Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is a newer mid-range mobile platform, generally offering improved CPU performance and power efficiency over the older Snapdragon 695. The Snapdragon 695, however, has been widely used and is known for its reliable performance in its segment. The key differences lie in their manufacturing process, CPU architecture, and GPU capabilities.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 695: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones in the budget to mid-range category, the chipset is a central component that influences overall performance, battery life, and feature support. This comparison examines two Qualcomm platforms: the newer Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and the well-established Snapdragon 695. Understanding their specifications, strengths, and typical use cases can help clarify which might be more suitable for different user needs, without focusing on any specific device.
Performance and CPU Architecture
The core processing power of a chipset is defined by its CPU configuration and manufacturing process.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: This platform is built on a 6nm manufacturing process. Its CPU typically features an octa-core setup with two high-performance ARM Cortex-A78 cores and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture is designed to balance demanding tasks with power conservation.
- Snapdragon 695: Also fabricated on a 6nm process, the 695 employs an octa-core Kryo 660 CPU. This configuration uses two Cortex-A78-derived performance cores and six Cortex-A55-derived efficiency cores. While the core types are similar in name to the 6s Gen 3, the implementation and clock speeds differ.
In practice, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 often provides a modest generational improvement in CPU performance and efficiency due to its updated design.
Graphics and Gaming (GPU)
The GPU handles visual rendering, impacting gaming, UI animations, and video playback.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: It utilizes an Adreno 619 GPU. This GPU supports modern graphics APIs and is capable of handling mainstream mobile games at medium to high settings, depending on the game’s demands and display resolution.
- Snapdragon 695: This chipset features an Adreno 619 GPU as well. While sharing the same name, the GPU in the 6s Gen 3 may have optimizations or slight architectural tweaks. For most users, the gaming experience on both chipsets will be comparable for casual and moderately intensive titles.
Connectivity and Modem
Connectivity features determine network speeds, call quality, and local wireless capabilities.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: It integrates the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System. This supports both sub-6 GHz 5G networks and 4G LTE. It also typically includes support for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Snapdragon 695: This platform also features an integrated Snapdragon X51 5G Modem, providing similar 5G and 4G connectivity. Its wireless support generally includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 as well.
In this aspect, the two platforms are very similar, offering foundational 5G connectivity for their market segment.
Camera and AI Capabilities
The image signal processor (ISP) and AI engine affect camera performance and computational photography features.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: It is equipped with a Qualcomm Spectra ISP. It typically supports single cameras up to 108MP, dual cameras up to 25MP+13MP, and can handle video capture up to 1080p at 120fps or 720p at 240fps. Its AI capabilities are powered by the Hexagon processor.
- Snapdragon 695: This chipset uses a Qualcomm Spectra 346T ISP. It supports single cameras up to 108MP, dual cameras up to 16MP+16MP, and video recording up to 1080p at 120fps. It also includes a dedicated Hexagon processor for AI tasks.
The 6s Gen 3 may offer slightly more flexibility for multi-camera setups, but final camera quality heavily depends on the manufacturer’s lens and software tuning.
Display and Charging Support
These specifications dictate the type of screen and fast charging a device can support.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: It can drive displays with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz at FHD+ resolution. It supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ technology.
- Snapdragon 695: This platform also supports FHD+ displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz. It is compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ technology.
Both chipsets provide similar support for high-refresh-rate displays and fast charging standards.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 695
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2021 |
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78 + 6x Cortex-A55) | Octa-core Kryo 660 (2x Cortex-A78-derived + 6x Cortex-A55-derived) |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 619 | Qualcomm Adreno 619 |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X51 5G (Integrated) | Snapdragon X51 5G (Integrated) |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| ISP (Camera Support) | Qualcomm Spectra ISP Single Camera: Up to 108MP Dual Camera: Up to 25MP+13MP |
Qualcomm Spectra 346T ISP Single Camera: Up to 108MP Dual Camera: Up to 16MP+16MP |
| Max Video Capture | 1080p @ 120fps / 720p @ 240fps | 1080p @ 120fps |
| Charging | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and the Snapdragon 695?
The primary differences are generational. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 is a newer platform that typically offers a more modern CPU configuration (though with similar core types) and potentially better optimization for efficiency and performance compared to the older Snapdragon 695. Their GPU and connectivity features are quite similar.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
Both chipsets feature the Adreno 619 GPU, so gaming performance is generally comparable. They can handle popular mobile games well at medium to high settings. The newer 6s Gen 3 might have slight efficiency advantages, but the difference in actual gameplay is often minimal.
Does the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 have better battery life than the 695?
Both are built on an efficient 6nm process. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3’s updated CPU architecture may lead to marginally better power efficiency in some scenarios. However, real-world battery life is predominantly determined by the device’s battery capacity, display, and software optimization.
Can phones with these chipsets use 5G?
Yes. Both the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and the Snapdragon 695 integrate the Snapdragon X51 5G modem, providing support for sub-6 GHz 5G networks in addition to 4G LTE.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 695 highlights a progression within Qualcomm’s 6-series lineup. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 represents a newer iteration with architectural refinements that can translate to slightly better CPU performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 695 remains a capable and proven platform, especially in devices where it has been optimally implemented. The choice between devices featuring these chipsets often comes down to other factors like device design, software support, and specific feature implementations by the manufacturer, as the core silicon capabilities have considerable overlap.