Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 8100 are mobile processors designed for different segments of the smartphone market. The Snapdragon 695 is typically found in budget to mid-range devices, offering balanced performance for everyday tasks. In contrast, the Dimensity 8100 is a more powerful chipset generally used in higher mid-range and performance-focused phones, providing significantly better processing and gaming capabilities.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8100: Full Comparison
When evaluating a smartphone, the processor, or System-on-a-Chip (SoC), is a core component that dictates performance, efficiency, and capability. This comparison between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 aims to clarify their positions in the market and their technical distinctions. Understanding the differences in architecture, performance tiers, and feature sets can help in assessing which type of device—and therefore which chipset—aligns with different usage patterns, from general use to more demanding applications.
Performance & Architecture
The fundamental difference between these two chipsets lies in their performance class and underlying design.
- Snapdragon 695: Built on a 6nm process, this chipset features an octa-core CPU with two performance cores (Cortex-A78 at 2.2 GHz) and six efficiency cores (Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz). It is paired with an Adreno 619 GPU. This configuration is designed for reliable performance in common apps, social media, and light gaming.
- Dimensity 8100: Also fabricated on a 5nm process, it employs a more powerful octa-core CPU with four high-performance Cortex-A78 cores (up to 2.85 GHz) and four efficiency Cortex-A55 cores. Its Mali-G610 MC6 GPU is considerably more capable. This architecture is tailored for sustained high performance, handling intensive games, multitasking, and demanding applications with greater ease.
In benchmarks and real-world usage, the Dimensity 8100 typically delivers a substantial performance advantage in both CPU and GPU tasks.
Gaming & Graphics
Gaming potential is a key differentiator, influenced by the GPU and supporting technologies.
- Snapdragon 695 (Adreno 619): Supports popular mobile games at medium to high settings, often at 60Hz refresh rates. It handles casual and mid-tier gaming well but may struggle with the most graphically intensive titles at their highest settings.
- Dimensity 8100 (Mali-G610 MC6): Offers a premium gaming experience. It can generally run demanding games at higher frame rates and graphical settings. It often supports advanced features like ray tracing (via software) and is commonly paired with displays having high refresh rates (120Hz or 144Hz) for smoother gameplay.
Connectivity & Network Support
Both chipsets integrate modern connectivity, but there are notable differences in their capabilities.
- Snapdragon 695: Includes an integrated Snapdragon X51 5G modem. It supports sub-6 GHz 5G networks, which are the most common in many regions. It also features Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 5.
- Dimensity 8100: Features an integrated 5G modem supporting both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G (depending on device implementation), offering broader 5G band support. It also includes newer standards like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, which can provide faster local wireless speeds and lower latency.
Camera & AI Processing
The Image Signal Processors (ISPs) and AI engines define the computational photography features available.
- Snapdragon 695: Its Spectra 346T ISP supports single cameras up to 108MP or dual cameras up to 16MP+16MP. It can record video up to 1080p at 120fps or 4K at 30fps. AI features are present but are more basic compared to higher-tier chips.
- Dimensity 8100: Equipped with a more advanced Imagiq 780 ISP, it supports much higher camera configurations, such as a single 200MP camera or 4K HDR video recording simultaneously with a 64MP camera. It supports 4K video recording at 60fps. Its AI Processing Unit (APU) is more powerful, enabling richer real-time photo and video enhancements like AI-noise reduction and better HDR processing.
Power Efficiency & Thermal Management
Efficiency impacts both battery life and sustained performance.
- Snapdragon 695: The 6nm process and its moderate performance level generally result in good power efficiency. Phones using this chipset often achieve long battery life, as it doesn’t draw excessive power under typical loads.
- Dimensity 8100: Despite its higher performance, the 5nm process and MediaTek’s focus on efficiency help manage power consumption. It is known for maintaining good performance without excessive heat generation, often leading to more stable frame rates during long gaming sessions compared to some other high-performance chips.
Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 5nm |
| CPU Cores | 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz |
4x Cortex-A78 @ up to 2.85 GHz 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Arm Mali-G610 MC6 |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Snapdragon X51 (Sub-6 GHz) | Integrated 5G (Sub-6 & mmWave) |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | WQHD+ @ 120Hz / FHD+ @ 168Hz |
| Camera ISP | Spectra 346T Up to 108MP single / 4K @ 30fps video |
Imagiq 780 Up to 200MP single / 4K @ 60fps video |
| AI Engine | Hexagon (6th gen) | MediaTek APU 580 |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4X @ 2133 MHz | LPDDR5 @ 3200 MHz |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Typical Device Segment | Budget to Mid-range | Higher Mid-range to Performance |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 8100?
The primary difference is their performance tier. The Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range chip focused on efficiency and adequate performance for everyday use. The Dimensity 8100 is a higher-performance chip designed for more demanding tasks like intensive gaming, advanced photography, and heavy multitasking.
Which processor is better for gaming?
The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 is generally considered better for gaming due to its more powerful GPU (Mali-G610) and higher-performance CPU cores. It can handle graphically demanding games at higher settings and frame rates more consistently than the Snapdragon 695.
Do both chips support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 8100 have integrated 5G modems. However, the Dimensity 8100 typically supports a wider range of 5G bands, including both sub-6 GHz and mmWave in some implementations, whereas the Snapdragon 695 is usually limited to sub-6 GHz networks.
Which chipset is more power-efficient?
Both are designed to be efficient for their respective performance levels. The Snapdragon 695, with its lower power draw, often contributes to excellent battery life in budget phones. The Dimensity 8100 manages power effectively for its high output, but phones using it may have slightly shorter battery life under heavy use compared to a 695 device, though this is heavily dependent on the phone’s battery capacity and other components.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Dimensity 8100 serve distinct purposes within the smartphone ecosystem. The choice between them ultimately depends on the user’s priorities and budget. The Snapdragon 695 provides a solid foundation for devices that prioritize cost-effectiveness, long battery life, and capable performance for standard smartphone activities. On the other hand, the Dimensity 8100 targets users who require stronger performance for gaming, content creation, and future-proofing, often found in devices with other premium features like high-refresh-rate displays and advanced camera systems. Evaluating your own usage patterns against the capabilities outlined in this comparison will guide you toward the appropriate device category.