Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Specs Comparison
by Niranjani
Updated Jan 19, 2024
Key Highlights of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 specs compared to Apple A17 Pro are listed below. The key highlights of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple A17 Pro specifications includes CPU Configuration, RAM, Video spec, Connectivity and much more.
Apple A17 Pro is available in four colors - black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is available in 2 colors - white and black color variant
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Apple A17 Pro
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Specs
CPU Configuration
2x 3.78GHz (High-performance) 1x 3.3GHz (Cortex-X4) GPU
6-core (Apple-designed) Adreno (Qualcomm-designed) AI
16-core Apple Neural Engine
Hexagon DSP
RAM support
LPDDR5
LPDDR5X
Video
HEVC, AV1 decode HEVC, AV1 decode 4G/5G Modem
X70 LTE/5G X70 LTE/5G Other networking
Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.4 Process
TSMC 3nm (N3B)
TSMC 4nm (N4P)
A17 Pro
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
4x 2.11GHz (Energy-efficient)
3x 3.2GHz (Cortex-A720)
2x 3GHz (Cortex-A720)
2x 2.3GHz (Cortex-A520 Refresh)
Hardware ray-tracing
Hardware ray-tracing
4K60 capture
4K120, 8K30 capture
10,000Mbps down
3,500Mbps up
10,000Mbps down
3,500Mbps up
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 7 Ready
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro CPU Configuration
The A17 Pro incorporates a CPU setup with 2 high-performance cores running at 3.78GHz and 4 energy-efficient cores at 2.11GHz. In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 boasts a diverse configuration featuring 1 high-performance Cortex-X4 core at 3.3GHz, 3 Cortex-A720 cores at 3.2GHz, and 2 Cortex-A520 Refresh cores at 2.3GHz, offering a more balanced approach to processing power.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro GPU and Ray-Tracing
The A17 Pro comes with a 6-core Apple-designed GPU with hardware ray-tracing support, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features an Adreno GPU, also equipped with hardware ray-tracing capabilities. Both processors emphasize enhanced graphical performance, but the A17 Pro relies on Apple's custom design, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 leverages Qualcomm's Adreno technology.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Display
The Apple A17 Pro boasts a stunning Super Retina XDR display, measuring 6.1 inches diagonally and featuring an all‑screen OLED design with rounded corners within a standard rectangle. The resolution stands at 2556x1179 pixels, providing a pixel density of 460 ppi. The display is known for its vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, powering another cutting-edge device, offers a versatile display experience. Supporting a maximum on-device display resolution of 4K Ultra HD at 60 Hz and QHD+ at 144 Hz, it provides a dynamic visual experience. External display capabilities include an impressive 8K resolution at 30 Hz.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 further excels in HDR support with HDR Vivid, HDR10, and HDR10+, along with a 10-bit color depth and Rec. 2020 color gamut. Both devices deliver high-quality displays, and the choice between them may hinge on user preferences regarding brand, ecosystem, and specific display requirements.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro AI Processing
The A17 Pro is equipped with a 16-core Apple Neural Engine for AI-related tasks, showcasing Apple's commitment to artificial intelligence. In comparison, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features a Hexagon DSP dedicated to handling AI workloads, demonstrating Qualcomm's expertise in this domain.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Memory Support
Both processors support the latest RAM technologies, with the A17 Pro compatible with LPDDR5, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supporting LPDDR5X. This ensures efficient multitasking and optimal performance.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Video Capabilities
While both processors support HEVC and AV1 decode, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 takes a lead in video capture capabilities. It can capture 4K video at 120fps and 8K video at 30fps, whereas the A17 Pro is limited to 4K video capture at 60fps.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Connectivity
Both processors integrate the X70 LTE/5G modem with impressive downlink and uplink speeds. Additionally, they support the latest Bluetooth standards, with the A17 Pro featuring Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 comes with Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 readiness.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Manufacturing Process
The A17 Pro is manufactured using the cutting-edge TSMC 3nm (N3B) process, potentially contributing to better power efficiency and performance gains. In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 utilizes the TSMC 4nm (N4P) process, which, while still advanced, may offer slightly different trade-offs in power efficiency and performance.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro Colors Availability
The Apple A17 Pro offers a stylish array of color options, providing users with a choice between four elegant finishes: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. This diverse selection allows users to personalize their device based on individual preferences and style preferences. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, powering another innovative device, is available in two classic color variants: white and black. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may have a more limited color palette, it still caters to users who appreciate a sleek and timeless aesthetic with these two refined options. Ultimately, the choice between the devices may not only involve the technical specifications but also the preferred color aesthetics that align with the user's taste and style.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro - FAQ
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 excels in CPU performance with a diverse configuration, including a powerful Cortex-X4 core, contributing to enhanced multitasking capabilities.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outshines in video capture, supporting 4K at 120fps and 8K at 30fps, whereas the A17 Pro is limited to 4K video capture at 60fps.
The A17 Pro boasts a 16-core Apple Neural Engine for AI tasks, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 utilizes a dedicated Hexagon DSP for efficient AI processing.
The A17 Pro is crafted with TSMC 3nm (N3B) process, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 utilizes the TSMC 4nm (N4P) process for advanced power efficiency and performance.
Apple A17 Pro offers four colors: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is available in two classic colors: white and black.