HiSilicon Kirin 980
HiSilicon Kirin 980: Outdated, but Still Relevant? A Detailed Analysis of the 2018 Processor in 2025
(Article updated: April 2025)
Introduction
The HiSilicon Kirin 980 is Huawei's flagship chipset from 2018, which at the time set a high standard for Android devices. Seven years after its release, it can no longer compete with modern processors, but it remains an interesting option for budget smartphones. In this article, we will analyze what the Kirin 980 is capable of today, who it might suit, and whether it's worth considering in 2025.
Architecture and Process Technology: Why 7nm Still Matters
The Kirin 980 was among the first processors produced using TSMC's 7nm technology. This allowed for reduced power consumption and increased transistor density compared to 10nm counterparts.
CPU Features:
- 8-core architecture: 2× Cortex-A76 (2.6 GHz) + 2× Cortex-A76 (1.92 GHz) + 4× Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz). This three-tier system (big.Middle.LITTLE) optimizes the balance between performance and energy efficiency.
- L2 Cache: 4 MB — a significant amount for its time, speeding up the processing of frequently used tasks.
GPU Mali-G76 MP10:
The 10-core GPU supported Vulkan and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs, allowing games like PUBG Mobile to run on high settings back in 2018. However, in 2025, the Mali-G76 MP10 noticeably lags behind modern Adreno or Immortalis GPUs: for instance, in Genshin Impact, the average FPS barely reaches 30 frames on low settings.
7nm Process Technology:
Even now, 7nm remains relevant for budget devices. The chip is power-efficient (TDP 6W) and does not require complex cooling systems, which reduces smartphone costs.
Performance in 2025: Gaming, Multimedia, AI
Gaming:
- Modern Titles: The Kirin 980 handles less demanding games (Among Us, Mobile Legends), but in Honkai: Star Rail or Call of Duty: Mobile, FPS may drop to 25–40 frames.
- Graphics Settings: It is recommended to choose medium or low presets.
Multimedia:
- Video Decoding: Supports 4K@60fps and HDR10. The chip easily streams content on Netflix or YouTube.
- Audio: The built-in DSP enhances sound quality in Hi-Res compatible headphones.
AI Tasks:
- Dual-Core NPU: The neural processor speeds up scene recognition in the camera, photo processing (e.g., automatic retouching), and the operation of voice assistants. In 2025, its power is sufficient for basic AI functions, but more complex tasks (such as image generation through Stable Diffusion) are unavailable.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- Battery: Smartphones with the Kirin 980 (for example, Huawei Mate 20 Pro) came with batteries of 4000–4200 mAh. By 2025, their capacity decreases to 70–80%, but thanks to chip optimization, devices still achieve 6–8 hours of screen time.
- Thermal Package: Even under prolonged load, the chip does not overheat due to its low TDP. Throttling is minimal — performance drop does not exceed 15%.
Integrated Modules: 4G, Wi-Fi 5, and Other Limitations
- Modem: Supports LTE Cat.21 (speeds up to 1.4 Gbps). The lack of 5G is the main downside in 2025.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 5 (up to 866 Mbps) and Bluetooth 5.0. Adequate for home use, but latency may occur in heavily loaded public networks.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou — smartphones accurately determine location even in densely built-up areas.
Comparison with Competitors: What the Kirin 980 Could Do and Cannot Do Now
Against 2018–2019 Contemporaries:
- Snapdragon 855: Lags behind in GPU (Adreno 640 vs Mali-G76) and 5G support.
- Apple A12 Bionic: Falls short in single-threaded performance (Geekbench 6: 835 vs 1120) but excels in optimization for iOS.
Against Budget Chips of 2025:
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: 40% faster in gaming, supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- MediaTek Dimensity 8300: Offers better energy efficiency and a modern AI accelerator.
Conclusion: The Kirin 980 today is on par with budget processors like the Snapdragon 680, but with outdated connectivity modules.
Use Cases: Who is the Chip Relevant for in 2025?
1. Gaming: Only suitable for casual games.
2. Everyday Tasks: Social media, messaging, web browsing — everything works smoothly.
3. Photo and Video: Shooting in 4K, night modes, and portrait mode still look decent. However, AI enhancements (e.g., object removal from videos) are performed slowly.
Pros and Cons of the Kirin 980 in 2025
Pros:
- Low device cost ($200–300 for new models, e.g., Huawei Nova 5T).
- Good energy efficiency.
- Support for 4K video and basic AI functions.
Cons:
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak GPU for modern gaming.
- Limited software updates (most smartphones received their last update in 2023).
Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with the Kirin 980?
1. Price: Don't overpay. New devices should cost no more than $300.
2. Battery: Check the battery wear (using apps like AccuBattery).
3. Memory: Choose models with 6/8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage — this is the minimum for comfortable operation.
4. Camera: Look for devices with optical stabilization (e.g., Huawei P30 Pro).
Examples of Smartphones:
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro (2025 price: $250–300).
- Honor View 20 ($200–250).
Final Conclusion: Who is the Kirin 980 Suitable For?
This processor is an option for those who:
- Are looking for an inexpensive smartphone for basic tasks.
- Do not need 5G and play simple games.
- Value a good camera (in top models from 2019–2020).
Main Benefits:
- Low price.
- Reliability and time-tested architecture.
- Decent battery life.
If you are willing to spend $400–500, it’s better to choose a device with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 or Dimensity 8300. However, for budget-conscious users, the Kirin 980 remains a viable option.
Note: All prices are current as of April 2025 and are for new devices. Verify the availability of an official warranty before purchase.