Qualcomm has quietly expanded its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lineup with the introduction of two new variants featuring six-core CPU configurations, diverging from the standard eight-core architecture used since the chipset’s launch in October 2023.
The newly listed variants carry part numbers SM8650-Q-AA and SM8650-Q-AB, marking a significant shift in the CPU cluster approach for Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm’s updated official product page confirms these additions, noting that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform is now available in 3.0GHz and 3.3GHz CPU versions, although it does not provide full architectural details.
A recent Geekbench listing has shed some light on at least one of these new configurations. The benchmark references an upcoming Lenovo tablet (model number LTB710FU) powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant associated with the codename “Pineapple,” previously linked to this chipset family. The listing reveals a six-core layout comprising:
- One prime core clocked at 3.30GHz
- Four performance cores at 2.96GHz
- One efficiency core at 2.27GHz
- Adreno 750 GPU
This configuration is believed to correspond to the SM8650-Q-AB variant. The exact specifications for the SM8650-Q-AA remain undisclosed, but it is expected to be another six-core version, possibly featuring a maximum clock speed of 3.0GHz based on Qualcomm’s stated options.
These six-core variants represent a notable departure from the existing Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lineup, which includes:
- SM8650-AC (Overclocked): 3.39GHz prime core, powering flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and select ZTE/Nubia models.
- SM8650-AB (Standard): 3.3GHz prime core, used widely in flagship smartphones.
- SM8650-AA (Underclocked): 3.05GHz prime core, featured in devices like the Honor 300 Ultra and Honor 400 Pro.
The motivation behind releasing these new six-core variants remains unclear but could indicate a strategic move to offer more cost-efficient or thermally optimised configurations for tablets, mid-premium devices, or specialised form factors requiring high performance with lower power consumption. Alternatively, they may target specific OEM partners seeking tailored CPU cluster designs for niche product segments.
At present, Qualcomm has not officially detailed which manufacturers or upcoming devices will adopt these new six-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variants. However, with the Lenovo tablet listing already in public benchmarks, more product announcements are expected in the coming weeks, clarifying how these chips will fit into Qualcomm’s broader mobile processor strategy for late 2025 and beyond.Qualcomm Unveils Two New Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Variants with Six-Core CPUs
