions to develop the Exynos 2400, though we still feel that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 would be the preferred choice amongst consumers due to the improvements made by Qualcomm with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

It Costs $160 For Manufactures To Get One Unit of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Derrick (@lasterd80) did some digging into the market. If you don’t know who Derrick is, he is a reliable source to get inside information on the tech industry. According to his findings, Qualcomm has priced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 reasonably higher than the manufacturing cost.

To be exact, manufacturers have to pay $160 for one unit of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Now, if you consider a fairly affordable phone with this chipset, you will be looking to spend anywhere around $700. For example, the Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro has a starting price of $649 (source).

So, to get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Nubia had to spend around 25% of the device’s retail price. And 25% is not a small percentage for a single component. No wonder flagship smartphones took a leap in pricing from last year.
After all, if one core part is $160, manufacturers can’t get meaningful margins without raising the MSRPs.

How Does Apple A16 Bionic Compare

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

If you are wondering, Apple A16 Bionic costs $110 apiece. And the interesting part is that, compared to A15 Bionic, Apple needed to spend 2x the money to manufacture the A16 Bionic. Even with seeing higher manufacturing costs, Apple kept the prices of chipsets lower than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

To be exact, it’s $50 cheaper. But the performance comparison between Apple A16 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 does not justify the increased pricing strategy of Qualcomm.

However, you can not forget that Apple manufactures its chipset for its own devices. That is, Apple does not sell them to other device manufacturers. So, Apple does not need to worry about making profits out of its chipsets. Instead, the Cupertino giant makes a profit by selling its devices.

On the other hand, Qualcomm needs to make a profit from its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Unlike Apple, Qualcomm does not have a commercial phone lineup to sell. So, whatever money Qualcomm gets, it gets from selling the chipsets. But still, I think forcing manufacturers to pay $160 is pretty steep.

What About the Upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

Looking at the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 prices, Qualcomm will possibly stick with the same strategy for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Moreover, Qualcomm has shifted to a more advanced N4P process to manufacture the 8 Gen 3. That will inevitably increase the manufacturing cost.

So, the chances of seeing budget-friendly flagships in 2023 are extremely low. And after this analysis, it makes a lot of sense why Samsung is planning to use Exynos for some of the Galaxy S24 devices.

But considering how good Qualcomm’s reputation is, I feel like consumers will still prefer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 over Exynos 2400.

But if Samsung does manage to deliver, Qualcomm might finally change its pricing strategy and start selling its chipsets at much more reasonable prices. Also, MediaTek could change the tides with its Dimensity 9300.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 bionic – CPU specs

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the CPU specs of both Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and A16 Bionic. We’ll help make sense of these specs, and discuss how they impact performance tasks like taking and storing photos, streaming content and making calls.

Spec Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 A16 Bionic

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

Spec Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 A16 Bionic
Architecture Kyro CPU with ARM v9 ‘Everest’, ‘Sawtooth’, 4nm
Cores 8 6
GPU Adreno 740 Apple designed 5-core GPU
Frequency 3200 MHz 3460 MHz
Transistor count 16 billion 16 billion
L1 cache 1 MB 256 KB
L2 cache 8 MB 32 MB
Process 4nm 4nm

Both chipsets are based on a 4nm architecture, allowing for 16 billion transistors for faster performance than previous chips based on 5nm processors.

On first glance, you’ll notice that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has slightly more cores than the A16 Bionic chip. As a general rule, the higher number of cores, the faster tasks can be processed by your phone.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 uses a Cortex-X3 as its prime core that is clocked at 3.2 GHz, as well as three additional cores. Instead of the usual three, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s extra core translates to a big leap in performance, particularly apparent in applications like gaming.

But How does it compare to the A16 Bionic?

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

The A16 features just 6 cores, including 2 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores, meaning it has one more efficiency core than the 8 Gen 2, but fewer cores overall. However, it boasts a higher frequency of 3460 MHz than the 8 Gen 2.

Ultimately, both chipsets are head-to-head, but the A16 Bionic takes the edge according to Geekbench’s raw CPU power test by around just 7%.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 Bionic – Gaming

SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 2

Qualcomm has finally managed to catch up with the A16 Bionic chip in the gaming department, thanks to its accelerated ray tracing support. Mobile gamers who are after more intensive and visually pleasing graphics should opt for an Android with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 boasts a more efficient GPU than Apple’s A16 Bionic. It can reach a higher FPS by a considerable margin, allowing for a smoother, stutter-free gaming experience.

When you combine this with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s edge in connectivity that improves the experience of cloud gaming, there is little doubt about who comes out on top.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 Bionic – Image Processing

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Vs A16 Bionic SoC performance - Who takes the crown?

The Image Signal Processor (ISP) plays a significant role in driving the performance of your smartphone’s camera.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 now has a cognitive ISP, meaning it uses AI processing to directly apply features like facial recognition, autofocus and layering in real-time. For a number of phones, such as Sony’s 50MP IMX989 and the Xiaomi 12s Ultra, the chipset now supports Quad-Exposure Digital Overlap HDR.

This new tech simultaneously captures four different exposure levels for each video frame that translates to sharper details and more apparent shadows.

The A16 Bionic chip performs very well in this department too and is slightly easier to measure since it’s only fitted in Apple’s latest lineup.
It features an Advanced Image Signal Processor that can perform 4 trillion photo operations per second that aids the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max’s improved megapixel count. This is an outstanding number that helps stabilize footage while shooting in Action Mode.

Ultimately, the winner in this department depends on the Android phone that is used with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, Samsung’s newest S23 Ultra flagship is set to trump the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max in the camera department, boasting 200 megapixels inside its main camera.

So if we’re comparing the two chipsets inside the best phones they’re available in, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is only a clear winner with the S23 Ultra.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 Bionic – 5G and Wireless Tech

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 takes the edge here, with the new X70 5G modem that delivers download speeds up to 10Gbps. It’s also Qualcomm’s first modem to support two 5G SIMS simultaneously.

Apple actually uses Qualcomm’s modem with their A16 Bionic chip, though it’s a generation older, meaning the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has the edge in connectivity.

In about every way apart from the CPU department, Qualcomm has scored considerably well with their Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. In particular, we’re impressed by the 8 Gen 2’s power efficiency and AI capabilities. If you’re a gamer or content creator, it will be worth your while to keep an eye out for a phone with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

However, it’s worth remembering that while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 might have the edge on paper, there will be differences in real-world usage.

Faqs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Vs Apple A16 Bionic Chip

1) Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is more expensive than Apple’s A16 Bionic chip.Details?

Ans) In addition to performance testing, another factor impacts the life and success of platforms —their cost. If a priori it was to be expected that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple’s A16 Bionic would cost similar prices to manufacturers —after all, they use TSMC’s 4nm process—, the financial reality seems to be a little distant.

According to tipster Derrick on Twitter, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is priced higher than Qualcomm’s clientele would be willing to pay: costs US$ 160 against the US$ 110 of the Apple platform. Of course, it is still worth noting that they are different business models, as Apple’s processor is made exclusively for the company’s cell phones, while the Snapdragon chip goes to a variety of Android phones. This means, however, that manufacturers will have to increase the prices of the devices to obtain a greater profit margin with the powerful processor.

Equally, since Qualcomm needs to profit from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 sales, it needs to price it in some range, although some might argue that $160 is a high price for the chip.

This lights a red flag as well about the value of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, especially as it is expected to be mass-produced on TSMC’s slightly more advanced N4P process.
It is also worth remembering that, this year, none of Samsung’s Galaxy S23 models featured the Korean giant’s Exynos chipset. Instead, all models ship exclusively with “Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy”, so Samsung paying a premium to Qualcomm means that every device sold globally has eaten into the company’s margins.

2) What are the pros of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 & Apple A16 Bionic Chip ?

Ans) Pros of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
* Shows better (up to 36%) AnTuTu 9 score – 1275K vs 936K
* Has 2 more cores
* Supports 25% higher memory bandwidth (64 against 51.2 GB/s)
Pros of Apple A16 Bionic
* 8% higher CPU clock speed (3460 vs 3200 MHz)

3) What is the comparison of Antutu 9 of Snapdragon & Gen 2 & Apple A16 Bionic ?

Ans) AnTuTu 9
The AnTuTu Benchmark measures CPU, GPU, RAM, and I/O performance in different scenarios
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 +36%
1275505

A16 Bionic
936570

CPU
265523
248335
GPU
579772
394336
Memory
236450
153536
UX
199190
147260
Total score
1275505
936570

AnTuTu results from iOS and Android are not directly comparable!

4) What is the GeekBench 5 test comparison between Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 2 & A16 Bionic ?

Ans) The GeekBench test shows raw single-threaded and multithreaded CPU performance
Single-Core Score
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
1477

A16 Bionic +26%
1863

Multi-Core Score
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
4921

A16 Bionic +9%
5372

Image compression
251.3 Mpixels/s
243.5 Mpixels/s
Face detection
46.2 images/s
46.4 images/s
Speech recognition
122.9 words/s
141.8 words/s
Machine learning
114.1 images/s
117.1 images/s
Camera shooting
51.7 images/s
54.3 images/s
HTML 5
5.81 Mnodes/s
5.9 Mnodes/s
SQLite
1510 Krows/s
1430 Krows/s

3DMark

A cross-platform benchmark that assesses graphics performance in Vulkan (Metal)
3DMark Wild Life Performance
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 +24%
12200

A16 Bionic
9849

Stability
64%
82%
Graphics test
73 FPS
58 FPS
Score
12200
9849

Gaming

Table of average FPS and graphics settings in mobile games
PUBG Mobile
90 FPS
[Ultra] –
Call of Duty: Mobile
60 FPS
[Ultra] –
Fortnite
56 FPS
[Ultra] –
Shadowgun Legends
118 FPS
[Ultra] –
World of Tanks Blitz
120 FPS
[Ultra] –
Genshin Impact
59 FPS
[Ultra] –
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
59 FPS
[Ultra] –
Device
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro
1116 x 2480

Specifications
Full list of technical specifications of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and A16 Bionic

CPU
Architecture
1x 3.2 GHz – Cortex-X3
2x 2.8 GHz – Cortex-A715
2x 2.8 GHz – Cortex-A710
3x 2 GHz – Cortex-A510
2x 3.46 GHz – Everest
4x 2.02 GHz – Sawtooth
Cores
8
6
Frequency
3200 MHz
3460 MHz
Instruction set
ARMv9-A
ARMv9-A
L1 cache

256 KB
L2 cache
1 MB
16 MB
L3 cache
8 MB

Process
4 nanometers
4 nanometers
Transistor count

16 billion
TDP
6.3 W
8 W

5) Why is Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 better than Apple A16 Bionic?

Ans) * 36% faster CPU speed


1 x 3.2GHz & 4 x 2.8GHz & 3 2GHzvs2 x 3.46GHz & 4 x 2.02GHz
* 2 more CPU threads


8vs6
* 12.8GB/s more memory bandwidth


64GB/svs51.2GB/s
* 10GB larger maximum memory amount


16GBvs6GB
* 0.2 newer version of OpenGL ES


3.2vs3
* 1 Higher version of DDR memory supported


5vs4
* Uses multithreading

Also Read: Apple’s A16 vs Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1: Which is better?

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE tipped to ship with Older Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 SoC In an Effort to Provide Competitive Pricing

Also Read: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: 3NM Chip For 2024

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