Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 and Snapdragon 680 are both 6nm mobile platforms designed for budget to mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 685 generally offers slightly improved CPU and GPU performance, along with support for faster charging, while the Snapdragon 680 is often found in devices focused on efficiency and display quality.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 680: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones in the affordable segment, the chipset is a critical component that influences performance, battery life, and overall user experience. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 and Snapdragon 680 are two popular options in this category. This comparison breaks down their specifications, features, and typical use cases to help clarify their differences and similarities, providing a clearer picture of what each platform offers.
CPU and Performance
Both chipsets are built on a 6nm manufacturing process, which typically contributes to good power efficiency. However, their CPU configurations differ, leading to variations in performance.
- Snapdragon 685: Features an octa-core CPU with a Kryo 265 architecture. It typically uses a configuration of 2x performance cores (based on Cortex-A76) and 6x efficiency cores (based on Cortex-A55). This setup can provide a modest performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks compared to its counterpart.
- Snapdragon 680: Also uses an octa-core Kryo 265 CPU but is based on a different core design, utilizing 4x Cortex-A73 and 4x Cortex-A53 cores. This older core design generally results in slightly lower peak CPU performance but remains capable for everyday tasks.
For general use, both processors handle social media, web browsing, and light applications smoothly. The Snapdragon 685 may have a slight edge in more demanding scenarios.
GPU and Gaming
The integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) determines gaming and graphical performance.
- Snapdragon 685: Equipped with an Adreno 610 GPU. This is a newer iteration of the Adreno 600 series and typically offers marginally better graphics performance and efficiency than the GPU in the Snapdragon 680.
- Snapdragon 680: Uses an Adreno 610 GPU as well, but it is an earlier version. In practice, the difference in gaming performance is often minor. Both GPUs are suitable for casual gaming and can run popular titles at low to medium graphics settings.
Neither chipset is designed for high-end, graphically intensive gaming, but they provide adequate performance for the segment.
Camera and Multimedia
The image signal processor (ISP) defines the camera capabilities a chipset can support.
- Spectra ISP: Both platforms incorporate a Qualcomm Spectra 346 ISP. This allows them to support similar camera features, such as:
- Single camera support up to 64MP.
- Multi-frame noise reduction (MFNR).
- Capability for 1080p video recording at 60fps.
- Display Support: A key difference lies in display support. The Snapdragon 680’s display processor can support FHD+ resolution at up to 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates. The Snapdragon 685 typically supports FHD+ at 90Hz. Therefore, devices with a Snapdragon 680 may potentially offer smoother scrolling in supported displays.
- Audio: Both support Qualcomm Aqstic audio codecs for enhanced audio playback.
Connectivity and Modem
Connectivity is largely similar, with one notable advancement in charging technology.
- Modem: Both integrate the Snapdragon X11 4G LTE modem. They do not support 5G connectivity, offering peak download speeds on 4G networks.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Both typically support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1.
- Quick Charge: This is a significant differentiator. The Snapdragon 685 supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, while the Snapdragon 680 supports the newer Quick Charge 3.0 as well, but the 685’s implementation is often paired with platforms that enable slightly faster wired charging speeds in devices.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 685 vs Snapdragon 680
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Architecture | Octa-core Kryo 265 (2x Cortex-A76 + 6x Cortex-A55) | Octa-core Kryo 265 (4x Cortex-A73 + 4x Cortex-A53) |
| CPU Clock Speed | Up to 2.8 GHz | Up to 2.4 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| ISP (Image Signal Processor) | Qualcomm Spectra 346 | Qualcomm Spectra 346 |
| Max Camera Support | Up to 64MP single / 16MP+16MP dual | Up to 64MP single / 16MP+16MP dual |
| Video Capture | 1080p @ 60fps | 1080p @ 60fps |
| Display Support | FHD+ @ 90Hz | FHD+ @ 90Hz / 120Hz |
| Modem | Snapdragon X11 LTE (4G) | Snapdragon X11 LTE (4G) |
| Quick Charge Support | Quick Charge 3.0 | Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 685 and 680?
The primary differences lie in the CPU architecture and potential display support. The Snapdragon 685 uses newer Cortex-A76 cores for better peak CPU performance, while the Snapdragon 680 can support higher refresh rate displays (up to 120Hz) in some implementations.
Which chipset is better for gaming, the Snapdragon 685 or 680?
Both feature an Adreno 610 GPU, so gaming performance is very similar. The Snapdragon 685 might have a slight edge due to its more modern CPU, but for casual gaming, the experience is generally comparable on both.
Do the Snapdragon 685 and 680 support 5G?
No, neither the Snapdragon 685 nor the Snapdragon 680 includes a 5G modem. They are 4G LTE platforms.
Can phones with these chipsets have good battery life?
Yes, the 6nm manufacturing process in both chipsets is designed for power efficiency. Actual battery life in a device depends on many factors, including battery capacity and software optimization, but these platforms typically provide a solid foundation for good endurance.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 and Snapdragon 680 are closely related platforms with more similarities than differences. The Snapdragon 685 generally brings a modest performance upgrade with its newer CPU cores, which may be noticeable in certain applications. The Snapdragon 680, while using an older CPU design, holds its own with efficient performance and the potential for smoother display experiences in supported devices. The choice between the two in a smartphone often comes down to other device-specific factors like RAM, software, camera hardware, and battery size, as the core silicon capabilities are quite aligned for everyday use cases.