Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855: A Time-Tested Chipset for Balanced Performance
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Introduction
Released in 2019, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 became one of the key processors during the transition to 5G and artificial intelligence. Despite its age, in 2025 it remains relevant in the budget flagship and mid-range device segments. In this article, we will explore why the Snapdragon 855 is still in demand, what tasks it can handle, and how it compares to modern competitors.
1. Architecture and Fabrication Process: The Foundation of Stability
The Snapdragon 855 is built on a 7nm fabrication process, which was considered groundbreaking at the time. This technology provides a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
CPU Architecture:
- 8 cores with a three-tier structure:
- 1 high-performance core: Kryo 485 Gold (based on Cortex-A76) with a frequency of 2.84 GHz.
- 3 cores: Kryo 485 Gold with a frequency of 2.42 GHz for medium loads.
- 4 energy-efficient cores: Kryo 485 Silver (Cortex-A55) with a frequency of 1.8 GHz.
- Cache Memory: L2 – 1 MB, L3 – 3 MB.
This configuration allows for optimized power consumption: lightweight tasks (social media, music) engage the low-power cores, while high-frequency cores are activated during gaming or rendering tasks.
GPU Architecture:
The Adreno 640 graphics processor supports Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL ES 3.2, and DirectX 12 APIs. It can deliver images in resolutions up to 4K (60 FPS) or QHD+ (144 Hz), making it suitable for modern gaming smartphones with high refresh rates.
Fabrication Process:
Samsung's 7nm technology allows for reduced thermal output (TDP – 6 W) and improved battery life. For comparison, modern chips (such as the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4) use a 4nm process, but 7nm remains competitive in budget devices.
2. Real-World Performance
Gaming:
The Adreno 640 handles most mobile games from 2024-2025 at medium settings. For example:
- Genshin Impact – 40–45 FPS at 1080p resolution.
- Call of Duty: Mobile – 60 FPS (high settings).
It's important to note that devices with passive cooling may experience throttling after 20-30 minutes of gameplay.
Multimedia:
The chipset supports 8K (30 FPS) video decoding and HDR10+. This allows for comfortable viewing of high-quality streams. However, video recording is limited to 4K@60 FPS (shooting 8K requires a newer processor).
Artificial Intelligence:
The Hexagon 690 DSP accelerates tasks like photo processing (night mode, scene recognition) and voice assistants. For example, low-light photography takes 2-3 seconds compared to 4-5 seconds with the Snapdragon 845.
Power Consumption:
With a TDP of 6 W and battery optimization, a 4000 mAh battery lasts 5-6 hours of active use (gaming, navigation). In power-saving mode, it can last up to 1.5 days.
3. Integrated Modules: Connectivity and Communication
- Modem: Snapdragon X24 (4G LTE Cat.20) with optional 5G support via external X50 modem. Download speeds can reach up to 2 Gbps (LTE) and 5 Gbps (5G mmWave).
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – speeds up to 1.2 Gbps, low latency in online gaming.
- Bluetooth: 5.2 with support for AptX Adaptive for quality sound in wireless headphones.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS. Accuracy up to 1 meter.
Important: Not all smartphones with the SD855 support 5G – this depends on the manufacturer. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 9 5G is equipped with X50, while the standard Mi 9 only supports LTE.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Previous Generation (Snapdragon 845):
- CPU increase: +45% (Geekbench 6 Single Core).
- GPU increase: +20% (3DMark Sling Shot test).
Competitors from 2019-2020:
- Apple A13 Bionic: Better in single-threaded performance (+30%), but weaker in multi-threaded tasks and compatibility with the Android ecosystem.
- HiSilicon Kirin 990: Comparable in power, but has poorer game optimization for Adreno.
- Exynos 9820: Lags in energy efficiency due to the 8nm fabrication process.
Modern Similar Chips (2025):
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: 25% faster in AI tasks but more expensive.
- MediaTek Dimensity 8300: Better support for 200 MP cameras but gets warmer under load.
5. Use Cases
Gaming:
Suitable for casual gamers. For streaming and esports, it's better to choose devices with active cooling (e.g., ASUS ROG Phone II).
Everyday Tasks:
- Smooth performance in Chrome with 10+ tabs open.
- Quick switching between applications.
Photography and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 48 MP (single camera) or 22 MP (dual cameras).
- 4K video recording with EIS stabilization.
- AI enhancement of images (portrait mode, retouching).
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Proven reliability and optimization.
- 5G support (in specific models).
- Good price-performance ratio.
Cons:
- No support for Wi-Fi 6E.
- Limited AI capabilities (compared to SD8 Gen 2).
- Does not support cameras larger than 200 MP.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
- Cooling: Look for models with copper pipes or gel cooling (e.g., Sony Xperia 5).
- Battery: Ideally, choose a device with 4000–4500 mAh.
- Price: New devices with the SD855 in 2025 are priced at $250–$400. Examples:
- Poco F3 (mid-range, $300).
- OnePlus 7T Pro (premium design, $380).
- Updates: Ensure the smartphone has received Android 14/15.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is Snapdragon 855 Suitable For?
This processor is an ideal choice for:
1. Budget-conscious users who don't need "ultra-new" features.
2. Students – enough power for studying, presentation editing, and entertainment.
3. Travelers – good battery life and accurate navigation.
Key Benefits:
- Savings: smartphones with the SD855 are 20-30% cheaper than those with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
- Access to 5G (in certain models).
- Proven stability – the chipset has undergone years of testing.
The Snapdragon 855 demonstrates that technologies do not have to become obsolete within 2-3 years. It stands as a successful example of the "golden mean" in the world of mobile processors.