Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
Qualcomm Snapdragon 870: Power and Balance in the Era of Mature Technologies
April 2025
Introduction
In the world of mobile processors, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 remains a shining example of a successful combination of performance, energy efficiency, and affordability. Although the chip was introduced back in 2021, by 2025 it still holds relevance in the mid-price segment, competing with new arrivals. In this article, we will explore why the Snapdragon 870 is still in demand, the tasks it can handle, and who should consider smartphones with this SoC.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: The Foundation of Stability
The Snapdragon 870 is built on a 7nm manufacturing process, which looks modest compared to 4nm and 5nm competitors in 2025. However, this does not prevent it from demonstrating impressive efficiency.
- CPU: 8-core Kryo 585 architecture:
- 1× Cortex-A77 at 3.2 GHz (high-performance core);
- 3× Cortex-A77 at 2.42 GHz;
- 4× Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz (energy-efficient cores).
L2 cache is 1MB, and L3 cache is 4MB. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and quick response in resource-intensive applications.
- GPU: Adreno 650 with support for Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL ES 3.2, and DirectX 12. Maximum frequency is 670 MHz, making it capable of running modern mobile games at high settings.
A key feature of the architecture is optimization for stable operation without overheating, which is especially important under active use conditions.
Performance in Real Tasks: From Gaming to Neural Networks
Gaming: The Adreno 650 handles titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium and high settings (60 FPS). However, in 2025, games with ray tracing or 120 FPS at 4K might require some graphics settings to be reduced.
Multimedia:
- Support for displays up to 144 Hz and 4K resolution (including HDR10+);
- Hardware video decoding in formats H.265 and VP9;
- Capability to record video at 8K@30fps or 4K@120fps (depends on the smartphone manufacturer's implementation).
AI Applications: The Hexagon 698 DSP accelerates tasks like photo processing (noise reduction, scene recognition), voice assistants, and AR applications. However, compared to newer processors (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), the speed of AI model processing is about 20-30% lower.
Power Consumption and Heating: With a TDP of 6W and a 7nm manufacturing process, it ensures moderate heating. In smartphones with high-quality cooling systems (like Xiaomi Black Shark 5 or Realme GT Neo 3), the chip maintains stability even during long gaming sessions. Average battery life is around 6-8 hours of active use.
Integrated Modules: Connectivity at its Best
- Modem: Snapdragon X55 5G supports sub-6 GHz and mmWave networks (speed up to 7.5 Gbps) but is not compatible with the latest 5G Advanced standards (2024+). For 2025, this is sufficient in regions with developed 5G infrastructure.
- Wi-Fi 6: Speed up to 1.8 Gbps, but lacks Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz frequency).
- Bluetooth 5.2: Support for audio codecs such as aptX Adaptive and LE Audio.
- Navigation: GPS (L1/L5), GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS.
These specifications make the Snapdragon 870 suitable for most scenarios, except where ultra-high-speed data transfer is critical.
Comparison with Competitors: Who Outperforms Whom
- Snapdragon 888/8 Gen 1: More powerful GPUs (Adreno 730) and AI accelerators, but higher heat and price.
- MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (4nm): Better energy efficiency and support for Wi-Fi 6E, but Snapdragon 870 has an edge in driver stability and gaming optimization.
- Exynos 1380 (Samsung): Comparable performance but lacks better support from developers.
In benchmarks (Geekbench 6: Single-Core 1151, Multi-Core 3336; AnTuTu 10 — 794278), the Snapdragon 870 is close to the Snapdragon 888 but is 25-30% cheaper.
Usage Scenarios: Who Is It Made For?
1. Gaming: Ideal for mobile gamers who do not chase ultra-settings. Devices like the Poco F4 or iQOO Neo 7 offer gaming features (triggers, high-refresh displays) at prices from $400-500.
2. Daily Tasks: Social media, streaming, office applications — everything runs smoothly without lag.
3. Photography and Video: Supporting cameras up to 200 MP and advanced post-processing (like in Xiaomi 12X), the chip allows for quality content shooting.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Arguments
Pros:
- Proven reliability and optimization;
- Good gaming performance;
- Affordable smartphone prices ($350-500);
- Moderate heating.
Cons:
- No support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3;
- Outdated 7nm process;
- Limitations in AI tasks.
Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 870
1. Cooling: Look for models with a vapor chamber or graphite plates (like the Nubia RedMagic 6).
2. Display: An AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate will enhance the gaming and scrolling experience.
3. Battery: Ideally, aim for 4500-5000 mAh with fast charging support (65W+).
4. Cameras: Pay attention to optical image stabilization (OIS) and manufacturer software (like in Google Pixel 6a).
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Snapdragon 870?
This processor is a choice for those seeking a balance between price and performance. It is suitable for:
- Gamers with a budget of up to $500;
- Technology enthusiasts who do not need "ultra-novelties";
- Users who value stability and longevity of their device.
The main benefits: savings without serious compromises in quality. Even in 2025, the Snapdragon 870 remains a "workhorse" ready to tackle the challenges of the modern mobile world.