Qualcomm Snapdragon 435

Qualcomm Snapdragon 435: A Modest Workhorse for the Budget Segment in 2025

An Overview of Capabilities, Use Cases, and Relevance of the Processor in the Era of New Technologies

Introduction

Even in 2025, when the market is flooded with processors featuring AI accelerators and 5G support, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 continues to hold its ground. Released back in 2017, this chip is still found in ultra-budget smartphones priced between $100 and $200. But how relevant is it today? Let’s take a closer look to understand who would benefit from a device based on this SoC and what compromises would need to be made.

Architecture and Technology Process: The Basics

28 nm – A Nod to the Past

The Snapdragon 435 is manufactured using a 28 nm process, which seems archaic in 2025. For comparison, modern budget chips (like the MediaTek Dimensity 700 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2) are built on 6-7 nm processes, offering better power efficiency and lower heat generation. However, the 28 nm technology has allowed for reduced production costs, which is critical for devices priced at or below $150.

8 Cortex-A53 Cores: A Balance Between Multitasking and Frequency

The processor features 8 ARM Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 1.4 GHz, organized into two clusters:

- 4 cores at 1.4 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;

- 4 cores at 1.1 GHz for background processes.

This configuration provides basic multitasking capabilities but lags behind modern chips with Cortex-A55/A75 cores. For example, in Geekbench 6 Single-Core, the processor scores 141 points, while in Multi-Core, it scores 620. For comparison, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (2023) scores approximately 800/2200.

Adreno 505: Graphics for Undemanding Games

The Adreno 505 GPU supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and resolutions up to Full HD+. In 2025, its capabilities are sufficient for running lightweight games like Among Us or Candy Crush on low settings. However, AAA titles such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile will experience lag even at minimal settings.

Real-World Performance: What Can Snapdragon 435 Do?

Gaming: Modest Ambitions

- Minecraft (Low/30 FPS) – playable;

- PUBG Mobile (Low/25 FPS) – may experience drops;

- Roblox (Medium/30 FPS) – depends on map complexity.

For a more comfortable gaming experience, a smartphone with an Adreno 610 GPU (such as the Snapdragon 680) is recommended.

Multimedia: Full HD and Basic HDR

The processor decodes video in H.264 and H.265 formats (1080p@60fps), but recording is limited to 1080p@30fps. Streaming Netflix or YouTube in Full HD is possible, but HDR10+ support is absent.

AI Applications: Lacking a Dedicated NPU

The Snapdragon 435 lacks a dedicated neural processing unit, meaning AI functions (like scene recognition in the camera) are handled via the CPU/GPU. This results in delays: photo processing in Google Photos takes 30-40% longer than on chips with an NPU.

Power Consumption and Heat: 4W – Not a Dream Amount

With a TDP of 4W, the processor runs hotter than its modern counterparts (like the Unisoc Tiger T610 with a TDP of 3W). In smartphones with passive cooling, this can lead to throttling under prolonged load. However, for social media, calls, and messaging, the heat generation remains within acceptable limits.

Built-In Modules: Connectivity and Navigation

Modem: Only 4G LTE

The Snapdragon 435 is equipped with an X9 LTE modem supporting:

- Download speeds up to 300 Mbps;

- Upload speeds up to 150 Mbps.

5G support is absent, which becomes a noticeable downside in 2025, given the proliferation of next-generation networks even in the budget segment.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Basic Standards

- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) – up to 433 Mbps;

- Bluetooth 4.1 – lacks support for LE Audio.

This is sufficient for connecting wireless headphones and home internet, but for high-speed Wi-Fi networks, other models need to be considered.

Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, but No Galileo

The chip supports standard satellite systems, but positioning accuracy falls short compared to modern solutions with dual frequency (L1+L5).

Comparison with Competitors: Where Does Snapdragon 435 Stand?

Direct Competitors in 2025:

1. MediaTek Helio G25 (12 nm):

- 8x Cortex-A53 (2.0 GHz);

- PowerVR GE8320;

- AnTuTu 10: ~120,000.

- Advantage: Higher CPU frequency.

2. Unisoc Tiger T610 (12 nm):

- 2x Cortex-A75 + 6x Cortex-A55;

- Mali-G52 MP2;

- AnTuTu 10: ~220,000.

- Better performance for the same price ($150–200).

Conclusion: The Snapdragon 435 falls behind modern budget SoCs in energy efficiency and performance but wins on price. Devices based on it often range from $100 to $130, while smartphones with the Tiger T610 start from $150.

Use Cases: Who Needs This Power?

1. Everyday Tasks

- Social media, messaging, email – no issues;

- Web surfing with 5-7 tabs – may experience slowdowns;

- Video calls – stable with a good 4G signal.

2. Photos and Videos

- Cameras up to 21 MP (single) or 13+13 MP (dual);

- Video recording: 1080p@30fps without EIS;

- Night mode – noisy, with long processing times.

3. Gaming

Only suitable for casual games. For PUBG Mobile or Fortnite, it's better to choose a device with the Snapdragon 680 or Dimensity 700.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Arguments

Pros:

- Low device cost;

- 4G LTE support;

- Sufficient for basic tasks.

Cons:

- Obsolete 28 nm technology process;

- No 5G or Wi-Fi 6;

- Weak GPU for gaming.

Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 435?

1. RAM: At least 3 GB for Android 13/14.

2. Battery: 4000 mAh to compensate for high power consumption.

3. Screen: IPS 720p is optimal for Adreno 505.

4. Examples of 2025 Models:

- Xiaomi Redmi A3 ($110): 3/64 GB, 6.5" HD+;

- Samsung Galaxy A04e ($130): 4/64 GB, 6.5" PLS.

Final Conclusion: Who is This Processor For?

In 2025, the Snapdragon 435 is a choice for:

- Users looking for a "phone for calls";

- Parents buying their child's first smartphone;

- A backup device for travel.

Key Benefits: Cost savings ($100–130), adequate performance for basic needs, and reliability of a tested platform. However, if your budget allows for $150–200, it's better to opt for a smartphone based on the Unisoc Tiger T610 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 – they will serve longer and not disappoint in gaming or photography.

Note: Prices are current as of April 2025 and pertain to new devices in the entry-level segment.