Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus
Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus: A Powerful Budget Option with 5G Support in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
The modern smartphone market offers solutions for every budget, but even in the budget segment, users want respectable performance and modern technology. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus is the company’s answer to the demands of cost-conscious buyers who are not willing to sacrifice 5G support and a smooth interface experience. In this article, we will explore what makes this processor noteworthy, who it is suited for, and which devices are worth considering.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Efficiency Over Nanometers
The Snapdragon 480 Plus is built on an 8-nm process technology, which appears modest in 2025 compared to flagship 4-nm chips. However, for the budget segment, this is a justified compromise between cost and energy efficiency.
- CPU: 8 Kryo 460 Cores
The chip uses a hybrid architecture:
- 2 high-performance Cortex-A76 cores at a frequency of 2.2 GHz for heavy tasks.
- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz for background processes.
This approach strikes a balance between speed and battery life.
- GPU: Adreno 619
The graphics processor supports Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2, enabling mobile games to run at medium settings. However, it may struggle with AAA projects like Genshin Impact.
- 8 nm Process Technology: Pros and Cons
An outdated manufacturing process by the standards of 2025 is compensated by low production costs. With a TDP of just 3W, it ensures modest heat generation, which is crucial for the thin bodies of budget devices.
2. Real-World Performance: What Can Snapdragon 480 Plus Do?
Geekbench 6 tests (866 points in Single-Core and 1859 in Multi-Core) and AnTuTu 10 (356,693 points) place this chip alongside last year's mid-range solutions.
- Gaming
Adreno 619 handles casual games (Candy Crush, Among Us) and less demanding projects (PUBG Mobile at medium settings, 30 FPS). For graphics-intense games like Honkai: Star Rail, resolution adjustments may be necessary.
- Multimedia
The chip supports displays with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and resolutions up to Full HD+. Playback of 4K@60fps video (H.265) and HDR10 is trouble-free.
- AI Applications
The integrated Hexagon 686 DSP speeds up photo processing (night mode, portrait blur) and the functioning of voice assistants. However, complex tasks, like image generation using neural networks, are executed slowly.
- Power Consumption
Thanks to its 3W TDP and energy-efficient cores, smartphones with the Snapdragon 480 Plus can easily last 1.5 to 2 days on a 5000 mAh battery. Heat rarely exceeds 40°C, even during gaming.
3. Built-In Modules: 5G and More
- Snapdragon X51 Modem
Support for 5G Sub-6 GHz (speeds up to 2.5 Gbps) and 4G LTE Cat 24/22 is a key advantage. By 2025, even budget devices with this chip gain access to high-speed internet.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Wireless modules provide stable connections to routers and headsets. However, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 have already become standard in more expensive devices.
- Navigation
Support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou ensures accurate positioning, but there is no satellite communication for emergency messaging (like on the iPhone 15).
4. Comparison with Competitors: Who Stands Out?
- Snapdragon 480 (Non-Plus)
The previous version (with a frequency of up to 2.0 GHz, AnTuTu ~300,000) lags behind in gaming and multitasking by 15-20%.
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
A competitor built on a 6-nm process (AnTuTu ~370,000) offers slightly better energy efficiency but is more expensive.
- Unisoc Tangula T760
A budget alternative (AnTuTu ~320,000) that lacks 5G support, which is critical in 2025.
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 480 Plus has the edge due to its 5G capabilities and stable optimization for Android, but it falls short in sheer performance.
5. Use Cases: Who is This Chip For?
- Everyday Tasks
Social media, messaging, and video streaming are handled smoothly. Multitasking (2-3 applications in the background) is also not an issue.
- Gaming
Suitable for casual gamers. Hardcore users should consider devices with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 or Dimensity 8000.
- Photo and Video
Maximum camera support is 64 MP (single sensor) or 25 MP + 13 MP (dual camera). Video recording is possible at 1080p@60fps or 4K@30fps. Night photography requires a good sensor, but the chip's AI algorithms enhance detail.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 5G support in the budget segment.
- Energy efficiency and low heat output.
- Optimization for Android 15 and popular applications.
Cons:
- The 8-nm process technology is outdated by 2025.
- Limited performance in AAA games.
- Lack of support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE Audio.
7. Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with the Snapdragon 480 Plus?
- RAM: At least 6 GB for comfortable operation.
- Storage: UFS 2.2 is preferred over eMMC 5.1.
- Display: IPS with a refresh rate of 90–120 Hz or AMOLED.
- Battery: At least 5000 mAh for long-lasting performance.
2025 Model Examples:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Lite ($220): 6.6" AMOLED, 6/128 GB, 50 MP camera.
- Realme 11i Plus ($200): 5000 mAh, 90 Hz display, 48 MP main camera.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Snapdragon 480 Plus For?
This processor is an ideal choice for those who:
- Are looking for a smartphone under $250 with 5G support.
- Do not play resource-intensive games.
- Value battery life and a smooth interface.
Key Benefits: Access to modern networks, stable performance, and an optimal balance of price and capabilities. If you do not need ultra-detailed photos or maxed-out gaming, the Snapdragon 480 Plus will be a reliable companion for the next 2-3 years.