Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 1080 are both 5G-capable mobile platforms designed for mid-range smartphones. The Dimensity 1080 typically offers superior CPU and GPU performance, particularly for gaming, and supports higher-resolution camera sensors. The Snapdragon 695 is generally known for its power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life in devices.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs MediaTek Dimensity 1080: A Detailed Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the chipset at its core, which dictates performance, efficiency, and feature support. For consumers looking at mid-range 5G devices, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 1080 are two commonly encountered options. This comparison breaks down their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and key features to help clarify their differences and similarities. By examining aspects like CPU, GPU, connectivity, and imaging capabilities, you can better understand which platform might align with your usage priorities.
Performance & CPU Architecture
The core computing power of a chipset is defined by its CPU design and manufacturing process.
- Snapdragon 695: Built on a 6nm process, it features an octa-core CPU with two Kryo 660 Gold cores (based on Cortex-A78) clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Kryo 660 Silver cores (Cortex-A55) at 1.7 GHz. This configuration is designed for a balance of everyday tasks and efficiency.
- Dimensity 1080: Also fabricated on a 6nm process, it employs an octa-core CPU with two higher-performance Cortex-A78 cores running at 2.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. The higher clock speeds on the performance cores generally give it an edge in more demanding applications.
In synthetic benchmarks and real-world usage, the Dimensity 1080 typically demonstrates a noticeable lead in CPU-intensive tasks due to its higher-clocked A78 cores.
Graphics & Gaming (GPU)
The GPU handles everything from interface animations to high-frame-rate gaming.
- Snapdragon 695: Utilizes the Adreno 619 GPU. It handles popular mobile games at medium to high settings adequately but may struggle with the most graphically intensive titles at higher frame rates.
- Dimensity 1080: Equipped with the Arm Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. This GPU, combined with the faster CPU, generally provides better gaming performance. It can support higher graphical settings and smoother frame rates in many games compared to the Adreno 619.
For users who prioritize gaming, the Dimensity 1080 often presents a more capable platform.
Camera & Imaging Capabilities
The image signal processor (ISP) determines what camera hardware a phone can support and what computational photography features are possible.
- Snapdragon 695: Features a Spectra 346T ISP. It can support single cameras up to 108MP, dual cameras up to 16MP+16MP, or a single 32MP camera with zero shutter lag. It supports video capture up to 1080p at 120fps or 720p at 240fps.
- Dimensity 1080: Incorporates a newer Imagiq ISP that supports single cameras up to 200MP. It also enables 4K HDR video recording, a feature not present on the Snapdragon 695. This makes it better suited for devices focusing on high-resolution photography and more advanced video.
Connectivity & 5G
Both chipsets offer integrated 5G modems, but their supported bands and technologies can differ.
- Snapdragon 695: Includes the Snapdragon X51 5G modem-RF system. It supports both sub-6 GHz 5G and mmWave (in specific variants), with peak download speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps on sub-6 GHz.
- Dimensity 1080: Features an integrated 5G modem supporting sub-6 GHz networks. It does not natively support mmWave, which is less common in most regions outside of certain areas like the United States. Its peak download speeds are also competitive within the sub-6 GHz spectrum.
Both provide essential 5G connectivity, with the choice depending on regional network infrastructure (mmWave vs. sub-6 GHz focus).
Display & Media Support
These specifications influence the type of screen a smartphone can use and the media content it can play back.
- Snapdragon 695: Supports displays with up to FHD+ resolution (1200 x 2500 pixels) and refresh rates of up to 120Hz. It can decode video up to 1080p at 120fps.
- Dimensity 1080: Supports displays with up to FHD+ resolution and refresh rates of up to 120Hz (or even 144Hz for some panels). It adds support for 4K video decoding, aligning with its 4K video recording capability.
Battery Efficiency
Efficiency affects how long a device can last on a single charge under similar conditions.
The Snapdragon 695 has a reputation for being a very power-efficient chipset. Its balanced CPU configuration and Adreno 619 GPU are not as performance-oriented, which often translates to lower power consumption during typical use. The Dimensity 1080, while also built on an efficient 6nm node, delivers higher performance, which can consume more power under load. However, in day-to-day tasks, the difference in battery life between devices using these chips is often more dependent on other factors like battery capacity and software optimization.
Comparison Table: Snapdragon 695 vs Dimensity 1080
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.7 GHz |
2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.6 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Arm Mali-G68 MC4 |
| AI Processing | Hexagon Tensor Accelerator (Gen 2) | MediaTek APU 3.0 |
| ISP & Camera Support | Spectra 346T Up to 108MP single 1080p video @ 120fps |
Imagiq ISP Up to 200MP single 4K HDR video recording |
| Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz/144Hz |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Snapdragon X51 Sub-6 GHz & mmWave* |
Integrated 5G Modem Sub-6 GHz |
| Peak Download Speed | Up to 2.5 Gbps (Sub-6) | Competitive Sub-6 speeds |
| Video Playback | 1080p @ 120fps | 4K |
| Key Focus | Balanced performance with strong power efficiency | Enhanced performance for gaming and higher-end imaging |
*mmWave support may be variant or region-specific.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 1080?
The primary difference lies in performance and camera support. The Dimensity 1080 typically offers faster CPU and GPU performance, beneficial for gaming, and supports much higher-resolution camera sensors (up to 200MP) and 4K HDR video recording.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is generally considered better for gaming due to its higher-clocked CPU cores and the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU, which can deliver smoother frame rates at higher graphical settings compared to the Snapdragon 695’s Adreno 619.
Does the Snapdragon 695 support 5G?
Yes, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 has an integrated Snapdragon X51 5G modem, supporting both sub-6 GHz and, in specific variants, mmWave 5G connectivity.
Which platform is more power-efficient?
The Snapdragon 695 has a reputation for strong power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life in smartphones. The Dimensity 1080 is efficient but its higher performance ceiling can lead to greater power consumption under heavy loads.
Can a phone with a Dimensity 1080 record 4K video?
Yes, the Dimensity 1080’s Imagiq ISP supports 4K HDR video recording. Whether a specific phone utilizes this capability depends on the manufacturer’s implementation of the camera hardware and software.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 1080 cater to slightly different priorities within the mid-range 5G segment. The Dimensity 1080 stands out for users seeking stronger overall performance, particularly in gaming, and more advanced camera features like high-resolution sensors and 4K video. The Snapdragon 695 remains a compelling choice where reliable 5G connectivity, proven power efficiency, and capable day-to-day performance are the main considerations. The final decision often hinges on which combination of performance, features, and efficiency best matches an individual’s smartphone usage patterns.