Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 is a flagship-tier chipset from 2019, designed for high-performance smartphones. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range 5G platform from 2021, focusing on balanced performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 855 generally offers superior raw CPU and GPU performance, while the Snapdragon 695 provides integrated 5G connectivity and more modern manufacturing technology.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 695: Full Comparison
Introduction
Comparing processors from different generations and market segments can be insightful for understanding smartphone capabilities. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 695 represent distinct philosophies: one is a past flagship focused on peak performance, and the other is a modern mid-range chip prioritizing connectivity and efficiency. This comparison will break down their architectures, performance, features, and typical use cases to clarify their key differences and help you understand which technological approach might suit different needs.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The fundamental design and construction of these chipsets highlight their different eras and target markets.
- Snapdragon 855: Built on a 7nm manufacturing process. It features a tri-cluster CPU configuration: one high-performance Cortex-A76 core, three more Cortex-A76 cores for balanced tasks, and four efficiency Cortex-A55 cores.
- Snapdragon 695: Utilizes a more advanced 6nm manufacturing process. Its CPU uses a simpler dual-cluster design with two performance-oriented Cortex-A78 cores and six efficiency Cortex-A55 cores.
The newer 6nm process of the 695 can offer slightly better power efficiency for comparable tasks, while the 855’s older 7nm process was paired with a more complex CPU design for its time.
CPU and GPU Performance
This is the core area where the legacy flagship distinguishes itself from the modern mid-range offering.
- CPU Performance: The Snapdragon 855’s CPU, with its higher-clocked Cortex-A76 cores, typically delivers faster single-core and multi-core performance in synthetic benchmarks and demanding applications compared to the Snapdragon 695’s Cortex-A78 cores. The 855 was engineered for intensive tasks.
- GPU Performance: The difference is more pronounced in graphics. The Snapdragon 855’s Adreno 640 GPU is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 695’s Adreno 619. This translates to a much smoother experience in high-end mobile gaming at higher graphics settings.
For everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and streaming, both chipsets are generally capable. The 695 handles these efficiently, while the 855 provides more headroom for sustained heavy workloads.
Connectivity and Modem
Connectivity is a major differentiator, showcasing the Snapdragon 695’s modern feature set.
- Snapdragon 855: It uses a separate 4G LTE modem (the Snapdragon X24). 5G connectivity was only available when paired with an additional, external 5G modem (the Snapdragon X50), which was not present in all devices.
- Snapdragon 695: It features an integrated 5G modem (the Snapdragon X51). This provides native support for both sub-6GHz 5G networks and 4G LTE, making it a common choice for budget-friendly 5G devices.
The integrated 5G modem is a key advantage for the Snapdragon 695 in regions where 5G networks are expanding.
AI, Imaging, and Other Features
Both platforms include dedicated processing blocks for AI and imaging, but their capabilities differ.
- AI Engine: The Snapdragon 855 features a 4th generation AI Engine, while the Snapdragon 695 has a 5th generation AI Engine. Despite the generational name, the raw AI performance (measured in TOPS) of the flagship 855 is often higher, but the 695’s engine benefits from more recent software optimizations and architectures for specific tasks.
- ISP (Image Signal Processor): The Spectra 380 ISP in the Snapdragon 855 supports higher-resolution camera sensors and more advanced computational photography features (like 4K HDR video recording) compared to the Spectra 346T ISP in the Snapdragon 695. The 855 can generally handle more complex multi-camera setups.
- Display Support: The Snapdragon 695 typically supports displays with higher refresh rates (up to 120Hz) at FHD+ resolution, a common feature in modern mid-range phones. The Snapdragon 855 also supports high refresh rates but was often paired with 90Hz displays in its prime.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 855 vs Snapdragon 695
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2019 | 2021 |
| Market Segment | Flagship / Premium | Mid-Range |
| Manufacturing Process | 7nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | 1x Cortex-A76 @ 2.84 GHz 3x Cortex-A76 @ 2.42 GHz 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.80 GHz |
2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.7 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 619 |
| Modem | Snapdragon X24 LTE (4G) (5G via external X50 modem) |
Snapdragon X51 Integrated 5G (Sub-6GHz) |
| AI Engine | 4th Generation | 5th Generation |
| ISP (Image Processor) | Spectra 380 | Spectra 346T |
| Max Display Support | 4K @ 60Hz / QHD+ @ 144Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Max Camera Resolution | Single: 48MP / Dual: 22MP | Single: 108MP / Dual: 16MP+16MP |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 855 and 695?
The primary differences lie in their performance tier and connectivity. The Snapdragon 855 is a older flagship with stronger CPU/GPU performance, while the Snapdragon 695 is a newer mid-range chip with an integrated 5G modem and a more power-efficient 6nm design.
Which chipset is better for gaming, the Snapdragon 855 or 695?
For demanding mobile gaming, the Snapdragon 855 is generally more capable due to its more powerful Adreno 640 GPU. It can handle high graphics settings better than the Adreno 619 in the Snapdragon 695.
Does the Snapdragon 855 support 5G?
Not natively. The Snapdragon 855 platform itself has a 4G LTE modem. Some smartphones using the 855 added 5G connectivity by including a separate, external Snapdragon X50 5G modem, but this was not standard for all devices.
Is the Snapdragon 695 more power-efficient than the 855?
Typically, yes. The Snapdragon 695’s 6nm manufacturing process and CPU architecture designed for the mid-range segment often result in better power efficiency during everyday tasks compared to the older 7nm flagship design of the 855, which prioritized peak performance.
Final Thoughts
The comparison between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 695 illustrates a common trade-off in mobile technology: raw performance versus modern connectivity and efficiency. The Snapdragon 855 remains a potent chip for tasks requiring high computational and graphical power. In contrast, the Snapdragon 695 represents a more contemporary balance, bringing essential 5G connectivity and efficient daily performance to a broader market. The choice between them, when considering a device, often depends on whether legacy flagship performance or current-generation connectivity and efficiency are higher priorities for the user.