Qualcomm Snapdragon 690
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690: Balancing Affordability and Modern Technologies in 2025
(As of April 2025)
Introduction
In the world of mobile processors, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 continues to be a popular choice for budget and mid-range smartphones, despite the emergence of newer chips. This SoC (System-on-Chip) combines 5G support, energy efficiency, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks. In this article, we will explore what makes the Snapdragon 690 noteworthy in 2025, how it handles modern applications, and who it is suited for.
1. Architecture and Manufacturing Process: The Foundation of Stability
8-Core Configuration:
The Snapdragon 690 is built on a hybrid architecture with two clusters of cores:
- 2 high-performance Kryo 560 cores (based on Cortex-A77) at a frequency of 2.0 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 6 power-efficient Kryo 560 cores (Cortex-A55) at a frequency of 1.7 GHz for background processes.
GPU Adreno 619:
The graphics accelerator supports gaming at medium settings and handles interfaces at resolutions up to Full HD+. In 2025, it no longer manages top-tier titles like Genshin Impact at high settings but is sufficient for PUBG Mobile or COD Mobile at medium configurations.
8nm Manufacturing Process:
While not the most advanced technology (dominating in 2025 are 4-5nm processes), it maintains a balance between performance and heat generation. The chip's TDP is 6W, allowing smartphones to rely on passive cooling.
2. Performance in Real Tasks: Where It Excels and Where It Doesn’t
Gaming:
- Adreno 619 handles games like Asphalt 9, Roblox, and MLBB at high settings (60 FPS).
- In demanding projects (Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact), frame rates drop to 30-40 FPS at medium graphical presets.
- Support for Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 improves optimization for mobile games.
Multimedia:
- The chip decodes video at 4K@60fps (H.265/HEVC) and supports HDR10.
- The audio co-processor Qualcomm Aqstic provides clear sound through headphones or speakers.
AI Applications:
- The Hexagon 686 — 6th generation AI module — accelerates photo processing (e.g., "Night mode" scenarios), voice recognition (Google Assistant, Bixby), and AR filters. However, for complex tasks (like image generation via Stable Diffusion), its power is insufficient.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- Thanks to the 8nm manufacturing process and optimizations in Android 14/15, smartphones running Snapdragon 690 showcase 1-1.5 days of battery life with moderate use.
- Heating rarely exceeds 40°C, even during gaming, making it comfortable for long sessions.
3. Built-in Modules: Communication at Its Best
5G Modem Snapdragon X51:
- Support for Sub-6 GHz 5G networks (speeds up to 2.5 Gbps) and frequency aggregation.
- 4G LTE Cat.24 (up to 1.2 Gbps) — relevant for regions without 5G coverage.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, offering stable connections in congested networks.
- Bluetooth 5.2 with support for aptX Adaptive for high-quality sound in wireless headphones.
Navigation:
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou — positioning accuracy up to 1 meter.
4. Comparison with Competitors: Who Are the Leaders?
MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6nm):
- Similar CPU performance (Geekbench 6: ~800/2000) but a more powerful Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
- Better suited for gaming, but with less optimization for certain applications.
Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm):
- More modern manufacturing process with higher energy efficiency.
- AnTuTu 10 — ~420,000, which is 15% better than the Snapdragon 690.
Unisoc Tiger T770 (6nm):
- Cheaper, but weaker in gaming (Mali-G57 MP4) and lacks 5G.
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 690 falls behind newer chips from 2024-2025, but wins out in terms of stability and affordability.
5. Use Cases: Who Is It Suitable For?
Gaming:
- Casual games and esports titles — yes. Heavy gaming — no.
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, messaging, streaming — no problems. Multitasking (3-5 apps in the background) — comfortable with 6-8 GB of RAM.
Photo and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 192 MP and recording at 4K@30fps.
- AI enhancements for images (noise reduction, autofocus) — quality comparable to smartphones priced at $300-$400.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 5G support in the budget segment.
- Good battery life.
- Stable performance with Android 14/15.
Cons:
- Outdated 8nm manufacturing process.
- Weak GPU for modern games.
- No support for Wi-Fi 6E.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
- RAM: Minimum 6 GB (preferably 8 GB) for multitasking.
- Cooling: Even a passive radiator is sufficient, but a metal body improves heat dissipation.
- Screen: IPS or AMOLED with a refresh rate of 90-120 Hz — the processor can handle a smooth interface.
- Price: Devices with Snapdragon 690 in 2025 range from $200-300 (e.g., Xiaomi Redmi Note 13E, Nokia G42 5G).
8. Final Conclusion: Who Should Choose It?
The Snapdragon 690 is a good option for:
- Budget users who value 5G support.
- Students and teenagers — sufficient for studying, social networks, and light gaming.
- Older adults — stable performance and long battery life.
Key Benefits:
- Affordability.
- Energy efficiency.
- Modern communication standards.
Conclusion
Despite its age, the Snapdragon 690 remains relevant in 2025 for those seeking a "no-frills, but 5G" smartphone. It confirms that even budget devices can offer technologies that were once the domain of flagships.