Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625: A Retrospective of the Budget Champion
April 2025
Introduction
In the world of mobile technology, where processors with teraflops of power and neural network support emerge every year, the Snapdragon 625 seems like a relic. However, even in 2025, smartphones powered by this SoC are still available as an affordable option for casual users. Why is this chip, released back in 2016, still relevant? Let’s explore the details.
Architecture and Process Technology: A Balance Between Efficiency and Simplicity
The Snapdragon 625 was one of the first Qualcomm processors to transition to a 14-nanometer process (FinFET), which was a significant leap forward for its time. In 2025, this is already an outdated standard (modern flagships use 3-4 nm), but in the budget segment, 14 nm still provides acceptable energy efficiency.
- CPU: 8 Cortex-A53 cores with a clock speed of up to 2 GHz. All cores operate in a homogeneous configuration (no big.LITTLE needed since all cores are identical). This solution ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks but limits performance in resource-intensive scenarios.
- GPU: Adreno 506. This graphics processor supports Vulkan 1.0 API, OpenGL ES 3.1, and DirectX 11. Maximum display resolution is 2560×1600 pixels.
- Process Technology: The 14 nm process has reduced power consumption (TDP of only 5 W) and extended device battery life.
Key Feature: The Snapdragon 625 focused on balancing performance and power consumption, making it popular in smartphones that emphasize long battery life.
Real-World Performance: Modest Yet Steady
Gaming: The Adreno 506 handles light games like Candy Crush Saga or Clash of Clans well, but even PUBG Mobile can only run on minimal settings at 25-30 FPS. Modern AAA games (like Genshin Impact) won’t run on this chip.
Multimedia:
- Support for 4K@30 fps video (recording and playback).
- Hardware decoding of H.265 (HEVC).
- Fast processing of photos in JPEG and even RAW formats (with some delays).
AI Applications: The absence of a dedicated NPU (neural processing unit) makes running AI tools (e.g., background blur in camera) slow. Algorithms are processed via the CPU/GPU, consuming resources.
Power Consumption and Heating: Thanks to the 14 nm process and modest clock speeds, smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 625 hardly heat up even under prolonged load. Average battery life is 1.5–2 days with moderate use.
Built-In Modules: Limited but Sufficient Connectivity
- Modem: Snapdragon X9 LTE (Cat. 13/7) — download speeds up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of 150 Mbps. 5G is not supported.
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with MU-MIMO.
- Bluetooth: 4.2 with aptX support for improved audio quality.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, but lacking support for Galileo or satellite communication (e.g., via Iridium).
Important: In 2025, the lack of 5G and Wi-Fi 6E may be a concern for users who prioritize internet speed.
Comparison with Competitors: How Does Snapdragon 625 Measure Up Against Other SoCs?
Direct Competitors of Its Time (2016–2018):
- MediaTek Helio P25: Similar 8-core architecture but with a weaker Mali-T880 MP2 GPU.
- HiSilicon Kirin 655: Better camera optimization but higher power consumption.
Modern Counterparts (2025):
- Unisoc Tiger T610: 12 nm, 2x Cortex-A75 + 6x Cortex-A55, Mali-G52 MP2. Better handles multitasking.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2: 6 nm, 2x Cortex-A78 + 6x Cortex-A55, Adreno 613. Supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 625 falls behind modern budget chips in performance and functionality but wins on price.
Use Cases: Who Is the Chip Relevant For in 2025?
1. Gaming: Only suitable for casual games. Modern titles require at least Snapdragon 680 or Dimensity 700.
2. Everyday Tasks: Social media, messaging, web surfing, video streaming (up to Full HD).
3. Photo and Video: Suitable for daytime shooting. Cameras up to 24 MP (with 1x zoom). Night modes suffer from noise.
Examples of 2025 Smartphones with Snapdragon 625:
- Xiaomi Redmi A3: 6.5" HD+, 4/64 GB, price — $130.
- Realme C35: 6.6" IPS, 5000 mAh, 3/32 GB — $110.
Pros and Cons of the Processor
Strengths:
- Low power consumption.
- Stable performance without overheating.
- Supports basic connectivity standards.
- Affordability of devices.
Weaknesses:
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak GPU for gaming.
- Limited support for AI functionalities.
Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 625?
1. RAM and Storage: At least 4/64 GB; otherwise, even Android 13/14 may lag.
2. Battery: Look for models with at least 4000 mAh.
3. Updates: Check whether the device will receive security patches after 2025.
4. Camera: Don’t expect miracles — a 13 MP camera with autofocus should suffice.
Typical Devices: Budget smartphones under $150, or occasionally mid-range models focused on battery life (e.g., Blackview A90).
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Snapdragon 625?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Seek the cheapest possible new smartphone.
- Do not play demanding games.
- Value long battery life.
- Are willing to tolerate slow photo processing and interface delays.
Main Benefits: Cost-effectiveness (devices under $150), reliability (proven architecture), and endurance.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 625 in 2025 represents a "good enough" approach. It doesn’t impress with performance, but it enables the creation of devices that can handle basic tasks without excessive costs. If you need a phone for calls, messages, and occasional photos — this is an option. For everything else, there are more modern chips available.