The best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones you can get

Performance is one of the fundamental cornerstones of a great smartphone experience, and a flagship processor ensures you’re getting the best performance and reliability possible. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC and Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 were the most powerful processors for most of 2022, although the beefier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has already been announced. In any event, here are the best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones available.

See also: The best Android phones to spend your money on

Do you even need a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 series phone?

For the vast majority of people, a flagship processor will only improve the smartphone experience on a marginal level. If you’re a casual user who primarily uses your phone to browse the web, scroll through social media, and occasionally game, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 family might be overkill for most of your tasks.

A mid-range chipset like the Snapdragon 778G series, Snapdragon 870, or Snapdragon 765G might be better suited for everyday usage. For example, the POCO F4 and Nothing Phone 1 both deliver a smooth experience in most scenarios.

Of course, if you’re a power user, you’re likely considering a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone because it’s the latest, most powerful chip family around, found in the newest flagships. Devices that contain the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets typically have the best screens, the best cameras, and the highest configurable specifications of any Android phone. So those who need to multitask, play advanced games, or simply want the most powerful experience should keep this in mind.

It’s also worth noting that Qualcomm launched the slightly upgraded Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 in the middle of the year. This features a claimed 30% efficiency boost and 10% improvement to CPU and GPU clock speeds. It’s not available in many phones right now, but it’s otherwise identical to the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.

Otherwise, the US chipmaker has already announced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This is expected to power most of 2023’s flagship phones, such as the Galaxy S23 series.

The best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones:

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones as new devices launch.

Samsung Galaxy S22 series

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 phones may not have been the first devices to ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but they’re definitely among the most popular. You’re getting an iterative update for the S22 and S22 Plus, including a boxier design, a slightly improved display, a new main sensor for the main camera, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Meanwhile, the Ultra adopts a Galaxy Note design with an S Pen, and differentiates itself further from its siblings with extra RAM and storage options and a beefier 5,000mAh battery.

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra review — The power user’s best friend

Regardless of which model you choose, you’re getting an excellent all-around experience, from performance, cameras, displays, and design. From vibrant 120Hz displays to some of our favorite camera systems, the S22 series provides what we consider to be a well-rounded experience. 

If you’re strictly picking up this series of phones for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, do note that the European version is equipped with the Exynos 2200 processor. But the rest of the world (including Africa, Asia, and the Americas) gets the Snapdragon model. Either way, these phones perform well and are designed to handle any tasks you throw at them.

Samsung Galaxy S22 specs

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus specs

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra specs

OnePlus 10 Pro

OnePlus has always put the best specifications on its flagship devices, and the OnePlus 10 Pro is no exception. Packed with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a new LTPO 2.0 display, and an insane 80W charging speed, this device has plenty going for it.

The handset offers a capable main camera, supports wireless charging, and features stereo speakers. It also has the signature alert slider on the side that comes in handy when you want to put the phone in silent mode as fast as possible.

Verdict: OnePlus 10 Pro review — A lukewarm response to blazing competition

There are a few issues we have to point out as well. The first one is that you only get an IP68 rating if you go with the T-Mobile version of the device. The software is also a bit inconsistent and the ultrawide camera has its issues as well. Despite its cons and the impending arrival of the OnePlus 11, the OnePlus 10 Pro is still among the best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones you can currently get. It’s also worth looking at the OnePlus 10T if you want a powerful OnePlus phone at a cheaper price tag.

OnePlus 10 Pro specs

Xiaomi 12 series

Xiaomi’s Mi 11 line was the first set of devices to feature the Snapdragon 888 chipset, and in the same fashion, the Xiaomi 12 series was among the first to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. Packed with high refresh rate displays, fast charging (with the charger included in the box), and plenty of power, the Xiaomi 12 series has a lot to offer.

Verdict: Xiaomi 12 Pro review — Power-packed, but no Galaxy S22 killer

In addition to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the Xiaomi 12 comes with up to 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. You also get a 6.28-inch Full HD+ display, a 4,500mAh battery with 67W charging, and a triple-camera setup at the back (50MP+13MP+5MP).

On the bigger Xiaomi 12 Pro, you’re getting a larger and sharper 6.73-inch WQHD+ display, 120W fast charging, and a larger 4,600mAh battery. The Pro also has better camera hardware with three 50MP rear sensors. In saying so, the Xiaomi 13 series has launched in China, so we’re guessing a global release is a month or two away.

Xiaomi 12 specs

Xiaomi 12 Pro specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the only foldable phone on the list, and for good reason. Samsung’s foldables are available in a variety of markets and deliver the most durable foldables today.

The main attraction here is the tablet-sized folding screen — ideal for watching videos and playing games. Otherwise, the 2022 Fold device also serves up the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC, making it more powerful and more efficient than the Galaxy S22 series. 

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review — A 12L-evated experience

Other notable features include a flexible triple camera system, 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, water-resistance, and a lengthy update pledge. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 specs

Motorola Edge Plus (2022)

Over the past couple of years, Motorola has slowly crept back into the flagship smartphone space. With the Motorola Edge Plus (2022), the company offers an interesting device for the masses.

Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a fluid 144Hz 6.7-inch P-OLED display, this device is packing a lot of punch. You’re also getting up to 512GB of onboard storage, but unlike most other devices on this list, the Motorola Edge Plus (2022) has expandable storage. On the camera front, the device has two sizeable 50MP main and ultrawide cameras, with the ultrawide lens boasting a 114-degree field of view. On the selfie side, there’s a high-resolution 60MP sensor.

Verdict: Motorola Edge Plus 2022 review — Too many blunt edges

Interestingly, Motorola’s latest flagship goes by many names. In North America, the device is the Motorola Edge Plus (2022). But in other markets like Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, and the Middle East, the phone goes under the Motorola Edge 30 Pro moniker. To add to the confusion, this device is a rebranded Moto Edge X30 launched in China in late 2021.

The Motorola Edge Plus (2022) is a notable device that takes full advantage of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s power, with a fast refresh rate and two high-resolution cameras.

Motorola Edge Plus (2022) specs

OPPO Find X5 Pro

With OPPO’s flagship devices, we’ve come to expect a premium design paired with the best specifications and charging capabilities, and with the OPPO Find X5 Pro, it’s no different. This is one of our favorite Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 devices, and with good reason. The Find X5 Pro features a ceramic back and a Gorilla Glass Victus front, which makes the device more durable against drops and scratches and makes it feel much more premium.

Verdict: OPPO Find X5 Pro review — Beautifully bespoke, both inside and out

Aside from the 8 Gen 1, OPPO outfitted the Find X5 Pro with 256GB of storage, 12GB of RAM, and 80W SuperVOOC wired charging. On top of its impressive SoC, the company developed its own image signal processor called the Marisilicon X and partnered with Hasselblad to deliver enhanced picture color processing.

OPPO still doesn’t officially sell its devices in North America but has equipped the phone to support the n13, n18, and n25 5G bands compatible with North American carriers.

OPPO Find X5 Pro specs

REDMAGIC 7

If you’re looking for a device that showcases the full capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, look no further than the REDMAGIC 7. This gaming phone has a stacked spec sheet which includes an insane 6.8-inch 165Hz AMOLED display, 65W fast charging, and its own built-in cooling fan and vapor chamber to dissipate the heat generated by the SoC.

Related: REDMAGIC 7 launched globally — This gaming phone has all the cooling solutions

If you’re looking for a device to push the 8 Gen 1 to its maximum potential, the REDMAGIC 7 is the ideal device to do so. Being a gaming phone, it also includes pressure-sensitive sides to act as triggers for gameplay, and these pressure zones have a 500Hz touch-sampling rate.

The base model comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, and you can spec it up to 512GB with 16GB of RAM. The company behind REDMAGIC, nubia, also debuted its REDMAGIC 7 Pro with even crazier specifications such as an under-display selfie camera and a bigger battery. But the standard model is still a good option for the price.

REDMAGIC 7 specs

ASUS ROG Phone 6

The ASUS ROG Phone 6 is one of the few Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 phones on the list, so you should definitely keep that in mind in light of the processor’s performance and efficiency gains. 

The ROG Phone 6 is a gaming phone through and through otherwise, packing capacitive shoulder triggers, a 165Hz OLED screen, and software for more granular control over your gaming experience. You’re getting quite a few other great features too, such as a 6,000mAh battery, 65W charging, and a 3.5mm port.

Verdict: ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro review — Game on

ASUS is also bringing a relatively solid rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main lens, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 5MP macro sensor. Just don’t expect a telephoto camera or great low-light performance. The company also released a Pro model that comes with a secondary rear display and up to 18GB of RAM, but it will set you back a crazy €1,299 versus the standard phone’s €999. So stick with the standard variant.

ASUS ROG Phone 6 specs

vivo X80 Pro

vivo has upped its flagship game in the last couple of years, and the X80 Pro was the company’s first flagship for 2022. Expect great core specs here, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a QHD+ 120Hz OLED screen, and a 4,700mAh battery.

Verdict: vivo X80 Pro review — vivo’s best, (mostly) refined

You’re also getting a host of other notable features, namely 80W wired charging, 50W wireless top-ups, an IP68 rating, and the best in-display fingerprint sensor on a smartphone today. vivo’s flagship is also equipped with a flexible quad-camera system, delivering a 50MP main shooter, 48MP ultrawide lens, 12MP 2x telephoto camera, and an 8MP 5x periscope shooter.

The main downside to the phone is the price tag, varying between €1,100 and €1,300 in Europe and retailing for Rs 86,999 in India. vivo has already announced the X90 series, but there’s no official word on a release outside China just yet.

vivo X80 Pro specs

POCO F4 GT

Like the idea of a powerful gaming phone but don’t want to spend a ton of cash? Well, that’s where the POCO F4 GT comes in, starting at €599.90. That makes it cheaper than other gaming-focused phones on the list.

Verdict: POCO F4 GT review — One for the mobile gamers

Aside from the flagship silicon here, POCO’s phone also offers a pair of retractable shoulder buttons for use in games. Toss in a 4,700mAh battery with 120W charging, quad speakers, and a 120Hz OLED panel and you’ve got a great device for mobile gaming.

There are two downsides to the POCO F4 GT though, namely the lack of US availability and the disappointing secondary cameras. But it’s definitely one of the best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones on the list if power and pricing are your main concerns.

POCO F4 GT specs

FAQs

That concludes our list of the best Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 smartphones out right now. We’ll update the list as new devices are released.