Qualcomm Snapdragon 710
Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 in 2025: Is It Worth Paying Attention To?
Overview of Architecture, Performance, and Relevance of a Budget Chip
Introduction
Released back in 2018, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 became an important link in the company's mobile processor lineup. It filled the gap between flagship and budget solutions, offering a balance of performance and energy efficiency. By 2025, this chip is no longer considered cutting-edge, but it continues to be used in budget smartphones. Let's explore what it's capable of today and whom it might suit.
1. Architecture and Fabrication Process: The Foundation of Efficiency
The Snapdragon 710 is built on a 10-nanometer fabrication process, which looks outdated in 2025 compared to 5nm and 4nm chips. However, this technology still provides low heat output (TDP of 5W) and moderate energy consumption.
CPU:
- 8 cores in a 2+6 configuration:
- 2 Kryo 360 Gold cores (based on Cortex-A75) with a frequency of 2.2 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 6 energy-efficient Kryo 360 Silver cores (Cortex-A55) with a frequency of 1.7 GHz for background processes.
- L2 cache: 384 KB (256 KB for the performance core cluster and 128 KB for the efficiency core cluster).
GPU:
- Adreno 616 – a graphics processor supporting Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL ES 3.2, and DirectX 12.
- Peak frequency – 750 MHz.
- Maximum output resolution – 4K (3840×2160 pixels).
Features:
- Support for neural networks through Hexagon 685 DSP (AI accelerator).
- Quick Charge 4+ technology for fast charging.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming:
In 2025, the Adreno 616 handles mobile games at medium settings:
- Genshin Impact – 25-30 FPS at low/medium graphic presets.
- PUBG Mobile – 40 FPS in HD mode.
- Modern projects focused on Ray Tracing (e.g., Diablo Immortal) require a quality reduction to minimal settings.
Multimedia:
- Viewing 4K video (HDR10, HLG) without lag.
- Processing photos in Lightroom Mobile takes 3-5 seconds per filter.
- Recording video at 4K@30 fps with electronic stabilization.
AI Applications:
- Face unlock works quickly but lags behind the accuracy of modern neural network algorithms.
- Functions like automatic photo retouching (Google Photos) are completed with a 1-2 second delay.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- Active use (gaming, streaming) – 6-7 hours of screen time.
- Standby mode – up to 2 days.
- Heating rarely exceeds 42°C even under load due to the 10nm process.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Communication
- Modem: Snapdragon X15 LTE (Cat.15) – peak speed up to 800 Mbps (4G). 5G is not supported.
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with MU-MIMO, but without Wi-Fi 6/6E.
- Bluetooth: 5.0 with aptX HD support for quality audio.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
Limitations:
- The absence of 5G is critical for markets dominated by next-gen networks (USA, South Korea).
- Wi-Fi 5 falls short in speed and stability compared to Wi-Fi 6 in multi-user scenarios.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Previous Generations:
- Snapdragon 660: Adreno 512 is 30% weaker, LTE Cat.12.
- Snapdragon 670: a slight increase in AI tasks (+15%), but similar gaming performance.
2025 Competitors:
- MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm): 5G modem, similar CPU performance, but weaker GPU.
- Unisoc Tiger T610 (12nm): cheaper, but AnTuTu 10 – 220,000 points.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (6nm): better energy efficiency, 5G support, but 20% higher price.
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 710 lags behind modern budget chips in connectivity speed but retains advantages in software stability and optimization.
5. Use Case Scenarios
Gaming:
Suitable for casual games (Candy Crush, Clash Royale) and medium settings in AAA titles. For game streaming via Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now, a stable Wi-Fi connection is required.
Everyday Tasks:
- Smooth operation of social networks, messengers, and browsers.
- Simultaneous use of 5-7 apps in the background.
Photo and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 32 MP (single sensor) or 20+16 MP (dual cameras).
- AI scenarios: scene recognition, portrait mode, night shooting (with noise).
6. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Proven stability and optimization.
- Low heating.
- Support for 4K recording and HDR.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of 5G.
- Limited performance for demanding tasks.
- Outdated fabrication process.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
What to Look For:
- RAM: at least 6 GB for comfortable multitasking.
- Storage: UFS 2.1 (not eMMC!).
- Display: AMOLED with a 90 Hz refresh rate will enhance the experience.
- Battery: 4500+ mAh to compensate for the chip's age.
Typical Devices:
- Budget models (Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Realme 10) – $200-$250.
- Previously released mid-range devices (Nokia X71, Oppo Reno 2Z) – now discontinued but available as new stock.
8. Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Snapdragon 710?
This processor is worth choosing if:
- You need an affordable smartphone for basic tasks (social media, video, calls).
- Battery life and lack of overheating are important.
- 5G is not a priority.
Key Benefits:
- Device prices – $200-$300.
- Reliability of a proven platform.
- Sufficient performance for 80% of users.
In 2025, the Snapdragon 710 is a reasonable choice for those not chasing trends but appreciating a balance of price and quality.