Qualcomm Snapdragon 652
Qualcomm Snapdragon 652: Moderate Power for Basic Tasks in 2025
Analysis of capabilities, use cases, and relevance of the processor in modern realities
Introduction
Despite the rapid advancement of mobile technologies, processors from past years, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 652, continue to stay relevant—primarily in budget and mid-range devices. Released in 2016, this chip appears outdated in 2025, but it can still be found in smartphones priced between $150 and $250. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Is it suitable for modern tasks? Let's take a closer look.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Moderate Power on Old Rails
The Snapdragon 652 (codename MSM8976) is built on a 28-nanometer process, which was not considered cutting-edge even at the time of its launch. In comparison, modern processors in 2025, like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or MediaTek Dimensity 9400, utilize a 3-nanometer technology.
CPU:
- 8 cores with a heterogeneous big.LITTLE architecture:
- 4 high-performance Cortex-A72 cores at 1.8 GHz.
- 4 power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores (1.4 GHz).
- L2 Cache: 256 KB per cluster (total 512 KB).
GPU:
- Adreno 510—graphics level of 2016, supporting Vulkan 1.0 and OpenGL ES 3.1 APIs.
Features:
- Lack of support for neural accelerators (NPU), which is critical for AI tasks.
- Limited energy efficiency due to the 28 nm node: with a TDP of 7W, the chip tends to heat up under load.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks: What Can the Snapdragon 652 Do in 2025?
Gaming:
The Adreno 510 can only handle simple 2D games (e.g., Candy Crush) and undemanding 3D projects on low settings:
- PUBG Mobile: 20–25 FPS at minimum graphics.
- Genshin Impact: Possible to run, but with frequent drops down to 15 FPS.
- Modern projects with ray tracing or advanced shading are not supported.
Multimedia:
- Video playback at 4K@30fps (decoding via DSP Hexagon 546).
- Video recording: maximum 4K@30fps for the main camera, but stabilization is weak.
AI Applications:
Without an NPU, tasks like face recognition or photo processing through neural networks are executed slowly. For example, applying a filter in the Adobe Lightroom Mobile app takes 3–5 seconds (compared to 0.5 seconds on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
Power Consumption and Heating:
Even with a TDP of 7W, the processor noticeably heats up during gaming or extended video recording. Smartphones on the SD 652 often feature passive cooling (copper pipes), but this is usually absent in budget models—throttling begins after 10–15 minutes of load.
3. Built-in Modules: Outdated Connectivity for the 5G Era
- Modem: X8 LTE supporting Cat.7 (maximum download speed—300 Mbps, upload—100 Mbps). No 5G support.
- Wi-Fi: Only 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), with no support for Wi-Fi 6/6E.
- Bluetooth: Version 4.1—low data transfer speeds, no compatibility with LE Audio.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou. Support for Galileo and QZSS is absent.
Conclusion: For 2025, the connectivity on the SD 652 appears outdated. 5G coverage has become standard even in budget networks, and Wi-Fi 6 is critical for stable streaming.
4. Comparison with Competitors: Who was Stronger?
Direct Competitors from 2016–2017:
- MediaTek Helio P20 (16 nm, 8x Cortex-A53): Lags in multithreading (Geekbench 6 Multi: ~500), but is more energy-efficient.
- HiSilicon Kirin 650 (16 nm, 8 cores): Better optimized for camera performance, but similar in CPU capabilities.
Modern Analogues in 2025:
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 (4 nm, 8 cores): 2.5 times higher performance in Geekbench 6 (Single: 500+, Multi: 1800+), with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6.
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm): NPU for AI tasks, 90 FPS in mobile games.
Conclusion: The SD 652 in 2025 lags even behind budget chips, but it is cheaper to manufacture.
5. Use Cases: Where is the Processor Still Relevant?
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, messaging apps, and web browsing operate smoothly if the device has at least 4 GB of RAM.
- Multitasking: Running 3–4 apps simultaneously is possible, but background processes may be restarted.
Photos and Videos:
- Cameras up to 21 MP (supporting Dual ISP)—suitable for basic photography.
- Night shots without AI noise reduction look grainy.
Gaming: Only for casual games.
Target Audience:
- Users seeking a cheap smartphone for calls, messaging, and occasional app use.
- Backup or children’s devices.
6. Pros and Cons: Why is it Chosen?
Advantages:
- Low cost of devices ($150–250).
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Support for 4K video.
Disadvantages:
- No 5G and modern connectivity standards.
- Weak GPU and CPU for 2025.
- High power consumption and heating.
7. Tips for Choosing a Smartphone with SD 652
1. RAM and Storage: Minimum 4/64 GB.
2. Cooling: Look for models with copper pipes or graphite coatings.
3. Battery: At least 4500 mAh—to compensate for low energy efficiency.
4. Updates: Devices running Android 13/14 with a promise of updates to Android 15.
Example Models for 2025:
- Xiaomi Redmi A4 ($169): 6.5" HD+, 5000 mAh.
- Realme C55 Pro ($199): 90 Hz screen, 8/128 GB.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Snapdragon 652 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are looking for the most affordable smartphone.
- Do not plan to run demanding applications or games.
- Are ready to deal with heating and short support from manufacturers.
Main Benefit: Cost savings. For $150–250, you get a device capable of performing basic functions. However, if the budget allows adding $50–100, it is better to choose a smartphone with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 or Dimensity 6100+—these are guaranteed to last longer and not disappoint in the future.
In 2025, the Snapdragon 652 is an example of a processor that has retained relevance only in narrow niches. It serves as a reminder that technology does not stand still, and even modest chips from the past can find their place in an era dominated by AI and 5G.