Qualcomm Snapdragon 626
Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 in 2025: Is it Worth Attention?
Review of an outdated yet still relevant chip for budget smartphones
Introduction
In the era of 5G, artificial intelligence, and 4nm process technology, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 seems like a relic of the past. However, this chip continues to exist in budget smartphones, offering minimalist yet stable performance. Let's delve into who it might suit in 2025 and what compromises users will have to make.
Architecture and Process Technology: Modest Ambitions
Cores and Frequency:
The Snapdragon 626 is an octa-core processor built on ARM Cortex-A53 architecture, with a clock speed of up to 2.2 GHz. All cores operate in a homogeneous configuration (big.LITTLE is not used), which is typical for budget solutions. The 14nm process technology, which appears archaic in 2025 compared to 6nm and 4nm chips, still provides acceptable energy efficiency.
Cache and Memory:
The L2 cache size is 1MB, which limits data processing speed. It supports LPDDR3 memory (up to 933 MHz) and eMMC 5.1, meaning there is no support for UFS and LPDDR4X in devices using this SoC.
GPU Adreno 506:
The graphics processor can work with Vulkan 1.0 and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs, but its performance (around 130–150 GFLOPS) in 2025 is only sufficient for casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers on low settings.
Real-World Performance: Modest but Stable
Gaming:
- Casual Gaming: Games with simple graphics (e.g., Among Us, Clash of Clans) run smoothly without lags.
- 3D Games: PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact will require minimum settings (up to 25 FPS on low), but performance may drop due to heating.
- Heating: Under load, the chip heats up to 40–45°C, but throttling (frequency reduction) rarely activates thanks to a TDP of 11 watts.
Multimedia:
- Video: Decoding 1080p/60fps (H.264/H.265) works smoothly, but 4K video on YouTube or local files may experience lag.
- Audio: Support for Qualcomm Aqstic enhances audio quality, which is a plus for music lovers.
Artificial Intelligence:
The absence of an NPU (neural processing unit) renders the SoC useless for tasks like photo processing through neural networks or voice assistants with local AI. All AI operations are handled by the CPU/GPU, which slows down performance.
Power Consumption:
With moderate use (social media, music, calls), a smartphone with Snapdragon 626 can easily last a day on a 4000 mAh battery. However, active camera or navigation use can reduce operating time to 6–7 hours.
Built-in Modules: Basic Capabilities
- Modem: Qualcomm X9 LTE (Cat. 7) — speeds of up to 300 Mbps for download and 150 Mbps for upload. 5G is not supported.
- Wi-Fi: Only 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with a maximum of 433 Mbps on a single stream.
- Bluetooth: Version 4.2 (no support for LE Audio or dual-channel transmission).
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou — sufficient for basic positioning, but lacks Galileo and QZSS support.
Comparison with Competitors: Where Does Snapdragon 626 Stand?
Generation 2017–2018:
- MediaTek Helio P25: Similar performance, but better graphics (Mali-T880 MP2).
- HiSilicon Kirin 659: Performs better in multi-core tasks (+15% in Geekbench Multi-Core), but has worse software optimization.
2025 Competitors:
- Unisoc Tiger T610 (12nm): Has a 30% higher CPU performance, supports cameras up to 48 MP.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (6nm): 2.5 times more powerful in gaming, includes a 5G modem.
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm): Features an NPU for AI tasks and supports 90Hz displays.
Bottom Line: Snapdragon 626 falls short against even budget chips of 2025, but wins in device pricing.
Use Cases: Who Is This Chip For?
1. Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, messaging, email.
- Watching videos in 1080p (not 4K).
2. Gaming:
- Only simple 2D games or older titles like Asphalt 8.
3. Photo and Video:
- Capturing images with cameras up to 24 MP (single) or 13+13 MP (dual).
- Recording video at 1080p/30fps. No EIS 3.0 stabilization or real-time HDR processing.
Pros and Cons of the Processor
Pros:
- Low device cost ($100–200).
- Energy efficiency for basic tasks.
- Stable operation without critical bugs.
Cons:
- No 5G, Wi-Fi 6, or Bluetooth 5.3 support.
- Weak GPU and absence of NPU.
- Memory limitations (only eMMC 5.1).
Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 626?
1. RAM and Storage: Look for models with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage — this is the minimum for Android 13/14.
2. Battery: Starting from 4000 mAh to compensate for the outdated process technology.
3. Display: HD+ (1600×720) — higher resolution is pointless due to the weak GPU.
4. Camera: Don’t expect miracles. It's better to choose devices with software enhancements (like night mode via algorithms).
Examples of devices in 2025:
- Xiaomi Redmi A3: $120, 4/64 GB, 5000 mAh.
- Samsung Galaxy M04: $140, 4/128 GB, AMOLED HD+.
Final Conclusion: Who Is Snapdragon 626 For?
This processor is suitable for:
- Budget Users: Who prioritize price over performance.
- Backup Devices: For travel or as a "work" phone.
- Older Adults: Simple applications, long battery life, minimum features.
Main Benefits:
- Guarantee of 2–3 years of operation without significant slowdowns.
- Access to basic Android features.
- Low heat generation and acceptable battery life.
Conclusion
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 in 2025 is a compromise. It lags behind modern chips but remains a lifesaver for the ultra-budget smartphone market. If you need a device just for “calls and WhatsApp,” it will suffice. However, for everything else, it’s better to pay extra for a device with a 2023+ generation processor and 5G support.