Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
Qualcomm Snapdragon 670: A Balance of Performance and Energy Efficiency in the Budget Segment
(April 2025)
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 is a mobile processor that continues the tradition of the 600 series, offering an optimal blend of performance and battery life. Despite the dominance of chips supporting 5G and neural accelerators in the market, the Snapdragon 670 remains a relevant solution for budget smartphones, where key factors are cost and stability. In this article, we will explore what makes this SoC (System-on-Chip) notable, who it is suitable for, and which devices based on it are worth considering in 2025.
1. Architecture and Fabrication Process: The Foundation of Stability
CPU: 8 Cores Focused on Energy Efficiency
The Snapdragon 670 is built on a hybrid Kryo 360 architecture, consisting of two clusters:
- 2 high-performance Cortex-A75 cores with a frequency of up to 2 GHz for demanding tasks (gaming, video rendering).
- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz, responsible for background processes and basic applications.
This approach ensures a balance between speed and battery life, as the system dynamically distributes the load, minimizing energy consumption.
GPU: Adreno 615 — Graphics for Everyday Needs
The Adreno 615 graphics accelerator supports resolutions up to Full HD+ (2520x1080 pixels) and technologies such as OpenGL ES 3.2 and Vulkan 1.1. It handles casual games (e.g., Among Us, Candy Crush) at medium settings, but for AAA titles like Genshin Impact, you will need to reduce the graphics quality to a minimum.
Fabrication Process: 10 nm — Reliability Without Innovations
The 10-nanometer fabrication process from Samsung (LPP) provides moderate heat generation (TDP 9 W) and compatibility with compact cooling systems. However, by 2025, this is already considered an outdated standard — competitors have moved to 7 nm and 6 nm processes, improving energy efficiency by 15–20%.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming: Moderate Capabilities
- Geekbench 6: 384 (Single-Core), 1250 (Multi-Core).
- AnTuTu 10: ~255,576 points.
These results allow for comfortable operation with multimedia applications and undemanding games. For example:
- PUBG Mobile: medium settings, 30 FPS.
- Call of Duty: Mobile: low settings, stable 40 FPS.
Multimedia: Full HD+ and HDR Support
The chip supports video decoding at 4K@30 FPS (encoding — up to 1080p@60 FPS) and formats HDR10 and HLG. This makes it suitable for streaming Netflix or YouTube in high quality.
AI Applications: Limited Specialization
The Snapdragon 670 lacks a dedicated neural processor (NPU) but uses its CPU and GPU cores for basic AI tasks:
- Photo enhancement (noise reduction, auto-HDR).
- Real-time face recognition.
For more complex tasks (e.g., video processing with AI filters), the performance may not suffice.
Power Consumption and Heating
With a TDP of 9 W and a 10 nm fabrication process, smartphones using the Snapdragon 670 demonstrate:
- Up to 8–10 hours of screen time (with a 4500 mAh battery).
- Minimal heating even under prolonged load.
3. Integrated Modules: Connectivity Without Frills
- Modem: Snapdragon X12 LTE (4G Cat.12) with speeds up to 600 Mbps (download) and 150 Mbps (upload). Lacks 5G support.
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with 2.4/5 GHz range.
- Bluetooth: version 5.1 with aptX HD support for high-quality audio.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo.
Important: In 2025, the lack of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 may be a drawback for users in regions with advanced infrastructure for new standards.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm):
- More modern fabrication process (6 nm).
- Improved GPU Adreno 610 (10% more performant).
- Higher energy efficiency.
MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm):
- Similar gaming performance.
- Outdated fabrication process, higher heating.
Samsung Exynos 850 (8 nm):
- Better optimization for budget devices.
- Weaker multitasking performance (8 Cortex-A55 cores).
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 670 is less efficient than newer chips but excels against many competitors due to stability and optimization.
5. Use Case Scenarios
Gaming:
Suitable for casual games and projects with low requirements. For hardcore gamers, it’s better to opt for devices with Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000.
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, messaging apps, web surfing.
- Simultaneous operation of 5–7 applications.
Photography and Videography:
- Supports cameras up to 25 MP (single) or 16 MP + 16 MP (dual).
- Records video at 4K with EIS (electronic image stabilization).
- Modes: Portrait, Night Mode.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Stable operation without overheating.
- Support for modern communication standards (excluding 5G).
Cons:
- Outdated 10 nm fabrication process.
- Lack of NPU for AI tasks.
- Limited graphics capabilities.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
What to Pay Attention To:
- RAM: at least 4 GB (6 GB recommended).
- Battery: from 4000 mAh.
- Display: AMOLED or IPS with a 90 Hz refresh rate (for smooth interface).
Popular Devices in 2025:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12E: 6/128 GB, 48 MP camera, price $220–250.
- Realme 10: 6/128 GB, AMOLED display, $240–270.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Snapdragon 670 For?
This processor is an ideal choice for:
- Budget users who prioritize battery life.
- Students and teenagers using their smartphones for studies and entertainment.
- Older adults who value simplicity and reliability.
Key Benefits:
- Affordable device prices ($200–300).
- Smooth operation in everyday scenarios.
- Long-lasting battery life on a single charge.
The Snapdragon 670 is not a revolutionary chip but a tried-and-true option that remains relevant in the budget gadget niche. If you don’t need cutting-edge features like 8K video or gaming at 120 FPS, this processor will be a reliable companion for the next 2–3 years.