Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8450: Specs & Benchmarks

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and MediaTek Dimensity 8450 are two mid-premium mobile chipsets with very different goals: the Snapdragon targets flagship-like performance with a newer CPU and GPU, while the Dimensity 8450 focuses on balanced efficiency and 5G connectivity. In raw benchmark scores, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 typically scores 30–40% higher in multi-core CPU tests and nearly double in GPU tests, but real-world differences depend heavily on thermals, software, and price. This article breaks down their specifications, benchmark results, and which one suits different use cases.

Background: Positioning and Release Timeline

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 was announced by Qualcomm in March 2024 as a slightly cut-down version of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It is designed for upper-mid-range phones that want near-flagship performance without the full cost. The Dimensity 8450, also announced in 2024, is MediaTek’s mid-range offering, positioned between the Dimensity 8300 and the older Dimensity 8200. It focuses on power efficiency and reliable 5G, often found in phones priced lower than those using the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.

Both chips are built on TSMC’s 4nm process, but they target different price brackets. Phones with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 typically start around $400–500, while Dimensity 8450 devices often start around $250–350. This price difference is a major factor when comparing them.

Core Specifications Comparison

Here is a side-by-side look at the key specifications:

CPU: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has an octa-core CPU with one Cortex-X4 prime core at up to 3.0 GHz, three Cortex-A720 performance cores at 2.8 GHz, and four Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. The Dimensity 8450 has an octa-core CPU with four Cortex-A78 performance cores at up to 2.5 GHz and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz.
GPU: Snapdragon uses an Adreno 750 (with a slightly lower clock than the flagship 8 Gen 3). Dimensity uses an Arm Mali-G610 MC6.
Memory: Both support LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, but the Snapdragon supports up to 24 GB RAM, while the Dimensity typically supports up to 16 GB.
5G Modem: Snapdragon integrates the Snapdragon X70 modem with peak download speeds up to 6.5 Gbps. Dimensity integrates a 5G modem with peak speeds up to 4.7 Gbps.
AI: Snapdragon has a newer Hexagon NPU with support for on-device generative AI models. Dimensity has a smaller APU (AI processing unit) with basic AI features.

These differences in core architecture are the main reason for the performance gap.

Benchmark Performance: CPU and GPU

In synthetic benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 consistently outperforms the Dimensity 8450. In Geekbench 6 (multi-core), the Snapdragon scores around 4500–5000, while the Dimensity scores around 3200–3500. In AnTuTu 10, the Snapdragon typically scores between 1.1 million and 1.3 million, while the Dimensity scores around 700,000–800,000. The GPU difference is even larger: in GFXBench Aztec Ruins (High Tier), the Snapdragon achieves 70–80 fps, while the Dimensity manages 30–40 fps.

However, these numbers are from controlled environments. In sustained loads, the Dimensity 8450 may throttle less because it generates less heat, but the Snapdragon still maintains a higher average frame rate in most games. For everyday tasks like scrolling, web browsing, and app launching, both feel fast; the difference is only noticeable in heavy gaming or video editing.

Real-World Gaming and Thermal Performance

For gaming, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is clearly superior. It can run demanding titles like Genshin Impact at high settings with a stable 60 fps, while the Dimensity 8450 often drops to 40–50 fps at the same settings. The Snapdragon also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which the Dimensity lacks. However, the Snapdragon tends to get warmer under long gaming sessions, and some phones with this chip may throttle after 30 minutes. The Dimensity runs cooler and is more power-efficient, making it better for sustained casual gaming or video playback.

If you are a heavy gamer, the Snapdragon is the obvious choice. If you prioritize battery life and don’t play demanding games, the Dimensity offers a more balanced experience.

Connectivity and Other Features

Both chips support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, but the Snapdragon adds Wi-Fi 7 support (though the phone’s hardware must also support it). The Snapdragon X70 modem supports more 5G bands, which can mean better coverage on some carriers. The Dimensity 8450 also supports dual SIM 5G, but with fewer bands. For most users, the difference in connectivity is negligible unless you travel internationally frequently.

In terms of camera support, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 supports up to 200 MP single camera and 4K HDR video recording at 60 fps. The Dimensity 8450 supports up to 200 MP as well, but with slightly lower video capabilities (4K at 30 fps). Both chips handle AI-based camera features like night mode and portrait mode well.

How to Choose Between Them

Your choice should depend on your budget and priorities:

If you want the best gaming performance and plan to keep the phone for 2–3 years, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is worth the extra cost.
If you are on a tight budget and mainly use your phone for social media, messaging, and occasional gaming, the Dimensity 8450 offers good value.
If battery life is your top priority, the Dimensity 8450 is more efficient, often providing 10–15% longer screen-on time in the same phone design.
If you care about future software updates, Snapdragon phones typically receive longer support from manufacturers (though this is not guaranteed).

Also consider that the phone’s other components (display, battery, camera) matter more than the chipset. A Dimensity 8450 phone with a great OLED screen and large battery may be a better buy than a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 phone with a poor LCD screen.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Dimensity 8450 is a direct competitor to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. In reality, they are not in the same tier: the Snapdragon is a cut-down flagship, while the Dimensity is a true mid-range chip. Another misconception is that higher benchmark scores always mean better real-world performance. While the Snapdragon wins in benchmarks, it also consumes more power and can throttle, so the Dimensity may feel smoother in daily use due to more consistent performance.

Also, some users believe that all 4nm chips are equal. The architecture and design matter more than the process node. The Snapdragon’s newer CPU cores (Cortex-X4 vs Cortex-A78) are significantly more powerful per clock, which is why the performance gap is so large.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which chip is better for battery life?

The Dimensity 8450 is more power-efficient due to its lower-clocked, older CPU cores. In typical usage, a phone with the Dimensity 8450 can last 10–20% longer on a single charge compared to a similar phone with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, especially during gaming.

Can the Dimensity 8450 handle Genshin Impact?

Yes, but at lower settings. You can play at medium graphics with a stable 45–50 fps, while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 can handle high settings at 60 fps. For casual players, the Dimensity is acceptable.

Is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 worth the extra money?

If you are a gamer or power user, yes. The Snapdragon offers significantly better GPU performance, faster AI processing, and better support for high-refresh-rate displays. If you only use basic apps, the extra cost may not be justified.

Do these chips support 5G?

Yes, both have integrated 5G modems. The Snapdragon X70 supports more bands and faster peak speeds, but for most users, the Dimensity’s 5G is perfectly adequate.

Which chip is better for camera quality?

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has a more advanced ISP (image signal processor) that supports higher resolution and better low-light processing. However, the final camera quality depends more on the phone’s camera hardware and software tuning.

Will the Dimensity 8450 get software updates?

Most phones with this chip will get at least two major Android updates, but this depends on the manufacturer. Snapdragon phones often get three years of updates, but again, it varies by brand.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.