Artificial Intelligence has steadily changed how we interact with technology, especially when it comes to our smartphones. From taking stunning pictures to managing our daily schedules, AI has transformed our devices into intelligent companions that understand our needs. This evolution has been made possible largely by advances in chip technology, where on-device AI has been a key focus. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite takes this evolution to a new level with cutting-edge capabilities that promise to revolutionise how we experience AI on our mobile devices.
The rise of on-device AI
AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it has already found its way into our daily lives, enhancing everything from photography and navigation to entertainment and security. Initially, AI relied heavily on cloud processing, where large data sets would be sent to remote servers for analysis. While effective, this method had some drawbacks, such as potential privacy concerns and latency issues.
In response, chip manufacturers began focusing on incorporating AI processing capabilities directly onto smartphones, resulting in what we now call on-device AI. By moving AI processing onto the device, smartphone manufacturers could offer faster performance, enhanced security, and better offline functionality. This move was enabled by the inclusion of specialised components, such as Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that are dedicated to AI workloads. Qualcomm has been at the forefront of this innovation, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite is the latest product to push the boundaries of on-device AI.
The Qualcomm Hexagon NPU: Powering on-device intelligence
At the heart of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Unlike traditional CPUs and GPUs, which are designed for general-purpose computing, the Hexagon NPU is built specifically to accelerate AI tasks. This makes it ideal for functions like real-time language translation, photo enhancement, voice recognition, and intelligent content recommendations.
To get an idea about the AI capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, we took the realme GT 7 Pro and ran Geekbench AI benchmarks on it. Here’s what we got.
NNAPI Performance:
- Single precision: 282
- Half precision: 267
- Quantised precision: 581
CPU Performance:
- Single precision: 2305
- Half precision: 2378
- Quantised precision: 2749
These scores indicate the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s ability to handle a wide range of AI tasks efficiently, whether using the dedicated NPU or leveraging the powerful CPU for AI computations.
One of the major benefits of having a dedicated NPU is that it significantly enhances the performance of AI-driven applications. By offloading AI tasks to the Hexagon NPU, the Snapdragon 8 Elite can run multiple AI processes concurrently without impacting overall device performance. This ensures that users get a seamless experience, even when using multiple AI-powered features simultaneously.
Enhanced privacy and security with on-device AI
Another significant advantage of on-device AI is enhanced privacy. Instead of sending data to the cloud for processing, the Snapdragon 8 Elite can handle most AI computations locally on the device. This means sensitive information — such as voice data or facial recognition — never leaves your phone, providing an added layer of security. The Hexagon NPU is designed to keep your data private by ensuring that the AI capabilities remain on the device whenever possible.
Qualcomm has also built-in hardware-level security measures to support on-device AI. The Snapdragon 8 Elite integrates Qualcomm’s Secure Processing Unit, which works alongside the NPU to encrypt data and protect it from external threats. This level of security is crucial, especially as smartphones continue to become integral aspects of our lives.
Qualcomm AI Engine: A complete AI powerhouse
In addition to the Hexagon NPU, the Snapdragon 8 Elite features Qualcomm’s AI Engine, which is a comprehensive platform that includes multiple components working in tandem to deliver powerful AI performance. The AI Engine integrates the Hexagon NPU, CPU, GPU, and the Qualcomm Sensing Hub, combining their capabilities to handle diverse AI workloads efficiently.
The Qualcomm Sensing Hub is another key player here, designed to perform continuous low-power AI processing. This means that your phone can always be aware of its surroundings without consuming a lot of battery. For instance, the Sensing Hub allows for voice-activated commands without excessively draining your device’s battery. Making it perfect for using voice assistants hands-free throughout the day.
A smarter camera
The Qualcomm AI Engine, combined with the Hexagon NPU, significantly enhances the camera experience. The AI Engine supports features like AI autofocus, scene recognition, and HDR video recording, allowing the camera to adapt to different environments instantly. For example, if you’re capturing a fast-moving subject, the AI Engine can predict its movement, ensuring you get the perfect shot with minimal blur. This kind of AI-driven functionality turns the camera into a tool that not only takes photos but also understands what’s happening in the frame to give you the best possible results.
Superior AI for gaming and entertainment
The Snapdragon 8 Elite doesn’t just boost productivity — it also enhances entertainment. The AI capabilities of the Hexagon NPU make gaming experiences more immersive. The chipset uses AI to analyse in-game graphics in real-time, enhancing textures, improving frame rates, and reducing latency for a smoother and more visually appealing experience. With support for up to 120fps gameplay and AI-driven frame stabilisation, gamers will enjoy the most fluid and responsive gaming sessions yet.
AI is also being used to enhance audio experiences. The Snapdragon 8 Elite can use AI to adjust sound profiles based on the content you’re consuming. Thereby ensuring the best possible audio quality at all times. The Qualcomm AI Engine’s ability to understand and optimise different media content makes the Snapdragon 8 Elite a versatile performer for all types of entertainment.
Why the Snapdragon 8 Elite matters for on-device AI
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is more than just an incremental upgrade. It represents a significant leap in on-device AI capabilities. By integrating a powerful Hexagon NPU, the Qualcomm AI Engine, and a secure processing environment, Qualcomm has created a chipset that can handle the growing demands of modern AI applications. From enhancing privacy and personalisation to improving productivity and entertainment, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is set to revolutionise the way we use AI on our smartphones.
With AI, Qualcomm introduces a level of personalisation that makes your smartphone smarter, more intuitive, and more aligned with your daily needs. Whether it’s assisting with productivity, enhancing your photos, or providing a more immersive gaming experience, the Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures that AI is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of your smartphone use without sacrificing performance or privacy.
This is a promotional post done as part of a brand collaboration.
