Quick Answer
The Samsung Exynos 1480 is the direct successor to the Exynos 1380, offering a generational performance uplift and a significant upgrade in graphics. The key differences include a newer 4nm manufacturing process, a more powerful AMD RDNA-based GPU, and support for faster LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage in the Exynos 1480.
Samsung Exynos 1480 vs Samsung Exynos 1380: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating a smartphone’s performance, the chipset is a central component. This comparison looks at two Samsung-designed processors: the Exynos 1380 and its successor, the Exynos 1480. Understanding their differences in architecture, performance, and features can help clarify the technological progress between generations and what each chipset typically brings to a device. This analysis will break down their specifications across key areas to provide a clear, side-by-side view.
Manufacturing Process & CPU
The fundamental building block of any chipset is its manufacturing process, which influences efficiency and performance.
- Exynos 1380: Built on a 5nm process. Its CPU configuration consists of four high-performance ARM Cortex-A78 cores and four power-efficient ARM Cortex-A55 cores.
- Exynos 1480: Manufactured on a more advanced 4nm process. It features a similar octa-core setup but upgrades the performance cores to ARM Cortex-A78, offering higher clock speeds for improved single and multi-threaded performance.
The move to a 4nm process generally allows the Exynos 1480 to deliver better performance while potentially improving power efficiency compared to the 5nm Exynos 1380.
Graphics (GPU)
This is one of the most notable areas of improvement between the two chipsets.
- Exynos 1380: Utilizes an ARM Mali-G68 MP5 GPU. This is a capable GPU for mainstream gaming and graphics tasks.
- Exynos 1480: Makes a significant leap by incorporating a GPU based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, branded as the Xclipse 530. This represents a major architectural shift and typically provides a substantial boost in graphics rendering performance and efficiency for gaming and other visual applications.
Memory, Storage & Connectivity
Support for modern memory and storage standards affects a device’s overall responsiveness and data transfer speeds.
- RAM Support: The Exynos 1380 supports LPDDR5 RAM. The Exynos 1480 upgrades this to support for faster LPDDR5x RAM.
- Storage Support: The Exynos 1380 works with UFS 3.1 storage. The Exynos 1480 adds support for the newer, faster UFS 4.0 standard, which can significantly improve app load times and file transfers.
- Connectivity: Both chipsets integrate 5G modems. The Exynos 1480’s modem is typically a newer iteration, potentially offering improved efficiency and connectivity features. Both support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
AI, Imaging & Display
These features impact camera processing capabilities and screen support.
- AI Processing (NPU): Both chipsets include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for on-device AI tasks. The NPU in the Exynos 1480 is a newer generation and is generally more powerful, enabling faster and more complex AI-based features in photography, voice assistance, and more.
- Camera Support: The Exynos 1480 typically supports higher-resolution camera sensors (up to 200MP) compared to the Exynos 1380 (up to 200MP, but with a newer image signal processor). The newer ISP in the 1480 allows for better computational photography, including improved HDR and low-light processing.
- Display Support: Both support high refresh rate displays (up to 144Hz). The Exynos 1480 can drive displays with a higher resolution (WQHD+) compared to the Full HD+ limit of the Exynos 1380.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Samsung Exynos 1380 | Samsung Exynos 1480 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 5nm | 4nm |
| CPU Cores | 4x Cortex-A78 + 4x Cortex-A55 | 4x Cortex-A78 + 4x Cortex-A55 (Higher clock speeds) |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G68 MP5 | Samsung Xclipse 530 (AMD RDNA 2-based) |
| RAM Support | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5x |
| Storage Support | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1, UFS 4.0 |
| AI Processor | NPU | Enhanced NPU (Higher performance) |
| Max Camera Resolution | Up to 200MP | Up to 200MP (Newer ISP) |
| Max Display Support | Full HD+ @ 144Hz | WQHD+ @ 144Hz |
| 5G Modem | Integrated 5G | Integrated 5G (Newer generation) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between Exynos 1380 and Exynos 1480?
The most significant differences are the GPU and manufacturing process. The Exynos 1480 uses a more advanced 4nm process and features a substantially more powerful AMD RDNA-based Xclipse 530 GPU, compared to the ARM Mali-G68 in the Exynos 1380.
Does the Exynos 1480 have better battery life than the Exynos 1380?
While battery life depends on many factors like device size and software, the Exynos 1480’s 4nm manufacturing process is generally more power-efficient than the 5nm process of the Exynos 1380. This can contribute to longer battery life under similar conditions.
Which chipset is better for gaming, Exynos 1380 or 1480?
The Exynos 1480 is typically better suited for gaming due to its more modern and powerful AMD RDNA-based Xclipse 530 GPU. It should deliver higher frame rates and better graphics fidelity in demanding games compared to the Exynos 1380.
Do both chipsets support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Samsung Exynos 1380 and Exynos 1480 come with an integrated 5G modem, providing support for sub-6GHz 5G networks in most regions.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Exynos 1480 presents a clear generational upgrade over the Exynos 1380. Improvements are seen across the board: a more efficient 4nm process, a CPU with higher performance cores, a major GPU architectural shift, and support for newer standards like LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. These upgrades generally translate to better overall performance, enhanced gaming capabilities, and improved efficiency. The Exynos 1380 remains a capable chipset for everyday tasks, but the Exynos 1480 builds upon that foundation with modern features and higher performance ceilings, making it the more advanced option of the two.