Introduction

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9200 comparison brings together three flagship-class processors with different CPU and GPU designs.

Qualcomm announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in November 2022. It uses a Cortex-X3 prime core, Adreno 740 graphics and TSMC’s 4nm manufacturing process. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 arrived in March 2024 with a newer Cortex-X4 CPU architecture and Adreno 735 graphics. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9200, announced in November 2022, combines a Cortex-X3 CPU with Mali-G715 Immortalis MP11 graphics. All three use TSMC’s 4nm process.

NanoReview’s scores show that Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are effectively tied overall, but their category strengths differ. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has the stronger CPU rating, Dimensity 9200 leads gaming performance, and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 delivers competitive system performance with a newer CPU design.

Quick Answer

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 tie for the highest overall NanoReview score at 63, followed by Dimensity 9200 at 62. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 leads CPU performance, Dimensity 9200 leads the gaming rating and theoretical GPU compute, while Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 leads AnTuTu 11. All three processors share a battery score of 91.

Specification Comparison

Source: NanoReview specifications for the three processors and their comparison pages.

CPU Architecture and Performance

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 leads CPU performance in NanoReview, while Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 uses the newest prime-core architecture.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 contains one Cortex-X3 core at 3.2GHz, two Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores at 2.8GHz and three Cortex-A510 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz. This arrangement combines high-performance cores with smaller cores for lighter tasks.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 replaces that layout with one Cortex-X4 core at 3.0GHz, four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.8GHz and three Cortex-A520 cores at 2.0GHz. Its newer instruction-set generation and A720 cores make it a more modern CPU design, although the prime core runs at a lower frequency than the X3 in Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Dimensity 9200 uses one Cortex-X3 at 3.05GHz, three Cortex-A715 cores at 2.85GHz and four Cortex-A510 cores at 1.8GHz. Its architecture remains competitive for its generation, but NanoReview gives it a lower CPU performance rating than either Snapdragon processor.

The distinction is important: a newer CPU core does not automatically win every benchmark. Clock speeds, cache behavior, core allocation, cooling and software optimization influence real performance.

GPU and Gaming Performance

Dimensity 9200 has the highest NanoReview gaming rating and theoretical GPU FLOPS figure, but those figures do not guarantee better performance in every game.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 uses Adreno 740 graphics, which NanoReview lists at 2089 GFLOPS. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 uses Adreno 735 at 1689.6 GFLOPS. Dimensity 9200 uses Mali-G715 Immortalis MP11 at 2762.5 GFLOPS.

NanoReview’s gaming scores are:

These ratings favor Dimensity 9200. Its Immortalis GPU also performs strongly in the available 3DMark tests. However, the 3DMark results for these processors come from different numbers of submitted tests, so direct comparisons should be treated carefully.

Theoretical FLOPS describe floating-point throughput, not actual frame rates. Drivers, rendering APIs, cooling systems and game-specific optimization all influence gaming results. For users choosing primarily for gaming, Dimensity 9200 leads NanoReview’s gaming rating, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 remains a strong alternative.

Manufacturing and Battery Efficiency

All three processors tie on NanoReview’s battery score of 91.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Dimensity 9200 all use TSMC’s 4nm process. NanoReview gives each a battery-life score of 91, so there is no unique efficiency winner under this metric.

Actual endurance depends on battery capacity, screen size, refresh rate, cellular reception, software and sustained power limits. Equal chipset scores should therefore be interpreted as similar ratings within NanoReview’s methodology, not a guarantee that every phone will have identical battery life.

RAM, Memory and Storage

Dimensity 9200 has a small memory-bandwidth advantage, while all three support up to 24GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 both support LPDDR5X memory at 4200MHz, with 67.2GB/s maximum bandwidth. Dimensity 9200 increases the listed memory frequency to 4266MHz and bandwidth to 68.2GB/s. Each processor supports up to 24GB of RAM. (NanoReview)

All three list UFS 3.1 and UFS 4.0 storage support. As a result, none has a major storage-standard advantage on the listed specifications. Actual performance depends on the storage chip fitted by the smartphone manufacturer, available space, RAM configuration and software.

AI and NPU

All three processors include dedicated AI hardware, but NanoReview does not provide directly comparable TOPS figures for a definitive AI-performance ranking.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 use Qualcomm’s Hexagon AI hardware, while Dimensity 9200 includes the MediaTek APU 690.

Without equivalent AI throughput figures, declaring one chip the AI winner would go beyond the available data. Real-world performance also depends on the AI models being used, supported operations, precision and software optimization.

Camera, ISP and Video

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers the strongest listed video-recording specification, while Dimensity 9200 supports the highest maximum camera resolution.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supports up to 200MP camera hardware, with video capture up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 also lists up to 200MP cameras, but its maximum recording capability is 4K at 60fps.

Dimensity 9200 supports up to 320MP camera hardware and video capture at 8K30 or 4K60. It therefore has the highest listed sensor-resolution capability, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supports the higher 4K recording frame rate.

Maximum megapixel support is not the same as photo quality. Sensor choice, lens quality, stabilization, ISP processing and the smartphone maker’s camera software remain essential.

Display and Connectivity

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has the highest listed 5G download speed, while Dimensity 9200 has the highest listed upload speed.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 support displays up to 3840×2160. Dimensity 9200 lists a maximum of 2960×1440. These figures describe chipset capabilities, not the actual screen resolution of every phone using them.

The listed modem speeds are:

These are theoretical maximum rates, not typical cellular speeds. Network availability, carrier support, antennas and signal conditions determine real-world performance.

Benchmark Comparison

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 leads AnTuTu 11, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 leads CPU benchmarks, and Dimensity 9200 leads the NanoReview gaming rating.

Source: NanoReview’s individual and comparison pages. (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 9200, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9200)

These results reveal why a single benchmark should not determine a processor’s overall ranking. AnTuTu 11 favors Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Geekbench CPU favors Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and several graphics tests favor Dimensity 9200.

The sample sizes are also unequal. NanoReview lists 238 AnTuTu 11 tests for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but only four for Dimensity 9200 in the cited comparison. Its Dimensity 9200 Geekbench CPU and GPU Compute results are also based on limited samples. The scores should be treated as the current reported comparison, not perfectly controlled results from identical phones.

Real-World Performance

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is strongest for CPU-heavy workloads and advanced video capture, Dimensity 9200 is compelling for graphics-intensive use, and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a newer CPU architecture with competitive overall performance.

For users who regularly run demanding apps, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s stronger CPU rating and Geekbench results make it an excellent option. Its Adreno 740 graphics, 8K30 and 4K120 recording, Wi-Fi 7 and high listed 5G download speed make it a balanced flagship platform.

Dimensity 9200 stands out for its gaming score, theoretical GPU performance and high camera-resolution support. However, the relatively limited benchmark samples on NanoReview mean its advantages should be judged with care.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a newer Cortex-X4-based CPU and strong AnTuTu results. It is competitive with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 overall, but has lower CPU and gaming scores in NanoReview’s current data.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Strengths

• Highest CPU rating.
• Highest Geekbench CPU scores.
• Strong Adreno 740 graphics.
• 8K30 and 4K120 video recording.
• Up to 10Gbps listed 5G download.
• Wi-Fi 7 and UFS 4.0 support.
• 91 battery score.

Weaknesses

• Older CPU architecture than Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
• Lower AnTuTu 11 result than Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
• Lower theoretical GPU FLOPS than Dimensity 9200.
• Bluetooth 5.3 rather than 5.4.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Strengths

• Newer Cortex-X4 prime core.
• Highest AnTuTu 11 result.
• Competitive Geekbench CPU performance.
• Up to 24GB RAM and UFS 4.0 support.
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
• 91 battery score.

Weaknesses

• Lower CPU score than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
• Lower gaming rating than Dimensity 9200.
• 4K60 maximum listed recording.
• Lower theoretical GPU FLOPS than both rivals.

Dimensity 9200

Strengths

• Highest NanoReview gaming score.
• Highest theoretical GPU FLOPS.
• Strong 3DMark Steel Nomad Light and Solar Bay results.
• Up to 320MP camera support.
• 8K30 video capture.
• Highest listed 5G upload speed.
• 68.2GB/s memory bandwidth.

Weaknesses

• Lowest CPU rating of the three.
• Lowest Geekbench CPU scores.
• Lower NanoReview overall score.
• Lower maximum listed display resolution.
• Several benchmark results use small samples.

Best Processor for Different Users

Final Verdict and Ranking

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 tie for first place overall, while Dimensity 9200 ranks just behind them.

#1 — Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Both Snapdragon processors score 63 overall in NanoReview. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has the higher CPU rating, stronger Geekbench CPU scores and more advanced listed video-recording capabilities. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 uses a newer Cortex-X4 prime core and takes the AnTuTu 11 lead. Neither is the universal winner across all categories.

#2 — Dimensity 9200

Dimensity 9200 scores 62 overall, one point behind both Snapdragon chips. Its strongest areas are gaming, GPU compute, theoretical GPU throughput and camera-resolution support. Its CPU rating and Geekbench scores are lower, so it does not lead the overall ranking despite its graphics strengths.

Winner Summary

Final Ranking

1. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 — tied at 63
2. MediaTek Dimensity 9200 — 62

The central conclusion is that Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 remains a strong CPU and multimedia platform, while Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is highly competitive with a newer CPU architecture and a slightly higher AnTuTu 11 result. Dimensity 9200 is the graphics-focused alternative. The most suitable processor depends on the priorities of the buyer and the cooling, software optimization and price of the phone.

Sources: NanoReview pages for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, and Dimensity 9200. Data checked October 10, 2026.