Qualcomm Snapdragon 450
Qualcomm Snapdragon 450: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Overview of Capabilities, Performance, and Use Cases
Introduction
In the world of mobile technology, where flagship processors impress with innovations every year, budget chipsets continue to be an important segment. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, despite its age, is still found in affordable smartphones. In 2025, it is positioned as a solution for users who do not require excessive performance but value stability and an affordable price. Let's explore what this processor is capable of and who it is suitable for.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: The Foundation of Efficiency
8 Cores and a Frequency of 1.8 GHz
Snapdragon 450 is built on a 14nm process technology, which by 2025 is considered outdated (modern chips use 5–7nm). However, this helps to lower manufacturing costs. Its eight Cortex-A53 cores are divided into two clusters:
- 4 cores with a frequency of up to 1.8 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;
- 4 cores up to 1.4 GHz for background processes.
This approach balances performance and energy saving. However, in multi-threaded scenarios (e.g., video rendering), the chip lags behind modern counterparts with Cortex-A55/A75 cores.
Adreno 506: Graphics for Basic Tasks
The Adreno 506 GPU supports resolution up to Full HD+ (1080 × 2160 pixels) and the Vulkan API, allowing mobile games to run on low settings. However, it lacks power for advanced 3D graphics projects (e.g., Genshin Impact).
Power Consumption and Heating
With a TDP of 3W, this is a modest figure, but due to the 14nm architecture, the chip can heat up under sustained load. In everyday use, this is not critical, but during gaming or in AI applications, throttling and frequency drops may occur.
2. Performance in Real Tasks: What Can Snapdragon 450 Do?
Gaming: Only for Casual Projects
- Examples: Mobile Legends, Subway Surfers, Clash of Clans — stable at medium settings (30–40 FPS).
- Issues: PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile require minimal graphics presets, with FPS rarely exceeding 25–30 frames.
Multimedia: Full HD is the Limit
The chip decodes video in H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) formats at a resolution of up to 1080p. However, 4K content playback can be choppy. The built-in audio processor supports high-quality sound via Bluetooth 5.0 (AptX).
AI Applications: Limited Support
Snapdragon 450 does not feature a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), so tasks like facial recognition or photo processing through AI filters are slower than on modern chips. For instance, launching Google Lens will take 2–3 seconds instead of offering instant feedback.
Battery and Heat Management
Smartphones with Snapdragon 450 typically have batteries ranging from 4000 to 5000 mAh. With moderate use (social media, music, calls), the charge lasts 1.5 to 2 days. However, under heavy load (navigation, streaming), the battery life drops to 5–6 hours.
3. Built-In Modules: Connectivity and Communication
Modem: Only 4G
The Snapdragon 450 integrates the X9 LTE modem, supporting speeds of up to 300 Mbps (download) and 150 Mbps (upload). 5G is not supported, which is a drawback in 2025, considering the proliferation of next-generation networks.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2.4/5 GHz range;
- Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX HD for improved sound in wireless headphones.
Satellite Systems
The chip does not support next-gen GPS (e.g., Galileo or BeiDou), relying on standard GPS and GLONASS. Navigation accuracy is sufficient for everyday use, but errors may occur in complex conditions (mountains, dense buildings).
4. Comparison with Competitors: Who Are the Leaders?
Previous Generations
- Snapdragon 435: Lags in CPU frequency (1.4 GHz) and graphics (Adreno 505).
- Snapdragon 625: A more efficient 14nm chip with Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz, though rarely found in new devices.
2025 Competitors
- MediaTek Helio G35: 12nm process, similar gaming performance but better optimization for streaming video.
- Unisoc Tiger T610: Supports cameras up to 48 MP and features a more recent 12nm process, but is weaker in multitasking.
Conclusion: Snapdragon 450 falls behind modern budget chips in energy efficiency and support for new communication standards, but wins in terms of stability and availability.
5. Use Cases: Who Is It Suitable For?
Gaming
Only for less demanding games. Serious gamers should consider devices with Snapdragon 6 series or MediaTek Dimensity 700.
Everyday Tasks
- Social media, messaging, web browsing;
- Document work (Google Docs, Microsoft Office);
- Watching YouTube, streaming music.
Photo and Video
Maximum camera resolution is 21 MP. It can shoot video in 1080p@60 fps, but electronic image stabilization (EIS) does not perform adequately. Night shots tend to be noisy due to the lack of AI enhancement.
6. Pros and Cons: Should You Choose It?
Advantages:
- Low cost of devices ($150–250);
- Stable operation in basic scenarios;
- Support for modern versions of Android (Android 13–14 remains relevant until 2025).
Disadvantages:
- Lack of 5G;
- Weak GPU for gaming;
- Outdated 14nm process technology.
7. Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 450?
- RAM Size: Minimum of 4 GB for comfortable multitasking.
- Screen: IPS with a 60 Hz refresh rate is optimal.
- Battery: At least 4000 mAh for longer usage.
- Updates: Check if the manufacturer promises updates to Android 15.
Examples of 2025 Devices:
- Xiaomi Redmi A3 ($160): 6.5" HD+, 5000 mAh;
- Realme C55 ($180): 90 Hz screen, 64 GB of memory.
8. Final Conclusion: Who Is Snapdragon 450 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are looking for a smartphone under $200;
- Do not play demanding games;
- Value long battery life.
Main Benefits: Budget savings without losing basic functionality. However, if you plan to use a smartphone for 3–4 years, it’s better to consider models with 5G and more recent chips (e.g., Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 6100+).
Conclusion
Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 in 2025 is a compromise between price and capabilities. It is suitable for students, retirees, or as a second phone for work tasks. But remember: technology does not stand still, and even in the budget segment, more advanced solutions are emerging.