Samsung Exynos 7870
Samsung Exynos 7870: Budget Processor with a Focus on Energy Efficiency
Overview of capabilities, comparisons, and recommendations for users in 2025
1. Architecture and Process Technology: 14 nm and 8 Cores for Basic Tasks
Released in 2016, the Samsung Exynos 7870 became one of the company's first mobile processors built on a 14-nanometer FinFET process technology. This technology helped reduce power consumption and improve thermal efficiency, which is particularly important for budget devices.
- CPU: 8 ARM Cortex-A53 cores with a clock speed of up to 1.6 GHz. All cores operate in a big.LITTLE cluster, but without a distinction between high- and low-performance cores. This solution simplifies task management but limits flexibility under load.
- GPU: Mali-T830 MP1 — a single-core graphics processor supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.0. Its frequency can reach 700 MHz, which is sufficient for rendering simple 2D graphics and basic 3D games.
- Memory: Supports LPDDR3 RAM up to 933 MHz and eMMC 5.1 for storage.
Despite its outdated architecture (Cortex-A53 debuted in 2012), the 14-nm process helps the processor remain competitive in the sub-$200 device segment.
2. Performance: Modest Results, but Decent Battery Life
By 2025 standards, the Exynos 7870 looks modest, but it is sufficient for everyday tasks:
- Gaming: The Mali-T830 MP1 handles light games like Candy Crush Saga or Subway Surfers on low settings (up to 30 FPS). Heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile) will lag even at minimum settings.
- Multimedia: The processor decodes Full HD (1080p) video using the integrated ISP. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps.
- AI Applications: The absence of an NPU makes real-time artificial intelligence tasks impossible. AI applications (e.g., photo enhancement) perform slowly.
- Power Consumption: The TDP of 3 W allows for up to 10 hours of screen time on smartphones with a 4000 mAh battery. Heat generation is minimal even under prolonged load.
3. Built-in Modules: LTE, but No Hint of 5G
The Exynos 7870 is equipped with an integrated LTE modem of category 6, supporting speeds of up to 300 Mbps (download) and 50 Mbps (upload). This is an outdated standard, but it suffices for basic internet use.
- Wi-Fi: Only 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) supporting 2.4 GHz frequency. Lacks Wi-Fi 5/6, which limits speed in networks with multiple devices.
- Bluetooth: Version 4.2 — slower than modern BT 5.3, but reliably works with headsets and fitness trackers.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou — for accurate positioning.
4. Comparison with Competitors: Budget Battle
In its class, the Exynos 7870 competes with:
- Snapdragon 430 (2016): 8x Cortex-A53 (1.4 GHz), Adreno 505. Better graphics but a higher TDP (4 W).
- MediaTek MT6750 (2016): 8x Cortex-A53 (1.5 GHz), Mali-T860 MP2. Dual-core GPU offers an advantage in gaming.
- Unisoc Tiger T310 (2019): 1x Cortex-A75 + 3x Cortex-A55, PowerVR GE8300. More modern architecture but a higher price.
The Exynos 7870 lags behind in multithreading (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 495) even compared to the Snapdragon 625 (Geekbench 6: ~700), but it wins in power efficiency.
5. Usage Scenarios: For Undemanding Users
- Gaming: Casual games only. For PUBG Mobile, resolution needs to be lowered to 720p and effects turned off.
- Everyday Tasks: Social media, messaging, browsing (up to 5 tabs), streaming video (YouTube 1080p).
- Photo and Video: Daytime shooting. Night shots will be noisy due to the weak ISP. Video at 1080p@30fps without stabilization.
6. Pros and Cons: Why is it Still Relevant in 2025?
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Affordable device prices ($100–$200).
- Stable performance in basic scenarios.
Cons:
- Weak graphics.
- No support for 5G, Wi-Fi 5/6.
- Limited performance in multitasking.
7. Tips for Choosing a Smartphone: What to Look For?
- RAM: At least 3 GB. 2 GB (like in the Samsung Galaxy J7 2017) is insufficient for Android 13+.
- Storage: eMMC 5.1 is slower than UFS, so opt for models with 64 GB of memory.
- Updates: Devices with Exynos 7870 rarely receive updated versions of Android. Look for models with a factory OS no older than Android 11.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Samsung Galaxy A03 Core ($120): 3 GB RAM, 32 GB ROM, HD+ display.
- Xiaomi Redmi Go 3 ($140): 4 GB RAM, 64 GB ROM, 13 MP camera.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Exynos 7870 For?
This processor is an option for those who:
- Seek the cheapest smartphone for calls, messaging, and social media.
- Value battery life: 2–3 days of standby time.
- Do not plan to use the smartphone for gaming or demanding tasks.
Main Benefits: Low price, energy efficiency, and sufficient performance for basic needs. However, in 2025, the Exynos 7870 should be considered only as a temporary solution or backup gadget. For more advanced scenarios, it's better to choose devices with Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 6100+.
Note: All listed prices are current as of April 2025 for new devices.