HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G
HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G: Review and Relevance in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
Although the HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G was announced back in 2019, this processor remains relevant in 2025 due to its balanced architecture and 5G support. In 2025, smartphones built on this chip occupy the budget and mid-range segment (priced between $300–500), offering stable performance and modern features. Let’s explore what the chip is capable of six years after its release and who it is suitable for today.
Architecture and Process Technology: Balance Between Power and Efficiency
The Kirin 990 5G is built on TSMC’s 7nm process technology, which is no longer cutting-edge in 2025 (new chips use 3–4nm), but it still provides decent energy efficiency.
CPU:
- 8-core clustered architecture:
- 2× Cortex-A76 at 2.86 GHz (high-performance cores).
- 2× Cortex-A76 at 2.36 GHz (mid-tier cluster for everyday tasks).
- 4× Cortex-A55 at 1.95 GHz (energy-efficient cores for background processes).
- L2 cache: 2 MB (shared among clusters).
GPU:
- Mali-G76 MP16 with 16 compute cores.
- Support for Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs.
Features:
- NPU (Neural Processing Unit): Dual Da Vinci Core for AI tasks (scene recognition, photo optimization).
- Power-saving technologies: Dynamic load distribution between clusters reduces heat.
Performance in Real-World Tasks: What to Expect in 2025?
Gaming:
- Current Projects: In games like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, the Kirin 990 5G shows average graphics settings (30–40 FPS) at 1080p resolution. For less demanding games (COD: Mobile, PUBG), it can achieve stable 60 FPS.
- Heating: A TDP of 6 W and an effective cooling system in smartphones prevent throttling for 30–40 minutes of gameplay.
Multimedia:
- Video: Supports 4K@60fps decoding (H.265/HEVC), HDR10.
- Audio: Built-in DSP for noise cancellation and sound enhancement in headphones.
AI Applications:
- Photography: Modes like Night Mode, AI Portrait work quickly but lag behind modern processors in detail.
- Voice Assistants: On-device command processing (no cloud) thanks to the NPU.
Power Consumption:
- Smartphones with the Kirin 990 5G come equipped with 4000–4500 mAh batteries, providing 5–6 hours of screen time with active use.
Built-In Modules: The Communication of the Future in the Past
- 5G Modem: The integrated Balong 5000 supports sub-6GHz (but not mmWave), providing speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps. In 2025, this is sufficient for most scenarios.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Theoretical speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps.
- Bluetooth 5.1: Stable connection with headphones and smartwatches.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
Limitations:
- Lacks support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which may be critical for 2025 devices.
Comparison with Competitors: Market Position
1. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (2023):
- Advantages: Better GPU performance (Adreno 740), Wi-Fi 7 support.
- Disadvantages: Smartphone prices starting at $700.
2. MediaTek Dimensity 8300 (2024):
- Advantages: More modern 4nm process, higher energy efficiency.
- Disadvantages: Weaker in multi-threaded tasks.
3. Apple A15 Bionic (2021):
- Advantages: iOS optimization, high single-core speed.
- Disadvantages: Lack of 5G in budget iPhone SE models (2025).
Conclusion: The Kirin 990 5G in 2025 is suitable for those looking for an affordable 5G smartphone with basic capabilities.
Usage Scenarios: Where the Processor Will Shine?
1. Everyday Tasks:
- Social networks, messengers, web surfing — all run smoothly.
- Multitasking: Simultaneous operation of 10–15 apps in the background.
2. Gaming:
- Suitable for casual games and mid-tier projects. For AAA games with ultra-settings, it’s better to opt for devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/4.
3. Photography and Videography:
- Cameras up to 64 MP: Performs well in daylight. Night photos require stability (due to longer processing times).
- 4K Video: Stabilization works on par with flagship devices from 2022–2023.
Pros and Cons of the Kirin 990 5G
Pros:
- Support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Energy efficiency for its class.
- Good integration of AI features.
Cons:
- No support for new communication standards (Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3).
- Cortex-A76/A55 architecture lags behind modern ARMv9 cores.
Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Kirin 990 5G?
1. Cooling: Look for models with vapor chambers (e.g., Huawei P40 Pro).
2. Battery: At least 4000 mAh for comfortable use.
3. Storage: UFS 3.0/3.1 — minimum for fast app loading.
4. Updates: Check whether the device receives security updates (many Huawei models are no longer supported since 2023).
Popular 2025 Devices with Kirin 990 5G:
- Huawei Nova 8 Pro (2024) — $350.
- Honor 30 Pro+ (released 2020, reissued 2023) — $400.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Kirin 990 5G Suitable For?
This processor is an excellent option for:
- Budget users who value stability.
- 5G enthusiasts not ready to pay for flagship devices.
- Fans of the Huawei/Honor ecosystem looking for an affordable model.
Key Benefits:
- Affordable price while retaining core technologies.
- Proven reliability (the chip was widely used from 2019 to 2023).
However, if you need a smartphone for professional photography or hardcore gaming, consider more modern SoCs. But for everyday tasks, the Kirin 990 5G remains a worthy choice.