Samsung Exynos 9825
Samsung Exynos 9825: Review of the Flagship Processor of 2019 from the Perspective of 2025
April 2025
Introduction
Six years after its release, the Samsung Exynos 9825 remains an interesting subject for study. This processor, which debuted in the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10, once symbolized Samsung's technological breakthrough in mobile chips. In 2025, devices based on it can still be found on the market—primarily in the budget and mid-range segments (new models cost around $300–400). Let’s explore what this chip is capable of today, who it is suitable for, and what lessons can be learned from its architecture.
Architecture and Technology Process
8 cores, three clusters, and 7 nm: How Exynos 9825 Works
Exynos 9825 was the first Samsung processor manufactured using the 7-nanometer EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography) process. This allowed for reduced power consumption and increased transistor density compared to its predecessor, the Exynos 9820 (8 nm).
CPU:
- 2x Samsung M4 (custom cores) with a frequency of up to 2.73 GHz—for heavy tasks.
- 2x Cortex-A75 (2.4 GHz)—for medium load.
- 4x Cortex-A55 (1.95 GHz)—for background processes.
This three-cluster architecture (DynamIQ) provided a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
GPU Mali-G76 MP12 with 12 compute units was one of the most powerful graphical accelerators at the time of release. It supported Vulkan, OpenGL ES 3.2, and resolutions up to 4K.
Cache and Memory:
- L2 cache—2 MB (for high-performance cores).
- Support for LPDDR4X (up to 12 GB of RAM) and UFS 3.0 (speed up to 2.9 GB/s).
Conclusion: In 2019, Exynos 9825 competed with Snapdragon 855 and Apple A13 Bionic, but lagged behind them in energy efficiency due to the complex M4 architecture.
Performance in Real Tasks
Gaming, Multimedia, and AI: What can Exynos 9825 do in 2025?
- Gaming: The Mali-G76 MP12 handles mobile games at medium settings well. For example, Genshin Impact runs at 30–40 FPS at 1080p resolution, but overheating can occur during prolonged sessions. Modern projects like Honkai: Star Rail require graphics to be lowered to low settings.
- Multimedia: The chip supports 8K@30fps decoding and HDR10+. It is ideal for streaming Netflix in 4K.
- AI tasks: The built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) handles scenarios like object recognition in frames or optimizing battery life. However, compared to modern AI accelerators (e.g., Tensor G4), it is significantly slower.
- Power Consumption and Heating: TDP of 9 W—during heavy use, the smartphone needs to be recharged every 4–5 hours. Without an effective cooling system (like heat pipes in the Galaxy Note 10), throttling may occur.
Built-in Communication Modules
4G, Wi-Fi 6, and other "features"
- Modem: The built-in LTE modem Cat.20 supports speeds up to 2 Gbps. The absence of 5G is the biggest downside for 2025.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Theoretical speed up to 1.2 Gbps, compatible with mesh networks.
- Bluetooth 5.0: For connecting wireless headphones and syncing with smartwatches.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou—location accuracy within 3 meters.
Important: The lack of 5G limits its use in regions where next-generation networks dominate (e.g., South Korea or the USA).
Comparison with Competitors
Exynos 9825 vs Snapdragon 855 vs Apple A13 Bionic
- Single-core performance (Geekbench 6):
- Exynos 9825: 674 points.
- Snapdragon 855: ~720 points.
- Apple A13: ~1330 points.
- Graphics (GFXBench):
- Mali-G76 MP12 lags behind Adreno 640 (in Snapdragon 855) by 15–20%.
- Energy Efficiency: Apple A13 and Snapdragon 855 demonstrate better balance due to optimized technology processes (7 nm+).
In 2025: Exynos 9825 is close to budget chips like Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 but falls short in supporting 5G and AI capabilities.
Usage Scenarios
Who is Exynos 9825 Suitable For?
1. Daily Tasks: Social media, web surfing, streaming—no noticeable lag from the processor.
2. Photo and Video: Capability to record in 4K@120fps and process images using AI (e.g., enhancing detail in low light).
3. Casual Gaming: Games like PUBG Mobile or COD Mobile at medium settings.
Limitations: Not recommended for professional video editing or VR applications.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Support for UFS 3.0 for fast app loading.
- Powerful NPU for basic AI operations.
- Compatibility with modern Wi-Fi 6 standards.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of 5G.
- High thermal output under load.
- Outdated CPU architecture by 2025 standards.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
1. Cooling: Look for models with liquid cooling systems or large heatsinks.
2. RAM: At least 6 GB (preferably 8 GB) for multitasking.
3. Storage: UFS 3.0 is essential to speed up file operations.
4. Battery: No less than 4000 mAh to offset high TDP.
Examples of Devices in 2025:
- Samsung Galaxy A85 (2024) — $349.
- Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro — $379.
Final Conclusion
Exynos 9825 in 2025 is a choice for those looking for an affordable smartphone ($300–400) with decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Its main advantages are:
- Support for modern communication standards (except 5G).
- Capability to record video in 4K.
- High energy efficiency under moderate loads.
Who it’s suitable for:
- Students and teenagers—for study and entertainment.
- Users who are not willing to pay extra for 5G.
- Those who value the Samsung brand but do not wish to buy from the premium lineup.
However, if you plan to use the smartphone for 3–4 years, it’s better to look at devices with chips from 2023–2024 (like Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 or Dimensity 8300). Exynos 9825 remains an example of a successful engineering solution that maintains relevance in the budget segment even after years.