Qualcomm Snapdragon 650
Qualcomm Snapdragon 650: Review of an Outdated but Relevant Processor for Budget Devices
April 2025
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 is a system on chip (SoC) released in the mid-2010s, yet it is still found in budget smartphones today. Despite its outdated manufacturing process and lack of 5G support, this processor remains popular in devices priced under $250. In this article, we will discuss who might find the Snapdragon 650 suitable in 2025 and what compromises may need to be made.
1. Architecture and Manufacturing Process: Balancing the Past and Present
Cores and Frequencies
The Snapdragon 650 features a heterogeneous architecture with Hexa-Core (6 cores) divided into two clusters:
- 2 Cortex-A72 cores with a frequency of up to 1.8 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;
- 4 energy-efficient Cortex-A53 cores at 1.4 GHz for background processes.
This approach allows for battery saving, but due to its 28nm manufacturing process (compared to the 5-7nm of modern chips), its power consumption is higher than that of more recent counterparts.
GPU
The Adreno 510 GPU supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.0, which theoretically allows for mobile games from 2020-2022 to run at low or medium settings. However, in 2025, its capabilities will only be sufficient for casual games (like Candy Crush or Among Us) and simple 3D applications.
Cache and Memory
- L2 cache: 256 KB (minimal even for its time);
- Memory support: LPDDR3 up to 933 MHz (modern devices use LPDDR4X/5).
2. Performance in Real Tasks: Modest Capabilities
Gaming
- Genshin Impact: will run at minimum settings with 20-25 FPS, but overheating may occur.
- PUBG Mobile: HD mode + 30 FPS (without HDR support).
- Modern AAA projects (like Honkai: Star Rail) will lag even at low settings.
Multimedia
- Video: decodes 4K@30 FPS (H.264/H.265), but recording is limited to 1080p@60 FPS.
- Audio: supports Hi-Res formats (24-bit/192 kHz).
Artificial Intelligence
The lack of a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) makes the SoC weak for AI tasks:
- Facial recognition in photo albums works with delays;
- Voice assistants (Google Assistant, Bixby) operate reliably but slower than on modern chips.
Power Consumption and Heating
- TDP of 9W is considered high for 2025. With active use, the smartphone may heat up to 42-45°C.
- Battery life: about 6-7 hours of screen time (with a 4000 mAh battery).
3. Integrated Modules: No 5G, but Basic Functions Available
- Modem: Qualcomm X8 LTE (Cat.7) — speeds up to 300 Mbps for downloads, 100 Mbps for uploads. Supports 4G, but no 5G.
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), but lacks Wi-Fi 6E.
- Bluetooth: version 4.2 (modern devices use BT 5.3+).
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Previous Generations
- Snapdragon 625 (2016): 8 Cortex-A53 cores, 14nm — worse in multi-threading, but more energy-efficient.
- Snapdragon 632 (2018): 8 Kryo 250 cores, 14nm — 15-20% faster in gaming.
2025 Competitors
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm, 5G): 2-3 times higher performance, with device prices starting from $200.
- Unisoc Tiger T610 (12nm): comparable power, but better optimization for Android 14+.
5. Use Cases: Who is the Snapdragon 650 For?
- Gaming: only suitable for casual games. To play PUBG or CoD Mobile, resolution needs to be lowered.
- Everyday Tasks: social media, messaging, web browsing — everything runs smoothly, but may experience delays with multitasking.
- Photo and Video: can capture in 1080p@60 FPS, but the quality of the camera sensor matters more than the SoC's capabilities.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low device cost ($150-250);
- Supports 4G and basic communication standards;
- Adequate for undemanding users.
Cons:
- Outdated 28nm manufacturing process → high power consumption;
- No 5G or Wi-Fi 6;
- Weak GPU for modern gaming.
7. Practical Tips When Choosing a Device
1. RAM: minimum of 4GB (better 6GB for Android 14+).
2. Cooling: choose models with graphite or copper heat sinks.
3. Battery: at least 4500 mAh to compensate for high TDP.
4. Updates: check if the device will receive Android 15.
Typical Devices in 2025:
- Budget smartphones: Nokia G22 (2025), Xiaomi Redmi A4 ($169);
- E-readers and media players: Amazon Fire HD 12 (2025).
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Snapdragon 650 For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Seek a device under $250;
- Do not play demanding games;
- Use their smartphone for calls, social media, and video viewing.
Key Benefits: cost savings, adequate performance for basic tasks, and availability of spare parts for repair.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 650 in 2025 exemplifies a "workhorse" processor that may be morally outdated but remains relevant in the budget device niche. If you do not need 5G, 4K recording, or the latest games, this chip can help save money without sacrificing too much comfort.