Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 are both 5G-capable mobile platforms designed for budget to mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 generally offers a newer manufacturing process and slightly improved CPU and GPU performance, while the Snapdragon 695 is a well-established chipset known for its efficiency. The choice between them often depends on the specific device implementation and regional availability.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones in the affordable segment, the underlying processor is a key factor in determining overall capability. Two prominent options in this space are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. This comparison aims to break down their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and typical use cases. Understanding the differences between these two chipsets can help clarify what to expect from devices that feature them, focusing on aspects like processing power, graphics, connectivity, and efficiency.
Performance & CPU Architecture
At their core, both chipsets are built on an octa-core CPU configuration, but they differ in their architecture and manufacturing process, which influences performance and power consumption.
- Snapdragon 695: This platform utilizes a 6nm manufacturing process. Its CPU consists of two performance cores based on the Kryo 660 (derived from ARM Cortex-A78) clocked at 2.2 GHz, and six efficiency cores based on the Kryo 660 (derived from ARM Cortex-A55) at 1.7 GHz.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: This newer chipset is also built on a 6nm process. It features two performance cores (ARM Cortex-A78) at 2.0 GHz and six efficiency cores (ARM Cortex-A55) at 1.8 GHz. While the peak clock speed is slightly lower, the newer integrated design can lead to efficiency gains.
In practice, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 typically shows marginal gains in CPU performance benchmarks, though the difference in daily use is often minimal. Both are capable of handling everyday tasks, social media, and moderate gaming.
Graphics & Gaming (GPU)
The GPU handles gaming visuals, UI animations, and other graphics-intensive tasks. The difference here is more pronounced.
- Snapdragon 695: Equipped with an Adreno 619 GPU. It provides solid performance for casual and mid-level mobile gaming at lower to medium graphical settings.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: Features an Adreno 619 GPU as well, but it is a newer iteration. It generally supports a few more advanced gaming features and can offer slightly better frame rate consistency in supported titles compared to the 695’s GPU.
For most users, both GPUs will deliver a similar experience. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 may have a slight edge in newer, more demanding games.
Camera & Multimedia Support
The image signal processor (ISP) defines the camera capabilities a chipset can support.
- Snapdragon 695: Incorporates the Spectra 346T ISP. It can support a single camera up to 108MP, dual cameras up to 16MP, or a triple camera setup with up to 25MP. It supports video capture at up to 1080p at 120 fps or 720p at 240 fps for slow motion.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: Uses the Spectra 459 ISP. It supports a single camera up to 108MP, dual 16MP+16MP cameras with zero shutter lag, or a 25MP+13MP setup. For video, it supports 1080p at 120fps and introduces support for 720p at 480fps slow-motion capture.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1’s ISP is more advanced, enabling slightly faster processing and better multi-camera handling. The final camera quality, however, depends heavily on the smartphone manufacturer’s lens and sensor choices.
Connectivity & Modem
Both platforms offer integrated 5G modems, a significant feature for budget devices.
- Snapdragon 695: Includes the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System. It supports both sub-6 GHz 5G and mmWave (in specific regional variants), with peak download speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1: Features the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System as well, offering similar sub-6 GHz and mmWave support with comparable peak speeds.
Connectivity features like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1/5.2 are standard on both. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 may offer slightly better power efficiency in its modem implementation.
Battery Life & Efficiency
Efficiency is crucial for battery life in budget phones, which often have large batteries.
Both chipsets are fabricated on a power-efficient 6nm process. The Snapdragon 695 has a reputation for excellent power management, contributing to long battery life in devices that use it. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, with its newer architecture, aims to match or slightly improve upon this efficiency. Real-world battery performance is more dependent on the device’s battery capacity, display, and software optimization than on the minor differences between these two chipsets.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 (newer iteration) |
| ISP (Image Signal Processor) | Spectra 346T | Spectra 459 |
| Max Camera Support | Single: 108MP Dual: 16MP+16MP Video: 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps |
Single: 108MP Dual: 16MP+16MP (with ZSL) Video: 1080p@120fps, 720p@480fps |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X51 (Sub-6 & mmWave) | Snapdragon X51 (Sub-6 & mmWave) |
| AI Engine | Qualcomm Hexagon 686 | Qualcomm Hexagon |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) |
| Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 695 and 4 Gen 1?
The primary differences lie in the CPU architecture and the Image Signal Processor (ISP). The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 uses a newer CPU core configuration (Cortex-A78/A55) and a more advanced Spectra 459 ISP, which typically results in slightly better performance and camera processing capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 695.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
Both feature the Adreno 619 GPU, making them suitable for casual and moderate gaming. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1’s GPU is a newer version and may offer marginally better performance and efficiency in some games, but the experience is generally very similar on both.
Do both chips support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 come with an integrated Snapdragon X51 5G modem, supporting both sub-6 GHz and, in specific device variants, mmWave 5G bands.
Is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 more power-efficient?
Both are built on a 6nm process and are designed for efficiency. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, being a newer design, may have slight efficiency improvements, but real-world battery life is predominantly determined by the smartphone’s overall design and battery capacity.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 are closely matched platforms that bring essential modern features like 5G and capable performance to budget-friendly devices. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 holds a technical advantage as the newer platform, with a more modern CPU design and a slightly more capable ISP. However, the Snapdragon 695 remains a proven and efficient option. The actual user experience with a smartphone featuring either chipset will depend on factors beyond the processor, including RAM, storage, software optimization, and cooling solutions. When considering a device, it is useful to look at holistic reviews of the specific phone model rather than the chipset in isolation.