Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 700 are both 5G-capable mobile platforms designed for budget to mid-range smartphones. The Snapdragon 695 generally offers slightly better CPU and GPU performance, while the Dimensity 700 is often found in more cost-effective devices. Both provide efficient performance for everyday tasks.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs MediaTek Dimensity 700: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the chipset at its core, which dictates performance, efficiency, and supported features. In the competitive mid-range segment, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 700 are two popular 5G-enabled options. This comparison breaks down their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and typical use cases to help clarify their differences and similarities, providing a clearer picture for potential buyers.
Performance and CPU Architecture
Both chipsets are built on an 8-core CPU design but utilize different architectures and manufacturing processes, which impacts their efficiency and speed.
- Snapdragon 695: This platform uses a 6nm manufacturing process. Its CPU configuration consists of two high-performance Kryo 660 Gold cores (based on ARM Cortex-A78) clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency Kryo 660 Silver cores (based on ARM Cortex-A55) at 1.7 GHz. This setup typically provides a noticeable boost in application loading times and multitasking.
- Dimensity 700: Built on a 7nm process, it features two ARM Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz and six ARM Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. While the high-performance cores are from an older generation than the 695’s, its balanced clock speeds deliver reliable performance for standard applications.
In benchmark tests and real-world usage, the Snapdragon 695 often holds a marginal lead in CPU-intensive tasks due to its newer core architecture and slightly more advanced manufacturing node.
Graphics and Gaming (GPU)
The graphics processing unit (GPU) determines gaming capability and visual fluidity. Here, the difference between the two becomes more apparent.
- Snapdragon 695: It integrates the Adreno 619 GPU. This GPU supports features like Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 and is capable of handling popular mobile games at medium to high graphics settings with stable frame rates.
- Dimensity 700: This chipset uses the ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. While sufficient for casual gaming and less demanding titles, it may not sustain the same level of graphical fidelity or frame rates as the Adreno 619 in more intensive games.
For users who prioritize mobile gaming, the Snapdragon 695 generally offers a more capable GPU experience.
5G Connectivity and Modem
Both platforms were early entrants bringing 5G connectivity to affordable phones, but their modem implementations have slight variations.
- Snapdragon 695: Features the integrated Snapdragon X51 5G modem. It supports both mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G networks in different variants, though sub-6 GHz is more common in most regions. It also supports carrier aggregation for improved speeds.
- Dimensity 700: Integrates a 5G modem that supports sub-6 GHz networks and features MediaTek’s 5G UltraSave technology, which is designed to reduce power consumption during 5G connectivity. It supports dual 5G SIM standby, allowing both SIM slots to connect to 5G simultaneously.
Both provide solid 5G foundations, with the Dimensity 700 having an edge in dual-SIM 5G support, while the Snapdragon X51 modem may offer broader global network compatibility in certain configurations.
Camera, Display, and AI Support
The image signal processor (ISP) and AI engine define the camera and display capabilities a phone can support.
- Camera (ISP): The Snapdragon 695’s Spectra 346T ISP can support single cameras up to 108MP or dual 16MP+16MP setups with features like multi-frame noise reduction. The Dimensity 700’s ISP supports single cameras up to 64MP or 16MP+16MP dual cameras. The 695 typically allows for higher-resolution sensors.
- Display: Both support FHD+ displays at 120Hz refresh rates, enabling smooth scrolling and animations. The specific implementation (LCD or AMOLED) depends on the smartphone manufacturer.
- AI Processing: Both chips include dedicated AI processing units (the 6th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine for the 695 and MediaTek’s APU for the 700) to accelerate tasks like scene detection in photography and voice assistants.
Power Efficiency and Battery Life
Efficiency directly impacts battery life. The manufacturing process and architecture play key roles here.
The Snapdragon 695’s 6nm process is generally more power-efficient than the Dimensity 700’s 7nm process, theoretically leading to slightly better battery longevity under similar conditions. However, real-world battery life is heavily influenced by other factors like display technology, battery capacity, and software optimization by the phone maker. Both chipsets are considered efficient for their performance class.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 695 vs Dimensity 700
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Dimensity 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 7nm |
| CPU Cores | 2x Kryo 660 Gold (Cortex-A78) @ 2.2 GHz 6x Kryo 660 Silver (Cortex-A55) @ 1.7 GHz |
2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | ARM Mali-G57 MC2 |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Snapdragon X51 (mmWave & sub-6) | Integrated 5G Modem (sub-6) |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Max Camera Support (ISP) | Single: 108MP Dual: 16MP + 16MP |
Single: 64MP Dual: 16MP + 16MP |
| RAM Support | LPDDR4X @ 2133 MHz | LPDDR4X @ 2133 MHz |
| Charging Technology | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ | No proprietary standard listed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi Support | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 700?
The primary differences lie in the CPU architecture, GPU, and manufacturing process. The Snapdragon 695 uses newer Cortex-A78 derived cores and a 6nm process, typically resulting in better CPU/GPU performance and efficiency compared to the Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores on a 7nm process.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
The Snapdragon 695, with its Adreno 619 GPU, generally provides better gaming performance and can handle graphically intensive games at higher settings more consistently than the Dimensity 700’s Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Do both chips support 5G?
Yes, both the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 700 are 5G-enabled platforms. The Snapdragon 695’s X51 modem supports both sub-6 and mmWave (in specific variants), while the Dimensity 700 focuses on sub-6 GHz networks and offers dual 5G SIM standby.
Which one is more power-efficient?
Due to its more advanced 6nm manufacturing process, the Snapdragon 695 has a theoretical advantage in power efficiency. However, actual battery life in a smartphone depends on many other factors, including battery capacity and software optimization.
Can phones with these chipsets have high refresh rate displays?
Yes, both platforms officially support displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz at FHD+ resolution, allowing for smooth scrolling and animations in supported devices.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 700 serve similar market segments with a focus on bringing 5G and capable performance to affordable smartphones. The Snapdragon 695 generally holds a performance advantage, particularly in graphics and newer CPU tasks, making it a common choice for devices that emphasize gaming or snappy responsiveness. The Dimensity 700 remains a competitive and often cost-effective solution, providing reliable 5G connectivity and efficient performance for everyday use. The final choice between devices powered by these chips often comes down to specific smartphone implementations, including other features like camera systems, display quality, and software, alongside regional availability and pricing.