Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G and the Snapdragon 685 are both 4G mobile platforms designed for budget to mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G typically offers more modern CPU architecture and GPU, leading to generally better performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon 685, while older, remains a capable chip for basic tasks and often appears in more affordable devices.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 685: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones in the budget and mid-range segments, the processor is a key component that influences overall performance, efficiency, and feature support. This comparison examines two 4G-only platforms from Qualcomm: the newer Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G and the established Snapdragon 685. Understanding their differences in manufacturing process, CPU configuration, GPU capabilities, and supported technologies can help clarify what each chipset brings to a device and for which type of user it might be most suitable.
Manufacturing Process and Efficiency
The underlying fabrication technology significantly impacts a chip’s power efficiency and thermal performance.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G: This platform is built on a 4nm process. A smaller nanometer process generally allows for more transistors in a given area, which can lead to better performance per watt and improved battery life under similar workloads.
- Snapdragon 685: This chip utilizes a 6nm process. While also considered efficient, especially compared to older 8nm or 11nm designs, it is typically less advanced than a 4nm node, which may result in slightly higher power consumption for equivalent tasks.
In summary, the 6s Gen 2 4G holds a theoretical advantage in power efficiency due to its more modern manufacturing.
CPU and Performance
The central processing unit (CPU) configuration determines how well a device handles everyday apps, multitasking, and more demanding applications.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G: It features an octa-core CPU with two performance cores (based on Cortex-A78) clocked at 2.3 GHz and six efficiency cores (Cortex-A55) at 2.0 GHz. This “2+6” setup with newer core designs typically provides a noticeable uplift in both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance.
- Snapdragon 685: This chip also uses an octa-core CPU but employs a “4+4” configuration: four Cortex-A73 performance cores at 2.8 GHz and four Cortex-A53 efficiency cores at 1.9 GHz. The Cortex-A73 and A53 cores are older architectures. While the higher peak clock speed on the A73 cores can help in bursts, the overall performance and efficiency per clock cycle are generally lower than the A78/A55 combination.
For most users, the Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G is expected to deliver smoother performance in applications and gaming.
GPU and Gaming
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is crucial for gaming performance and visual fluidity.
- Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G: It integrates the Adreno 619 GPU. This is a capable GPU for its tier and can handle popular mobile games at medium to high settings with good frame rates.
- Snapdragon 685: This platform uses the Adreno 610 GPU. The Adreno 610 is a step down from the 619 and is more suited for casual gaming or running games at lower graphical settings to maintain playable frame rates.
The Adreno 619 in the 6s Gen 2 4G provides a clearer advantage for users who engage in mobile gaming.
Camera, AI, and Connectivity
These aspects influence photography capabilities, on-device AI features, and network support.
- Camera Support: The Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G’s Spectra ISP can support camera sensors up to 108MP for single shots, while the Snapdragon 685’s ISP supports up to 48MP. Both support multi-frame noise reduction and can handle dual-camera setups.
- AI Engine: The 6s Gen 2 4G includes a more recent Qualcomm AI Engine, which can accelerate AI-based tasks like scene detection in photography, voice assistants, and more. The 685’s AI capabilities are more basic.
- Connectivity: Both are 4G LTE-only modems. The 6s Gen 2 4G uses the Snapdragon X62 4G modem, which may offer slightly better peak download speeds and power efficiency. The 685 uses the Snapdragon X11 4G modem. Both support Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 4nm | 6nm |
| CPU Architecture | 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.3 GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz |
4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.8 GHz 4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.9 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4X, LPDDR5 (up to 3200 MHz) | LPDDR4X (up to 2133 MHz) |
| Max Display Resolution | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Camera ISP | Spectra Triple 12-bit ISP Up to 108MP single camera |
Spectra 346 ISP Up to 48MP single camera |
| Video Capture | Up to 1080p @ 120fps or 4K @ 30fps | Up to 1080p @ 120fps or 4K @ 30fps |
| 5G Support | No | No |
| 4G Modem | Snapdragon X62 4G (DL up to 2.5 Gbps) | Snapdragon X11 4G (DL up to 390 Mbps) |
| Fast Charging | Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ | Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G and the Snapdragon 685?
The primary differences lie in the CPU architecture and manufacturing process. The 6s Gen 2 4G uses newer Cortex-A78 and A55 cores on a 4nm process, while the 685 uses older Cortex-A73 and A53 cores on a 6nm process. This typically gives the 6s Gen 2 4G an advantage in performance and efficiency.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
The Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G, with its Adreno 619 GPU, is generally better suited for gaming compared to the Adreno 610 in the Snapdragon 685. It can handle more graphically intensive games at higher settings.
Do these chips support 5G connectivity?
No, both the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G and the Snapdragon 685 are 4G LTE-only platforms. They do not have integrated 5G modems.
Can phones with these chips have high refresh rate displays?
Yes, both platforms officially support displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz at FHD+ resolution. Whether a specific phone uses this capability depends on the manufacturer’s design choices.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G represents a more modern and capable platform compared to the Snapdragon 685, offering advantages in CPU performance, GPU power for gaming, power efficiency, and camera sensor support. The Snapdragon 685 remains a viable option for very budget-conscious devices where basic functionality is the priority. The choice between devices powered by these chips often comes down to the overall device package, including other factors like RAM, storage, screen quality, and software, in addition to the target price point. Users seeking better performance for multitasking and gaming within the 4G segment would typically find the Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G more future-proof.