Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865: Review of the Flagship Processor of 2020 and Its Relevance in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 is one of the key processors in the history of mobile technology. Released in 2020, it became the foundation for flagship smartphones and set new performance standards. In 2025, devices based on this chip are still relevant thanks to its successful architecture and support for modern technologies. In this article, we will explore why the Snapdragon 865 is still in demand, how it handles tasks in 2025, and what to consider when choosing a smartphone with this SoC.
1. Architecture and Technological Process: Balance of Power and Efficiency
CPU: 8-Core Structure
The Snapdragon 865 is built on a hybrid architecture with 8 Kryo 585 cores divided into three clusters:
- 1× Prime Core Cortex-A77 at 2.84 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 3× Performance Cores Cortex-A77 at 2.42 GHz for multitasking.
- 4× Power-Efficient Cores Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz for background processes.
This approach ensures smooth operation both in games and daily tasks. The L2 cache level is 1 MB, which accelerates the processing of frequently used data.
GPU: Adreno 650
The Adreno 650 GPU was a breakthrough in 2020: it supported displays with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, ray tracing in games, and 8K video rendering. Even in 2025, it handles most mobile games at high settings, although it falls behind the new Adreno 700 series under extreme loads.
7nm Technological Process
The chip is manufactured using 7nm technology, which ensures low power consumption (TDP - 5 W) and effective heat management. This is especially important for compact smartphones, where there is no space for bulky cooling systems.
2. Real-World Performance
Gaming
The Snapdragon 865 still runs AAA titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium to high settings with a frame rate of 60 FPS. In less demanding games (for example, PUBG Mobile), 90 FPS is achievable. However, in 2025, some projects with advanced graphics (like those supporting UE5) require lower settings.
Multimedia
- Video: Support for 8K@30fps and 4K@120fps encoding/decoding is up-to-date for shooting and viewing content.
- Audio: Qualcomm Aqstic technology provides audio output with a resolution of up to 384 kHz/32 bit.
AI Applications
The Hexagon 698 AI accelerator processes tasks like face recognition, photo enhancement (Google Pixel-like Night Mode), and voice assistants. However, modern neural network models (such as Stable Diffusion Mobile) run slower than on chips with fifth-generation NPU.
Energy Consumption and Heating
Thanks to the 7nm technological process and optimized A55 cores, smartphones with Snapdragon 865 achieve up to 7–8 hours of active screen time. Under intense loads (games, video editing), temperatures can rise to 42–45°C, but critical values (over 50°C) are rare.
3. Integrated Modules: Future Connectivity
Snapdragon X55 Modem
- 5G: Support for sub-6 GHz and mmWave (speed up to 7.5 Gbps).
- 4G LTE: Category 24/22 (up to 2.5 Gbps).
In 2025, the X55 remains relevant, as 5G networks are still being deployed, and mmWave is mainly used in premium tariffs.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- Wi-Fi 6 offers speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps and stability in congested networks (e.g., in offices).
- Bluetooth 5.1 with support for aptX Adaptive is ideal for wireless headphones with low latency.
Navigation
Support for GPS (L1/L5), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Positioning accuracy is up to 1 meter in open areas.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Previous Generations
- Snapdragon 855: Falls behind in GPU (Adreno 640 vs. 650) and support for 8K.
- Snapdragon 860: Essentially an "overclocked" 865+, but lacks significant architectural improvements.
2020 Competitors
- Apple A13 Bionic: Better single-core performance (Geekbench 6 Single Core - ~1300), but weaker in multitasking and 5G.
- Samsung Exynos 990: Higher heat output and less energy-efficient.
- MediaTek Dimensity 1000+: Cheaper, but Adreno 650 is 20% faster than Mali-G77.
Modern Analogues (2025)
The Snapdragon 865 lags behind new chips like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (~40% increase in GPU) or Dimensity 9300, but surpasses budget processors (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2) in multitasking.
5. Use Cases
Gaming
Ideal for casual games and medium settings in AAA titles. For professional gaming, devices with active cooling (e.g., ASUS ROG Phone 5) are better.
Daily Tasks
Social media, streaming, and office applications all run smoothly without delays.
Photography and Videography
- Supports cameras up to 200 MP and recording in 8K.
- AI algorithms enhance detail and color reproduction.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High energy efficiency.
- Support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Powerful GPU for its generation.
Cons:
- Lack of an integrated modem (X55 is a separate chip).
- No hardware support for 2025 AI models.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
What to Look Out For:
- Cooling System: Vacuum chambers or graphite film.
- Battery: At least 4500 mAh for comfortable use.
- OS Updates: Devices with Android 14 and a promise of Android 15.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (from $300): 108 MP camera, AMOLED display.
- Sony Xperia 5 II (from $350): 4K display, optimized for shooting.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is Snapdragon 865 Suitable For?
This processor is an excellent choice for:
1. Budget users seeking flagship performance for $300–400.
2. Mobile photography enthusiasts valuing 8K support.
3. Gamers who are willing to make compromises in graphics settings.
The main benefits are a balance of price, power, and energy savings. Even five years after its release, the Snapdragon 865 remains a reliable option for those who are not chasing the latest top models but value stability.