Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 launched: AI, gaming and camera upgrades coming to mid-range phones

Snapdragon 7 Gen 4

Qualcomm has officially introduced the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 mobile platform, the latest addition to its 7-series lineup aimed at bringing premium features to a broader range of smartphones. With marked improvements in CPU, GPU, and AI performance, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is designed to enhance gaming, imaging, and on-device AI capabilities for mid-range devices. The announcement comes ahead of commercial device launches from key OEMs like Honor, vivo, and realme, expected later this month.

Performance boost across the board
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 brings a 27 per cent increase in CPU performance and a 30 per cent improvement in GPU rendering compared to its predecessor, making it well-suited for gaming and multitasking. With support for select Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, users can expect smoother gameplay, faster response times, and an overall better gaming experience. The platform is built on an energy-efficient architecture to deliver high performance without compromising battery life.

AI capabilities with Gen AI support
A key highlight of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is its on-device AI processing capabilities. With a 65 per cent improvement in AI performance, the chip supports generative AI features, including stable diffusion image generation and large language model (LLM) inference on-device. This allows AI-driven tools like image editing, text generation, and smart assistant tasks to run locally without relying on cloud services, improving speed and privacy.

Enhanced multimedia experiences
The platform continues Qualcomm’s push to improve mobile imaging and audio. Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 features upgraded ISP capabilities to deliver more detailed, vivid photos and videos. Users can expect faster image capture, improved low-light photography, and advanced computational photography. For audio, the chip includes Snapdragon Sound with support for premium features such as low-latency wireless audio and high-resolution music playback. Additionally, it brings Qualcomm’s XPAN (Expanded Personal Area Network) technology — previously exclusive to Snapdragon 8-series — to the 7-series for the first time.

OEM adoption and availability
Qualcomm confirmed that smartphone makers such as Honor, vivo, and realme are among the first to adopt the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 in their upcoming devices. The first batch of phones powered by the new platform is expected to launch in the coming weeks. Statements from OEMs suggest that the chip will be central to their mid-range and upper mid-range offerings, combining competitive pricing with flagship-grade features.