Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

vs

MediaTek Dimensity 8300

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8300 - flagship or sensible near-flagship

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 - the top platform for expensive Android flagships.
Dimensity 8300 - a powerful sub-flagship that offers high speed for less money.

This isn’t exactly an equal comparison: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is higher class and faster in almost all heavy scenarios. However, Dimensity 8300 is interesting for another reason - it is often found in more affordable smartphones and feels very fast in everyday use.

The main question is not which chip is more powerful. The answer is obvious: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more powerful. It’s more important to understand whether you need true flagship capabilities or if Dimensity 8300 can already handle all real tasks.

Short Summary

Choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 if heavy gaming, high FPS, a strong camera, an advanced modem, Wi-Fi 7, fast on-device AI, and future-proof performance for several years are important to you.

Dimensity 8300 is more advantageous if you need a fast smartphone for apps, games, photography, video, and everyday tasks without overpaying for flagship class.

In simpler terms: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 - the maximum capabilities; Dimensity 8300 - near-flagship speed for more reasonable money.

Key Differences

Performance

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is faster in almost everything. It has a powerful Cortex-X4 main core, a strong performance core cluster, and a high reserve for heavy tasks: gaming, photo processing, video editing, emulation, AI functions, and multitasking.

Dimensity 8300 is weaker, but it is not a slow chip. In normal use, the difference is often imperceptible: the interface, browser, social networks, messengers, camera, and most apps work quickly. For most users, its performance is more than sufficient.

The difference becomes more pronounced under sustained load. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is better suited for scenarios where you need to maintain high speed for extended periods: heavy gaming, video recording, processing large files, emulation, and active multitasking. Dimensity 8300 is fast too, but often depends on the cooling and settings of the specific smartphone.

Gaming and Graphics

In gaming, the advantage of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more noticeable than in regular tasks. The Adreno 750 graphics are more powerful than the Mali-G615 MC6 and are better suited for high settings, stable FPS, and demanding gaming projects.

In games like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Wuthering Waves, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 often allows for playing at higher settings and maintaining a stable frame rate longer. This is particularly noticeable in gaming smartphones or flagships with good cooling.

Dimensity 8300 is also suitable for gaming. For instance, the POCO X6 Pro demonstrates that this chip can be very fast for the price. However, it doesn't reach the level of gaming flagships: in the most demanding projects, settings may occasionally need to be lowered, and FPS stability will be more reliant on the casing and cooling system.

An additional advantage of Snapdragon is the Adreno graphic drivers. They often work better in emulators and some Vulkan games, where optimization for Qualcomm can be a noticeable advantage.

Energy Efficiency and Heating

Both chips are produced using a modern 4nm process technology, but their actual performance also depends on factors beyond the processor. Important elements include the casing, cooling, battery, screen, and manufacturer settings.

For prolonged heavy gaming, it's better to choose a smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a good cooling system. For everyday use, social media, browsing, video, and occasional gaming, Dimensity 8300 appears very rational.

Camera and Video

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 excels in camera and video capabilities. Its 18-bit ISP is designed for flagship scenarios: complex HDR processing, multi-camera systems, high-quality video, and advanced image processing algorithms.

An important point: the advantage of Snapdragon is not only due to the chip itself. It is often used in high-end smartphones, where along with the processor, users receive better sensors, quality optics, optical stabilization, and more serious software processing.

Dimensity 8300 also supports good camera capabilities, including 4K HDR video. However, smartphones using this chip usually belong to a more affordable segment, so manufacturers less frequently equip them with top-tier cameras.

The verdict is straightforward: if you need the best video recording, complex HDR processing, and flagship-level camera-Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is preferable. If decent daily photography is enough, Dimensity 8300 will suffice.

Connectivity and Wireless Capabilities

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is stronger in communications. The Snapdragon X75 modem, support for Wi-Fi 7, and a higher capacity for network capabilities make it better suited for expensive smartphones that are purchased for several years.

Dimensity 8300 offers modern 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4, depending on the specific device. For most users, this is sufficient: messengers, video, games, navigation, and mobile internet will work quickly.

The difference is more significant for those who want maximum future-proofing, Wi-Fi 7, a more advanced modem, and better connectivity in a premium smartphone.

Artificial Intelligence and NPU

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is better prepared for heavy on-device AI scenarios: generative functions, image processing, local language models, and advanced AI tools in the camera.

Dimensity 8300 with APU 780 is also designed for modern AI tasks, including generative functions, photo enhancement, scene recognition, noise reduction, and voice capabilities. However, in terms of capacity for heavy local AI, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 appears stronger.

That said, directly comparing NPUs based solely on TOPS isn't always accurate: manufacturers use different metrics, types of computations, and testing scenarios. For users, the actual AI functions available in a specific smartphone are more important than just a raw number.

Examples of Smartphones

Smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - one of the most recognized flagships using Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It exemplifies a device where the powerful chip is complemented by a strong camera, quality display, S Pen, good battery life, and long-term support.

OnePlus 12 - a successful option for those who want flagship performance without the maximum premium. It effectively showcases Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in gaming, multitasking, and everyday speed.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro - a gaming example. Here, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is particularly relevant: powerful graphics, high FPS, advanced cooling, and a display with a high refresh rate.

Smartphones with Dimensity 8300

POCO X6 Pro - the most recognizable smartphone with Dimensity 8300-Ultra. Its main idea is to provide maximum performance for the price. It’s one of the best examples of how a sub-flagship chip can deliver nearly flagship-like speed.

Xiaomi 14T - a more balanced option with Dimensity 8300-Ultra. It focuses not only on performance but also on the screen, camera, design, and overall user experience.

Redmi K70E - an important model for the Chinese market. It shows that Dimensity 8300 is well-suited for smartphones with an aggressive price-performance ratio, screen, and battery life.

What Real Devices Show

The difference in positioning is evident across smartphones.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more commonly found in expensive flagships. You are paying not only for the chip but also for a better screen, camera, casing materials, cooling, connectivity, and longer support.

Dimensity 8300 is often used in models where the main focus is on price and speed. These smartphones are very fast but typically fall short of flagships in terms of camera quality, materials, cooling, vibration motor, wireless capabilities, or additional features.

Which Processor to Choose

Choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 if:

• you need a smartphone for 3-4 years;
• you play heavy games and want maximum FPS;
• camera, video, connectivity, and Wi-Fi 7 are important;
• you are interested in next-generation on-device AI functions;
• you want a flagship level of device overall;
• the price difference isn't critical.

Choose Dimensity 8300 if:

• you need a fast smartphone cheaper than a flagship;
• gaming is important, but not necessarily at maximum settings;
• you want a good balance of speed, battery life, and price;
• you are not chasing after 8K video, Wi-Fi 7, and a top-tier camera;
• the premium for Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 seems unjustified.

Conclusion

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the choice for those who need maximum capability: heavy gaming, a strong camera, advanced connectivity, local AI functions, and an overall flagship level smartphone.

Dimensity 8300 is a rational alternative for those who want very fast everyday performance, good energy efficiency, and the best price-performance ratio.

If you need the maximum - go for Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. If you need high speed for less money - choose Dimensity 8300.