HiSilicon Kirin 990
HiSilicon Kirin 990: Review of the 2019 Flagship Processor in the Context of 2025
April 2025
Introduction
The HiSilicon Kirin 990 is a system-on-chip (SoC) developed by Huawei for its smartphones. Although the chip was announced in 2019, it is still found in mid-range devices, offering a balance between performance and energy efficiency. In this article, we will explore what the Kirin 990 is capable of in 2025, who it is suited for, and what alternatives are available on the market.
1. Architecture and Process: Three Clusters and 7nm Technology
The Kirin 990 is built on a 7-nanometer process from TSMC, which is considered outdated in 2025 (modern chips use 3–4nm), but it still delivers decent energy efficiency.
CPU:
- 8-core architecture:
- 2× Cortex-A76 (high-performance) at 2.86 GHz;
- 2× Cortex-A76 (mid-load) at 2.36 GHz;
- 4× Cortex-A55 (energy-efficient) at 1.95 GHz.
This approach (Big.LITTLE) optimizes power consumption: powerful cores are activated for gaming, while simpler tasks are handled by the smaller cores.
GPU:
- Mali-G76 MP16 with 16 cores. In 2025, this is adequate for casual gaming and 1080p video rendering. However, it lacks the power for modern AAA games in 4K or VR.
NPU:
- The built-in Da Vinci neural processor accelerates AI tasks: object recognition in the camera, automatic scene adjustments, etc.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming:
- The Kirin 990 handles games like Genshin Impact at medium settings (30–40 FPS in 1080p). In 2025, this is suitable for casual gamers but not for enthusiasts.
- Support for Vulkan API improves graphics, but the Mali-G76 falls behind Adreno (Snapdragon) and the Apple GPU in FPS stability.
Multimedia:
- The chip decodes 4K@60fps video and supports HDR10, making it relevant for streaming on Netflix or YouTube.
- Its power consumption (TDP of 6W) allows for up to 12 hours of video playback without recharging (with a 4000mAh battery).
AI Applications:
- The NPU processes photos in real-time: improving detail, noise reduction, gesture recognition. For instance, in the Huawei P40 Pro (based on Kirin 990), AI automatically adjusts camera settings.
Heat and Power Consumption:
- Even under load, the chip rarely overheats thanks to its 7nm technology and cooling systems in smartphones. However, throttling may occur during prolonged gaming sessions.
3. Integrated Modules: Communication of the Future in the Past
Modem:
- 4G/LTE Cat.24 (speeds up to 2.5 Gbps) and 5G (in the Kirin 990 5G version). In 2025, the chip's 5G modem supports only Sub-6GHz and not mmWave, which limits speed in certain regions.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — speeds up to 1.2 Gbps.
- Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD support for high-quality audio.
Navigation:
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou. Positioning accuracy is up to 1 meter.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Snapdragon 865 (2020):
- Superior GPU (Adreno 650) and support for LPDDR5. In gaming, Snapdragon is 15–20% more stable.
- However, Kirin 990 holds an advantage in energy efficiency (6W vs. 10W for Snapdragon).
Apple A13 Bionic (2019):
- The A13 surpasses Kirin 990 in single-core benchmarks (Geekbench 6 Single Core: ~1300), but lags behind in multi-threaded performance.
Modern Alternatives (2025):
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) and MediaTek Dimensity 8300 (4nm) offer 50% higher performance with the same TDP.
5. Use Cases
Gaming:
- Suitable for games like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile at medium settings. For Honkai: Star Rail or Call of Duty: Mobile, graphics settings will need to be lowered.
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, browsing, office applications — all run smoothly without lag.
Photo and Video:
- The AI camera optimization allows for photos at 2022–2023 levels. For example, night shots with long exposure.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Energy efficiency (6W);
- Powerful NPU for AI tasks;
- Support for 5G (in the 990 5G variant).
Cons:
- Outdated process (7nm);
- No support for Wi-Fi 7 or Bluetooth 5.4;
- Limited compatibility with Google services (in new Huawei devices).
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
- Price: Devices with Kirin 990 in 2025 are priced between $300–500. For example, Huawei Nova 10 SE ($350) or Honor 30 Pro+ ($450).
- 5G: Check which version of the chip is installed — 4G or 5G.
- Cooling: Look for models with vapor chambers (e.g., Huawei Mate 30 Pro).
- Storage: Choose models with 8/256GB — sufficient for most tasks.
8. Final Thoughts
The HiSilicon Kirin 990 in 2025 is a choice for those looking for a budget smartphone with a decent camera and 5G support. It is suitable for:
- Casual users: Social media, streaming, photography.
- Travelers: Long battery life and accurate navigation.
- Budget gamers: Gaming at medium settings.
The main benefits are stability, optimization for AI functions, and an affordable price. However, for top-tier tasks, it is better to look at chips from 2024–2025.