Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 480 Plus are both 5G mobile platforms designed for budget and mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 695 generally offers superior CPU and GPU performance, while the Snapdragon 480 Plus provides capable 5G connectivity at a potentially lower device cost. The choice between them often depends on the performance tier and price point of the device they power.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone involves understanding the capabilities of its core processor. In the realm of affordable 5G connectivity, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 and 400 series play significant roles. This comparison examines two popular options: the Snapdragon 695 and the Snapdragon 480 Plus. We will analyze their architectures, performance, features, and typical use cases to clarify their positions in the market and help you understand what each platform brings to a device.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The fundamental building blocks of these chipsets differ, impacting efficiency and performance potential.
- Snapdragon 695: Built on a 6nm manufacturing process. This smaller node typically allows for better power efficiency and thermal management compared to older processes.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Utilizes an 8nm manufacturing process. While still efficient for its class, it is generally less advanced than the 6nm node, which can influence power consumption under load.
The more modern 6nm process of the Snapdragon 695 provides a foundational advantage in balancing performance and battery life.
CPU Performance
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) handles general tasks and application performance. The core configurations highlight their different performance tiers.
- Snapdragon 695: Features an octa-core CPU with two high-performance Kryo 660 Gold cores (based on Cortex-A78) clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency Kryo 660 Silver cores (Cortex-A55) at 1.7 GHz. This configuration is designed for noticeably stronger multi-threaded performance.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Also an octa-core CPU, but it uses two Kryo 460 Gold cores (Cortex-A76) at 2.2 GHz and six Kryo 460 Silver cores (Cortex-A55) at 1.8 GHz. The older Cortex-A76 cores, while capable, are less performant than the A78 cores in the 695.
For tasks like app launches, multitasking, and general UI navigation, the Snapdragon 695 typically delivers a smoother and more responsive experience.
GPU and Gaming
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) determines gaming capabilities and graphical performance.
- Snapdragon 695: Equipped with an Adreno 619 GPU. This GPU supports smoother gameplay at higher graphics settings in popular titles and enables features like Variable Rate Shading for improved efficiency.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Uses an Adreno 619 GPU as well, but it is important to note that GPU performance is also influenced by the CPU architecture and manufacturing process. In practice, the Adreno 619 in the 695 often runs at higher frequencies or with optimizations that yield better gaming performance.
While both share the same GPU name, the Snapdragon 695’s overall system design generally provides a superior gaming experience, especially for more demanding 3D games.
5G and Connectivity
Both platforms bring 5G to affordable devices, but their modems have different capabilities.
- Snapdragon 695: Integrates the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System. It supports both mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G networks in most regions, offering broad compatibility. Peak download speeds are theoretically up to 2.5 Gbps.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Features the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System as well, providing similar core 5G support with both mmWave and sub-6 GHz. Peak download speeds are also advertised up to 2.5 Gbps.
In terms of core 5G connectivity, the two platforms are very similar, making 5G access a key feature for devices using either chipset.
Camera, AI, and Additional Features
These aspects influence photography, computational tasks, and overall device intelligence.
- Camera Support: The Snapdragon 695 supports single cameras up to 108MP or dual cameras up to 32+16MP. The Snapdragon 480 Plus supports single cameras up to 64MP or dual cameras up to 25+13MP. The 695 allows for higher-resolution sensors.
- AI Engine: The Snapdragon 695 includes a more advanced Hexagon-based AI Engine (6th gen) compared to the 5th gen AI Engine in the 480 Plus. This can translate to faster and more efficient AI-powered features like scene detection, voice assistants, and camera enhancements.
- Display & Charging: The Snapdragon 695 supports FHD+ displays at up to 120Hz refresh rate and Quick Charge 4+ technology. The Snapdragon 480 Plus supports FHD+ at 120Hz and Quick Charge 4+ as well, showing parity in these specific features.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 8nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.7 GHz) | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X51 (mmWave + sub-6 GHz) | Snapdragon X51 (mmWave + sub-6 GHz) |
| Max Camera Support | Single: 108MP, Dual: 32MP + 16MP | Single: 64MP, Dual: 25MP + 13MP |
| AI Engine | 6th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine | 5th Gen Qualcomm AI Engine |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Fast Charging | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between Snapdragon 695 and 480 Plus?
The primary difference lies in the CPU architecture and manufacturing process. The Snapdragon 695 uses newer, more powerful Cortex-A78 cores and a more efficient 6nm process, leading to significantly better overall performance. The 480 Plus uses older Cortex-A76 cores on an 8nm process.
Which chipset is better for gaming, the 695 or 480 Plus?
The Snapdragon 695 is generally better for gaming. While both feature an Adreno 619 GPU, the 695’s superior CPU and more advanced manufacturing process typically allow the GPU to perform at a higher level, enabling smoother gameplay at better graphics settings.
Do both chips support 5G equally?
Yes, in terms of core connectivity, they are very similar. Both integrate the Qualcomm Snapdragon X51 5G modem, supporting both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G frequencies, bringing robust 5G capabilities to their respective device tiers.
Can a phone with a Snapdragon 480 Plus have a good camera?
Yes. While the Snapdragon 695 supports higher-resolution sensors, the image quality depends heavily on the manufacturer’s camera hardware and software tuning. A device with a Snapdragon 480 Plus can still feature a very capable camera system, especially for its price segment.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 480 Plus serve distinct roles in bringing 5G to more accessible smartphones. The Snapdragon 695 represents a more performance-oriented mid-range option, with advantages in CPU, GPU, and AI due to its newer architecture. The Snapdragon 480 Plus provides essential 5G connectivity and capable performance for entry-level devices. When considering a phone powered by either chipset, evaluating the complete package—including RAM, storage, display, and camera hardware—alongside your performance expectations and budget will provide the clearest picture of which device is the more suitable choice.