Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662: The Optimal Choice for Budget Smartphones in 2025
Overview of the Processor's Capabilities, Advantages, and Limitations
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: A Balance Between Efficiency and Cost
Launched by Qualcomm in 2020, the Snapdragon 662 continues to be a popular solution for budget and mid-range smartphones due to its balanced architecture. The processor is built on an 11-nanometer manufacturing process, which, in 2025, appears modest compared to more advanced 6-7 nm chips. However, this technology helps to lower production costs, which is critical for devices priced under $250.
CPU and Cores:
- 8-core Kryo 260 Configuration: 4 high-performance Cortex-A73 cores clocked at up to 2 GHz and 4 power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz.
- Features: The big.LITTLE architecture distributes tasks between clusters, saving battery life when running background applications.
GPU:
- Adreno 610 — an entry-level graphics accelerator. Supports resolutions up to Full HD+ (2520×1080) and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Optimized for Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2, allowing mobile games to run at low to medium settings.
Frequencies and TDP:
- CPU maximum frequency is 2 GHz, TDP is 4 W. This ensures moderate heating and extended battery life even under heavy usage.
Real-World Performance: What Can Snapdragon 662 Do?
Gaming:
- Casual Gaming: Titles like Among Us, Candy Crush, and Subway Surfers run smoothly.
- Medium Loads: PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile can be played on low settings (30-40 FPS). In graphically demanding games (e.g., Genshin Impact), frame drops to 20-25 FPS may occur.
- Important Note: For comfortable gaming, a smartphone with at least 4 GB of RAM is recommended.
Multimedia:
- Supports video formats H.264, H.265 (HEVC) and displays with Full HD+ resolution.
- Hardware acceleration for decoding 1080p video allows for seamless streaming and movie watching.
AI Applications:
- Hexagon DSP: Handles basic AI tasks: scene recognition in the camera, background blur in portrait mode, charge optimization.
- Limitations: Neural network models for photo processing (e.g., Super Resolution) operate slower than on Snapdragon 7 series.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- Thanks to the 11 nm process and 4 W TDP, the processor rarely overheats even under prolonged load.
- Paired with a 5000 mAh battery, the smartphone can easily last 1.5-2 days during moderate use.
Integrated Modules: Connectivity and Wireless Technologies
- Modem: Snapdragon X11 LTE (up to 390 Mbps download). 5G is absent — a key disadvantage in 2025, as even budget devices start transitioning to new standards.
- Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) but lacks Wi-Fi 6. Speed up to 433 Mbps (2.4/5 GHz).
- Bluetooth 5.1: Stable connection to headphones and smartwatches.
- GPS: Supports GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS for accurate navigation.
Comparing with Competitors: Where Snapdragon 662 Wins and Loses
1. MediaTek Helio G85 (2020):
- Advantages of MediaTek: Better graphics (Mali-G52 MC2) and support for gaming technologies like HyperEngine.
- Disadvantages: Higher power consumption (12 nm), poorer software optimization.
2. Unisoc Tiger T610 (2021):
- Advantages of Unisoc: Cheaper to produce, supports cameras up to 48 MP.
- Disadvantages: Weaker GPU (Mali-G52), app compatibility issues.
3. Snapdragon 680 (2021):
- Advantages: 6 nm manufacturing process, improved AI accelerator.
- Disadvantages: 10-15% more expensive, with similar gaming performance.
Conclusion: Snapdragon 662 is optimal for devices under $200, where stability and long-term support from Qualcomm are important.
Use Cases: Who is This Processor Suitable For?
1. Everyday Tasks: Social networks, messengers, web surfing — all run smoothly.
2. Photo and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 48 MP and triple modules.
- 1080p recording at 60 FPS with EIS (electronic image stabilization).
- Night mode requires software optimization — results depend on the smartphone manufacturer.
3. Gaming: Suitable only for casual users.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Snapdragon 662
Advantages:
- Low device costs ($150–250).
- Good energy efficiency.
- Support for modern codecs and cameras.
Disadvantages:
- Outdated 11 nm manufacturing process.
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- Limited gaming performance.
Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 662?
1. RAM: At least 4 GB for multitasking.
2. Battery: Look for models with at least 5000 mAh.
3. Display: IPS or AMOLED with 60 Hz refresh rate — higher is not necessary due to GPU limitations.
4. Camera: Best results from brands with good software optimization (e.g., Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or Realme Narzo 30A).
Examples of 2025 Devices:
- Xiaomi Redmi 12C ($160): 6.7" IPS, 5000 mAh, 50 MP camera.
- Realme C55 ($180): Super AMOLED, 33 W charging, 64 MP sensor.
Final Conclusion: Who is Snapdragon 662 Designed For?
This processor is a good choice for:
- Budget users who value autonomy and stability.
- Students and teenagers using smartphones for studying and light gaming.
- Older adults appreciating simplicity and long-lasting performance.
Main Benefits: Low price, energy efficiency, and sufficient performance for basic tasks. However, if you plan to use the smartphone for 3–4 years, it's better to consider models with 5G and more updated chips (e.g., Snapdragon 4 Gen 2).
This article is current as of April 2025. Prices are indicated for new devices in US dollars.