Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660: Overview of the Processor for Budget Smartphones in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, once a popular processor for mid-range devices, continues to remain relevant in the budget segment even in 2025. Despite the release of more modern chips, this SoC (System-on-Chip) is still found in new smartphones priced up to $250. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the Snapdragon 660, who it is suitable for, and what to pay attention to when choosing a device based on it.
Architecture and Technology Process: Performance Fundamentals
Cores and Frequencies
The Snapdragon 660 features a hybrid architecture known as Kryo 260, which consists of 8 cores, divided into two clusters:
- 4 high-performance cores with a frequency of up to 2.2 GHz (based on Cortex-A73);
- 4 energy-efficient cores with a frequency of 1.84 GHz (Cortex-A53).
This configuration (big.LITTLE) allows for a balance between performance and power consumption: powerful cores are activated during gaming and heavy applications, while energy-efficient ones handle background tasks.
Technology Process and Cache
The chip is manufactured using a 14 nm technology process, which in 2025 is considered outdated (modern processors utilize 5–7 nm). This impacts heat generation and energy efficiency. The L2 cache size is 2 MB, which was standard for its time, but now falls behind newer models (for example, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 features an 8 MB L3 cache).
Adreno 512 Graphics
The Adreno 512 GPU provides basic graphics performance. It supports resolutions up to Full HD+ (2520×1080), API Vulkan 1.0, and OpenGL ES 3.2. In comparison, the Adreno 660 in the Snapdragon 888 offers 3-4 times higher FPS in games.
Real-World Performance
Gaming
The Snapdragon 660 can handle mobile games at low to medium settings. For example:
- Genshin Impact: 20–25 FPS on low settings (at 720p resolution);
- PUBG Mobile: 30 FPS in HD mode;
- Honkai: Star Rail: 25–28 FPS with frequent drops.
It's important to note that due to the 14 nm technology process, lengthy gaming sessions may lead to overheating and throttling (reduction in frequency). Therefore, smartphones using this chip often come with passive cooling solutions, such as copper pipes.
Multimedia
The chip supports:
- 4K video recording at 30 FPS;
- HDR content playback (but only in HDR10 format);
- Qualcomm Aqstic technology for improved audio quality.
However, for streaming 4K HDR on platforms like Netflix, a more powerful GPU and support for Widevine L1 (which depends on the device manufacturer) is required.
Artificial Intelligence
The Snapdragon 660 does not feature a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU). AI tasks such as face recognition or photo processing are performed via the CPU and GPU, which reduces speed and increases power consumption. For instance, applying a filter in Adobe Lightroom takes 2–3 seconds compared to 0.5–1 second for chips with NPU (e.g., Snapdragon 695).
Power Consumption and Heating
The processor's TDP is 5 W, which is higher compared to modern counterparts (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 has a TDP of 3 W). In smartphones with a 4000–5000 mAh battery, battery life amounts to:
- Up to 6–7 hours of screen time with moderate use;
- Up to 4 hours during gaming.
Devices typically support charging at 18–30 W, but lack compatibility with advanced standards like Qualcomm Quick Charge 5.
Integrated Modules: Connectivity and Navigation
Modem
The Snapdragon 660 is equipped with the X12 LTE modem, providing:
- Download speeds of up to 600 Mbps (LTE Cat. 12);
- Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.
5G is absent—this is a significant downside for users prioritizing the speed of next-generation networks.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands;
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for high-quality audio transmission.
In 2025, this is sufficient for basic tasks, but for high-bandwidth data transfer (such as 8K streaming), it is better to choose devices with Wi-Fi 6.
Navigation
The chip supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Positioning accuracy is up to 3 meters in open areas.
Comparison with Competitors
Against Previous Generations
- Snapdragon 636: 15% weaker in AnTuTu benchmarks, inferior graphics (Adreno 509);
- Snapdragon 665: More energy-efficient (11 nm process), improved ISP for photography.
Modern Counterparts (2025)
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+: 5G support, 6 nm process, AnTuTu 320K (~$200);
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 3: 5G, Adreno 619, 40% higher gaming performance (~$220);
- Unisoc Tiger T610: Cheaper ($100–150) but weaker in multitasking (AnTuTu 190K).
The Snapdragon 660 lags behind new chips in speed and energy efficiency but excels in stability and software availability.
Use Scenarios
Gaming
Suitable for casual games (Candy Crush, Among Us) and older projects (Asphalt 8). Modern AAA games will require lowered settings.
Everyday Tasks
- Social media, browsing, video streaming—no issues;
- Multitasking (5–7 apps in the background)—possible slowdowns.
Photo and Video Recording
The chip supports cameras up to 24 MP (single) or 16 MP (dual). Capabilities include:
- Recording 4K@30 FPS with EIS stabilization;
- Portrait mode with bokeh effect (hardware blur);
- Real-time HDR photography.
However,