Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in April 2025 as a mid-range mobile processor built on a 4nm TSMC process node. The chip targets smartphones and competes directly with MediaTek's Dimensity 8500 Ultra, which launched in early 2026. Early benchmark tests show the Snapdragon variant delivers stronger single-core performance despite running at a lower peak clock speed than its rival.
Qualcomm chip delivers stronger single-core performance and higher AnTuTu scores than its MediaTek rival
The processor uses an octa-core CPU layout that pairs one Cortex-X4 prime core with seven Cortex-A720 efficiency cores. The Cortex-X4 runs at 3.2GHz, while the A720 clusters operate at speeds ranging from 2.02GHz to 3.0GHz. Qualcomm equips the chip with an Adreno 825 GPU that supports ray tracing and a Hexagon NPU for on-device AI tasks.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Dimensity 8500 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Process node | 4nm (TSMC) | 4nm (TSMC) |
| CPU cores | 1x Cortex-X4, 7x Cortex-A720 | All Cortex-A725 |
| GPU | Adreno 825 with ray tracing | Mali-G720 MP8 |
| Memory support | LPDDR5X up to 4.8GHz | Not specified |
| Storage controller | UFS 4.0 | Not specified |
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 connects to LPDDR5X memory running at speeds up to 4.8GHz and uses UFS 4.0 storage controllers for fast data access. Wireless connectivity relies on the integrated Snapdragon X75 5G modem, which supports download speeds up to 4.2Gbps. The platform also adds Wi-Fi 7 support with peak rates of 5.8Gbps and Bluetooth 6.0.
Benchmark results from GizmoChina highlight a clear performance gap between the two chips. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 scored 2.32 million points on AnTuTu v11, while the Dimensity 8500 Ultra reached 2.11 million. Single-core tests showed a 27% advantage for Qualcomm, and 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test results indicated higher stability with a 7% boost in high scores and a 15% increase in low scores.
The Dimensity 8500 Ultra uses an all Cortex-A725 CPU layout instead of the mixed core arrangement found in the Snapdragon chip. MediaTek's solution supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, which fall short of the newer wireless standards included on the Snapdragon platform. The Adreno 825 GPU also outperforms the Mali-G720 MP8 graphics unit inside the Dimensity processor during testing.
Readers may also want our earlier piece on Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 vs Dimensity 9400 Plus: Benchmark Score and Spec Comparison for related context. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 establishes a strong baseline for mid-range performance with its modern connectivity suite and efficient core architecture. Qualcomm continues to hold the lead in single-core speed and wireless capabilities against this specific MediaTek competitor.
Source: GIZMOCHINA
