Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 are both 5G-capable mobile platforms designed for budget-friendly devices. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a newer generation chipset, offering a more advanced 4nm manufacturing process, higher CPU clock speeds, and support for faster camera sensors and displays compared to the 8nm Snapdragon 480 Plus.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the capabilities of its processor, which serves as the heart of the device. For users considering budget or entry-level 5G phones, two common platform options are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus and the newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This comparison breaks down their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and feature sets to highlight their differences and similarities. By examining aspects like CPU, GPU, connectivity, and supported technologies, you can gain a clearer picture of what each chipset brings to a device.
Manufacturing Process and CPU Performance
The fundamental architecture of these chipsets differs significantly, which impacts efficiency and performance.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Built on an 8nm manufacturing process. Its CPU configuration consists of two high-performance Kryo 460 cores (based on Cortex-A76) clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency Kryo 460 cores (based on Cortex-A55) at 1.8 GHz.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: Utilizes a more advanced 4nm process, which generally allows for better power efficiency. It features two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The newer Cortex-A78 cores offer a performance uplift over the older A76 design.
In summary, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 typically provides a more modern and efficient CPU architecture, which can translate to smoother everyday performance and better battery life.
Graphics and Gaming (GPU)
The GPU handles gaming visuals and general interface animations.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Equipped with the Adreno 619 GPU. This GPU supports features like Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2, enabling decent graphical performance for casual gaming.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: Features the Adreno 613 GPU. While the model number is lower, it is a newer design and benefits from the efficient 4nm platform. It supports newer APIs and can deliver comparable or slightly improved graphical efficiency in many scenarios.
Both GPUs are suited for light to moderate gaming. The performance difference may not be drastic, but the Adreno 613’s modern architecture can offer better efficiency per watt.
Connectivity and Modem
Both platforms bring 5G connectivity to the budget segment, but with different modem integrations.
- Snapdragon 480 Plus: Integrates the Snapdragon X51 5G modem-RF system. It supports both mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G, though mmWave support is less common in budget devices. It also features Bluetooth 5.1 and dual-band Wi-Fi 6.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: Integrates the Snapdragon X61 5G modem. It is a more refined modem that also supports both major 5G frequency ranges. It upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3 and retains dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support, offering potentially better connection stability and lower power consumption.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 holds a slight edge with its newer-generation modem and updated wireless standards.
Camera, Display, and Additional Features
These sections define the multimedia and imaging capabilities a phone can offer.
- Camera Support: The Snapdragon 480 Plus’s Spectra 345 ISP can support a single camera up to 64MP or dual 25MP+13MP. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s Spectra ISP supports a single camera up to 108MP or dual 16MP+16MP, allowing for higher-resolution sensors.
- Display Support: The 480 Plus supports FHD+ displays at up to 120Hz refresh rate. The 4 Gen 2 also supports FHD+ resolution but can drive refresh rates up to 120Hz with a potential for higher brightness levels.
- Charging: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 includes support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ technology, while the 480 Plus supports Quick Charge 4. This means devices with the newer chip may potentially support slightly faster wired charging speeds.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2021 | June 2023 |
| Manufacturing Process | 8nm | 4nm |
| CPU Cores | 8-core (2x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | 8-core (2x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 + 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 613 |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X51 (mmWave & sub-6 GHz) | Snapdragon X61 (mmWave & sub-6 GHz) |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band) | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band) |
| ISP (Camera Support) | Spectra 345 ISP Single: Up to 64MP Dual: 25MP + 13MP |
Spectra ISP Single: Up to 108MP Dual: 16MP + 16MP |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Charging Technology | Quick Charge 4 | Quick Charge 4+ |
| Antutu Benchmark (Typical) | ~330,000 points | ~450,000 points |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between Snapdragon 480 Plus and 4 Gen 2?
The most significant differences are the manufacturing process (8nm vs 4nm) and the CPU architecture. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 uses newer, more efficient Cortex-A78 cores and a more modern 5G modem, which typically results in better overall performance and battery efficiency.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
Both are designed for casual gaming. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, with its more efficient 4nm process and newer Adreno 613 GPU, may offer slightly better sustained performance and thermal management, but neither is intended for high-end, graphics-intensive gaming.
Does the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 have a better camera?
The chipset itself supports higher-resolution camera sensors (up to 108MP vs 64MP). However, final camera quality depends heavily on the smartphone manufacturer’s lens, sensor, and software tuning. The 4 Gen 2 provides the hardware capability for higher megapixel counts.
Are phones with these chipsets 5G?
Yes, a key feature of both the Snapdragon 480 Plus and the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is their integrated 5G modems (X51 and X61, respectively), making them common choices for bringing 5G connectivity to affordable devices.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 represents a clear generational step forward from the Snapdragon 480 Plus. It brings improvements in manufacturing efficiency, CPU design, modem technology, and camera support. For a user, this generally translates to a device with potentially better battery life, slightly snappier performance, and support for newer features like higher-resolution cameras. The Snapdragon 480 Plus remains a competent platform that established 5G in the budget segment, but the 4 Gen 2 is its logical successor. The choice between devices using these chips will also depend on other factors like device design, software, and specific manufacturer implementations, but the underlying technological advantages of the newer platform are evident.