Qualcomm Snapdragon 678
Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 in 2025: Is it Worth Noting a Timeless Processor?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 is a mobile platform that first entered the market in late 2020, and even five years later, it remains relevant in the budget segment. Despite the emergence of more modern chips, this SoC (system on chip) is still found in new smartphones priced under $250. In this article, we'll explore who the Snapdragon 678 is suitable for in 2025, what advantages and limitations it has, and what to consider when choosing a device based on it.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Balancing Between Past and Present
The Snapdragon 678 is built on an 11-nanometer process technology, which by 2025 is considered outdated. In comparison, modern flagship devices use 4nm or even 3nm processes, providing better energy efficiency. However, the 11nm process still allows for the creation of affordable devices with respectable battery life.
CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- 8 Kryo 460 cores with a hybrid architecture:
- 2 high-performance Cortex-A76 cores with a clock speed of up to 2.2 GHz;
- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores with a clock speed of up to 1.7 GHz.
- L2 Cache: 256 KB (for comparison: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 has 1 MB of L3 cache).
This configuration is optimized for everyday tasks: the A76 cores handle loads in applications, while the A55 cores save battery charge in standby mode.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):
- Adreno 612 — an integrated solution supporting Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL ES 3.2, and DirectX 12.
- Maximum display resolution: 2520×1080 pixels (FullHD+).
Adreno 612 is not designed for heavy gaming in 2025 but is suitable for casual games and streaming.
2. Real-World Performance: What Can Snapdragon 678 Do?
Gaming:
- Geekbench 6 Single Core: 685; Multi Core: 1568.
- In games like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, you'll need to lower the graphics settings to minimum (20-25 FPS). On the other hand, less demanding games like Brawl Stars, Mobile Legends, and Roblox can run on medium settings with smooth FPS (40-60).
- Important: Extended gaming sessions may cause overheating, as the chip lacks advanced cooling systems.
Multimedia:
- Support for 4K@30 FPS video (recording and playback).
- Hardware decoding of H.265 (HEVC) to save battery when watching streams.
- Audio: Qualcomm Aqstic with support for Hi-Res Audio 24 bit/192 kHz.
Artificial Intelligence:
- Hexagon 685 DSP — a module for accelerating AI tasks.
- Real-world scenarios: photo quality enhancement (noise reduction, auto-HDR), optimizing battery life through application usage analysis.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- TDP (Thermal Design Power) — 6 W. For comparison: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 — 4.5 W.
- In smartphones with a 5000 mAh battery, it provides 1.5–2 days of usage with moderate usage (social media, messengers, 2–3 hours of screen time a day).
- Heating rarely exceeds 42–45°C even under load.
3. Built-In Modules: Connectivity and Wireless Technologies
- Modem: Snapdragon X12 LTE (4G) with a maximum speed of up to 600 Mbps (download) and 150 Mbps (upload). 5G is absent.
- Wi-Fi: Support for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with MU-MIMO. Speed — up to 867 Mbps.
- Bluetooth: 5.1 with aptX HD for high-quality audio in wireless headphones.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS. Positioning accuracy — up to 3 meters.
Cons:
- The lack of Wi-Fi 6 and 5G makes the chip less future-proof.
- In regions with advanced 5G infrastructure (USA, South Korea), this could be a problem.
4. Comparison with Competitors: What is the Position of Snapdragon 678?
Against Previous Generations of Qualcomm:
- Snapdragon 675 (2019): +15% in CPU performance thanks to A76 cores.
- Snapdragon 680 (2021): 6nm process, but similar performance.
Against Competitors in 2025:
- MediaTek Helio G85 (2020): Lags in multitasking (AnTuTu 10: ~220,000), but better optimized for gaming.
- Unisoc Tiger T610 (2021): Cheaper, but less stable performance.
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (2023): 6nm process, support for 5G, but device prices start at $200.
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 678 remains a choice for those looking for a smartphone under $200 without 5G but with reliable performance.
5. Use Cases: Who Is This Chip Designed For?
Gaming:
- Suitable for casual gamers. Examples of devices: Realme 8, Redmi Note 10.
- Recommended RAM size: 6 GB to minimize lag.
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, browsing, video streaming — the chip handles these without delays.
- Multitasking: comfortable operation with 5–7 applications running in the background.
Photo and Video Recording:
- Maximum camera support: up to 48 MP (one sensor) or 16+16 MP (dual camera).
- AI enhancements: automatic white balance adjustment, scene recognition.
- Example: smartphones with Snapdragon 678 take acceptable photos in daylight, but nighttime photography requires stabilization and software enhancements.
6. Pros and Cons of Snapdragon 678
Pros:
- Good energy efficiency for an 11nm chip.
- Support for 4K video and fast charging (up to 30W).
- Stable performance in basic scenarios.
Cons:
- No 5G or Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited performance in heavy games.
- Outdated process technology by 2025 standards.
7. Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Snapdragon 678?
1. RAM Size: At least 4 GB, optimally 6 GB.
2. Cooling: Devices with copper pipes or graphite coatings (for example, Poco M3 Pro) tend to heat less.
3. Battery: Look for models with a minimum of 5000 mAh to compensate for less modern energy efficiency.
4. Display: AMOLED preferred for lower energy consumption.
5. Price: In 2025, smartphones with Snapdragon 678 cost $130-$200. Examples: Redmi Note 10 (2025 re-edition) — $169, Realme 8i — $149.
Typical Devices: Budget smartphones from Xiaomi, Realme, Motorola.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is Snapdragon 678 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are looking for an inexpensive smartphone (under $200) for social media, calls, and light gaming.
- Are not willing to pay extra for 5G, which isn’t universally accessible yet.
- Value stability and a proven platform.
Key Benefits:
- Affordable device prices.
- Optimal ratio of performance to battery life.
- Support for modern communication standards (except for 5G).
If you are not a demanding user and want a smartphone "for a couple of years," Snapdragon 678 remains a decent option even in 2025. However, for more advanced tasks (4K streaming, mobile VR), it’s worth considering devices featuring Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or Snapdragon 7s.