HiSilicon Kirin 655
HiSilicon Kirin 655: A Modest Workhorse for Everyday Tasks
An Analysis of a 2010s Mobile Processor in the Context of 2025
Introduction
In an era dominated by 5G, neural networks, and 4nm chips, processors from past years seem archaic. However, devices powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 655 are still present in the budget segment—especially in countries with emerging markets. This SoC, released in 2016, continues to thrive due to its balance of energy efficiency and adequate performance for basic tasks. In this article, we will explore why the Kirin 655 remains relevant in 2025, who it is suitable for, and its main compromises.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Why 16nm and 8 Cores?
Process Technology and Energy Efficiency
The Kirin 655 is built on TSMC's 16nm FinFET technology. In comparison, modern processors (2025) utilize 3nm standards, allowing for a 30-40% reduction in power consumption. However, 16nm was considered progressive in 2016—providing low heat output and acceptable battery life.
CPU Structure
The chip employs a big.LITTLE hybrid architecture with 8 ARM Cortex-A53 cores, divided into two clusters:
- 4 cores with a frequency of 2.12 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;
- 4 cores with a frequency of 1.7 GHz for background processes.
This approach conserves battery life, but falls short compared to modern solutions with cores of different architectures (e.g., Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55).
GPU Mali-T830 MP2
The Mali-T830 MP2 graphics accelerator features 2 compute units with a frequency of up to 900 MHz. It supports OpenGL ES 3.2 API and resolutions up to Full HD+. In 2025, this will suffice only for simple games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but not for projects at the level of Genshin Impact.
2. Real-World Performance: What Can the Kirin 655 Do in 2025?
Gaming
- Casual Gaming: 2D graphics and simple 3D games (e.g., Clash of Clans) run without lag on medium settings.
- Modern Projects: Even PUBG Mobile at HD quality (30 FPS) will experience drops to 20-25 FPS, necessitating a resolution reduction to Low.
Multimedia
- Video: Supports H.264/H.265 decoding (1080p@60fps). 4K videos play with buffering but lack smoothness.
- Audio: Lacks advanced codecs like aptX HD or LDAC—only basic SBC for Bluetooth.
Artificial Intelligence
The Kirin 655 lacks an NPU (neural processing unit), so AI tasks (photo processing, voice assistants) are handled through the CPU/GPU. Applying filters in the Adobe Lightroom Mobile app takes 3-5 seconds compared to 1-2 seconds on chips with an NPU.
Power Consumption and Heating
With a TDP of 5W, the processor hardly heats up even under load. A smartphone with a 4000 mAh battery provides 6-7 hours of screen time (web surfing, social media).
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Navigation
Modem
- 4G LTE Cat.6: Speeds of up to 300 Mbps for download and 50 Mbps for upload. Supports VoLTE.
- No 5G—this is the main drawback for 2025.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4 GHz)—an outdated standard with no support for 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6.
- Bluetooth 4.1: Low data transfer rates (up to 1 Mbps) and lacks Dual Audio.
Navigation
GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou. Positioning accuracy is ±5 meters in urban environments.
4. Comparison with Competitors
2016-2018 Generation
- Snapdragon 625: Similar 8-core structure on 14nm, but the Adreno 506 GPU is 20-25% more powerful than the Mali-T830.
- MediaTek Helio P20: Better energy efficiency (16nm FinFET Plus), but weaker in multi-threaded tasks.
Modern Analogues (2025)
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 3: 6nm process, 5G, NPU for AI—2-3 times faster than Kirin 655.
- Unisoc Tiger T610: Budget chip from 2023 with support for 48MP cameras and Wi-Fi 5.
Conclusion: The Kirin 655 lags behind even budget SoCs from the 2020s but wins on price—smartphones featuring it are priced at $80–120 compared to $150–200 for competitors.
5. Use Cases: Where Is Power Adequate?
Everyday Tasks
- Social media, messengers, email;
- Watching YouTube in HD;
- Typing documents in Google Docs.
Photo and Video
- Shooting with cameras up to 21 MP (with PDAF support);
- Recording 1080p@30fps video without stabilization;
- Basic post-processing in mobile editors.
Gaming
Only for non-demanding games. For streaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW), stable Wi-Fi is required.
6. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Low cost of devices;
- Cool operation even under load;
- Up to 2 days of standby battery life.
Disadvantages:
- No 5G or Wi-Fi 5/6;
- Weak GPU for gaming;
- No support for cameras above 21 MP.
7. Practical Tips: What to Look for When Buying?
- RAM: A minimum of 3 GB for Android 10+.
- Screen: IPS with an HD+ resolution (720×1600)—no point in having more.
- Battery: At least 4000 mAh for comfortable use.
- Price: New devices range from $80-120 (e.g., Huawei Enjoy 12c, Huawei Nova Lite 3).
Who It’s Suitable For:
- Users aged 60+ looking for a simple phone for calls and WhatsApp;
- A backup gadget for travels;
- A child's first smartphone.
8. Final Conclusion
The HiSilicon Kirin 655 in 2025 is a choice for those who value reliability and are not willing to overpay for features they won’t use. It is an ideal processor for:
- Budget smartphones up to $120;
- Devices with an emphasis on battery life;
- Users who do not play demanding games and do not shoot 4K video.
If you need a device "for calls and the internet," the Kirin 655 will suffice. However, for future upgrades or working with AI services, it’s better to choose something more modern.
P.S. In 2025, smartphones with the Kirin 655 are like old Nokia 3310s: they won't impress with functionality but will survive any apocalypse.