Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 685 are both 6-series mobile platforms designed for mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 695 generally offers superior performance and efficiency due to its newer 6nm manufacturing process and upgraded CPU/GPU architecture. The Snapdragon 685, while capable, is based on an older 6nm process and provides a more modest performance profile.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 685: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating mid-range smartphones, the chipset is a critical component that influences overall performance, battery life, and feature support. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 685 are two popular options in this segment, often found in devices from various manufacturers. This comparison aims to break down their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and key differences to help you understand which platform might better suit typical usage patterns, from everyday tasks to mobile gaming and photography.
Performance & CPU Architecture
The core performance difference between these two chipsets stems from their CPU design and manufacturing process.
- Snapdragon 695: Built on a 6nm process, it features an octa-core CPU with two high-performance Kryo 660 Gold cores (based on Cortex-A78) clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency Kryo 660 Silver cores (Cortex-A55) at 1.7 GHz. This newer architecture provides a significant uplift in both single and multi-threaded tasks.
- Snapdragon 685: Also built on a 6nm process, it utilizes an octa-core CPU with four Kryo 465 Gold cores (Cortex-A73) at 2.8 GHz and four Kryo 465 Silver cores (Cortex-A53) at 1.9 GHz. While the peak clock speed is higher, the older Cortex-A73/A53 cores are less efficient and powerful per clock cycle compared to the A78/A55 design.
In practical terms, the Snapdragon 695 typically delivers smoother app performance and better multitasking capabilities.
Graphics & Gaming (GPU)
The graphical capabilities are a key differentiator, especially for gaming and media consumption.
- Snapdragon 695: Integrates the Adreno 619 GPU. This GPU supports features like Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2, and it is capable of handling popular mobile games at medium to high graphics settings at 60 FPS, depending on the game’s optimization.
- Snapdragon 685: Uses the Adreno 610 GPU. This is a more modest GPU that is generally suited for casual gaming and lighter titles. For more demanding 3D games, settings often need to be adjusted to lower presets to maintain a stable frame rate.
The Adreno 619 in the 695 provides a noticeably better gaming experience and supports higher display refresh rates more effectively.
Connectivity & Modem
Connectivity is another area where these platforms diverge, impacting data speeds and network compatibility.
- Snapdragon 695: Features the Snapdragon X51 5G modem-RF system. This is a defining feature, as it enables sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- Snapdragon 685: Equipped with the Snapdragon X11 LTE modem. It is limited to 4G LTE connectivity, with peak download speeds that are generally lower than what 5G can offer. For regions where 5G is not yet a priority, this remains a capable 4G solution.
The inclusion of 5G support is the most significant modern feature difference, making the Snapdragon 695 more future-proof.
Camera & AI Capabilities
Both chipsets include integrated image signal processors (ISPs) to handle camera data, but with different feature sets.
- Snapdragon 695: Incorporates the Qualcomm Spectra 346T ISP. It can support camera configurations up to a single 108MP photo capture or dual 16MP+16MP cameras with zero shutter lag. It also supports video capture up to 1080p at 120 FPS or 720p at 240 FPS.
- Snapdragon 685: Uses the Qualcomm Spectra 365 ISP. It supports a single camera up to 48MP or dual 16MP+16MP setups. Video capture is supported up to 1080p at 60 FPS or 720p at 120 FPS.
The 695’s ISP supports higher-resolution sensors and faster slow-motion video, which can translate to more versatile camera systems in devices that utilize it.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Architecture | 2x Kryo 660 Gold (Cortex-A78) @ 2.2 GHz 6x Kryo 660 Silver (Cortex-A55) @ 1.7 GHz |
4x Kryo 465 Gold (Cortex-A73) @ 2.8 GHz 4x Kryo 465 Silver (Cortex-A53) @ 1.9 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| Modem | Snapdragon X51 5G (Sub-6 GHz) | Snapdragon X11 LTE (4G) |
| ISP (Image Signal Processor) | Qualcomm Spectra 346T Up to 108MP single camera |
Qualcomm Spectra 365 Up to 48MP single camera |
| Video Capture | Up to 1080p @ 120fps / 720p @ 240fps | Up to 1080p @ 60fps / 720p @ 120fps |
| Display Support | Up to FHD+ @ 120Hz | Up to FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4X @ 2133 MHz | LPDDR4X @ 2133 MHz |
| Fast Charging | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ | Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 695 and 685?
The most significant differences are 5G connectivity and CPU/GPU performance. The Snapdragon 695 includes a 5G modem and uses newer, more efficient CPU cores (Cortex-A78/A55) and a more powerful Adreno 619 GPU compared to the 4G-only Snapdragon 685 with its older Cortex-A73/A53 cores and Adreno 610 GPU.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
The Snapdragon 695, with its Adreno 619 GPU, is generally better suited for mobile gaming. It can handle more graphically intensive titles at higher settings and frame rates compared to the Adreno 610 in the Snapdragon 685.
Does the Snapdragon 685 support 5G?
No, the Snapdragon 685 is equipped with a 4G LTE modem (Snapdragon X11). It does not support 5G networks.
Can both chipsets support high refresh rate displays?
Yes, both platforms officially support displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz at FHD+ resolution. The actual implementation depends on the specific smartphone manufacturer’s design.
Which chipset is more power-efficient?
While both are built on a 6nm process, the Snapdragon 695’s CPU architecture (Cortex-A78/A55) is typically more power-efficient than the older Cortex-A73/A53 design in the Snapdragon 685, which can contribute to better battery life under similar workloads.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 685 serve distinct positions within the mid-range segment. The Snapdragon 695 represents a more modern platform, bringing 5G connectivity, a noticeable performance uplift in both CPU and GPU tasks, and support for higher-resolution camera sensors. The Snapdragon 685 remains a competent 4G chipset for everyday use, offering adequate performance for standard applications and social media. The choice between them often hinges on the importance of 5G access and the level of performance required for tasks like gaming or multitasking. Ultimately, the specific implementation by the device manufacturer, including cooling, software optimization, and other hardware components, will also play a crucial role in the real-world user experience.