Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 6020 are both 5G-capable mobile platforms designed for budget to mid-range smartphones. The Snapdragon 695 generally offers slightly stronger CPU performance and GPU efficiency, while the Dimensity 6020 is typically found in more recent devices and supports a higher maximum refresh rate for displays. The choice between them often comes down to device-specific tuning and other features.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs MediaTek Dimensity 6020: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones in the affordable 5G segment, the chipset is a critical component that influences performance, battery life, and connectivity. Two prominent options in this space are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and the MediaTek Dimensity 6020. This comparison aims to break down their technical specifications, typical performance characteristics, and key features to help you understand their roles in the market. We’ll examine their architectures, graphics capabilities, connectivity, and the type of user experience they generally enable.
Performance & CPU Architecture
Both chipsets are built on a 6nm manufacturing process, which helps with power efficiency. Their CPU configurations, however, differ in their approach.
- Snapdragon 695: Features an octa-core CPU with two performance cores based on the Kryo 660 (derived from ARM Cortex-A78) clocked at up to 2.2 GHz, and six efficiency cores (Cortex-A55) at 1.7 GHz. This “2+6” setup is common for balancing power and battery life.
- Dimensity 6020: Also uses an octa-core CPU, but it employs two ARM Cortex-A76 performance cores at up to 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. The Cortex-A76 is an older design than the A78, which can result in a slight performance-per-clock disadvantage.
In typical benchmarks and real-world usage, the Snapdragon 695 often shows a marginal lead in CPU-intensive tasks due to its newer performance core architecture.
Graphics & Gaming (GPU)
The integrated GPU handles gaming, UI animations, and video playback.
- Snapdragon 695: Utilizes the Adreno 619 GPU. Adreno GPUs are known for their strong driver support and efficiency, which can translate to smoother gameplay in popular titles at medium settings.
- Dimensity 6020: Equipped with the ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This is a capable GPU for its class, but its performance can vary more depending on the device manufacturer’s optimization.
For casual to moderate mobile gaming, both GPUs are adequate. The Adreno 619 in the Snapdragon 695 generally holds a small advantage in both peak performance and power efficiency in most scenarios.
Connectivity & 5G
5G support is a key selling point for both these chipsets, though their implementations have nuances.
- Snapdragon 695: Integrates the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System. It supports both sub-6 GHz 5G networks and mmWave (in specific regional variants), offering broad carrier compatibility in most regions.
- Dimensity 6020: Features an integrated 5G modem supporting sub-6 GHz networks. It does not support mmWave, which is less of a concern in many markets where sub-6 is the primary 5G deployment.
Both provide essential 5G connectivity for the price segment. The inclusion of mmWave support in some Snapdragon 695 variants might be a factor in specific regions like North America.
Display & Camera Support
These specifications dictate the hardware features a smartphone manufacturer can implement.
- Display Support: The Snapdragon 695 supports displays with up to FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Dimensity 6020 also supports FHD+ resolution but can drive panels with a higher refresh rate of up to 144Hz.
- Camera Support: The Snapdragon 695 can handle a single camera up to 108MP or dual 16MP sensors, and supports 4K video recording at 30fps. The Dimensity 6020 supports a single 64MP camera or a 16MP + 16MP dual setup, with 2K video recording at 30fps.
The Dimensity 6020’s higher refresh rate support is notable for smoother scrolling, while the Snapdragon 695 offers higher-resolution camera sensor support.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Dimensity 6020 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core (2x Kryo 660 Gold @ 2.2 GHz + 6x Kryo 660 Silver @ 1.7 GHz) | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | ARM Mali-G57 MC2 |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Snapdragon X51 (Sub-6 & mmWave*) | Integrated 5G Modem (Sub-6) |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 144Hz |
| Max Camera Support | Single: 108MP, Dual: 16MP+16MP | Single: 64MP, Dual: 16MP+16MP |
| Video Capture | 4K @ 30fps | 2K @ 30fps |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| AI Processing | Qualcomm Hexagon | MediaTek APU |
*mmWave support is device and region-dependent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 6020?
The primary differences lie in the CPU core architecture and GPU. The Snapdragon 695 uses newer Cortex-A78-derived cores and the Adreno 619 GPU, which typically offer slightly better performance and efficiency. The Dimensity 6020 supports a higher maximum display refresh rate (144Hz).
Which chipset is better for gaming?
For mobile gaming, the Snapdragon 695 with its Adreno 619 GPU generally provides a slight edge in terms of consistent performance and power efficiency in popular games. Both are capable of handling casual and moderate gaming at medium graphics settings.
Do both chips support 5G?
Yes, both the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 6020 are 5G-capable. The Snapdragon 695 may include mmWave support in some variants, while the Dimensity 6020 is typically limited to sub-6 GHz 5G bands.
Which one is more power-efficient?
Both are built on the same 6nm process, which is good for efficiency. Due to its newer CPU architecture and often well-optimized Adreno GPU, the Snapdragon 695 can sometimes demonstrate marginally better power efficiency under similar workloads, but real-world battery life depends heavily on the smartphone’s overall design.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 6020 are closely matched competitors in the entry-level 5G chipset space. The Snapdragon 695 tends to have a small lead in raw CPU and GPU performance, along with broader 5G band support in certain configurations. The Dimensity 6020, often appearing in newer device models, counters with support for higher refresh rate displays. Ultimately, the experience on any smartphone depends on more than just the chipset—factors like software optimization, cooling, RAM management, and display quality play significant roles. When considering a phone with either platform, it’s advisable to look at reviews of the specific device to understand how the chipset’s potential is realized in practice.