Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695: A Bridge Between Affordability and Performance
An In-Depth Analysis of the Mobile Processor for Mid-Budget Devices
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 is a system-on-chip (SoC) designed for mid-range smartphones. It combines support for 5G, energy efficiency, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks. In this article, we will explore what makes this processor stand out, who it is suitable for, and what aspects to consider when choosing a device based on it.
Architecture and Process Technology: 6 nm for Balance
The Snapdragon 695 is built on a 6-nanometer process technology, providing an optimal balance between performance and power consumption. This allows for more transistors to be packed onto the chip, reducing thermal output (TDP - 4W) and increasing efficiency.
CPU:
- 8 Cores in a hybrid architecture:
- 2 high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz for background processes.
This approach ensures smooth multitasking and battery conservation.
GPU:
The Adreno 619 graphics processor supports Vulkan 1.1, OpenCL 2.0, and DirectX 12 APIs. It is optimized for gaming up to Full HD+ (1080p) resolution and handles HDR content. For comparison, the Snapdragon 690 utilized the Adreno 619L, a version with slightly lower clock speeds.
Memory and Storage:
- Supports LPDDR4X RAM up to 2133 MHz.
- UFS 2.2 for fast app loading.
Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming:
The Adreno 619 handles most popular games at medium settings. For example:
- Genshin Impact — 30–40 FPS on medium settings (720p).
- PUBG Mobile — stable 40 FPS in HD mode.
For more demanding titles (e.g., Honkai: Star Rail), lowering the detail settings may be necessary. However, casual games (Candy Crush, Among Us) run smoothly without issues.
Multimedia:
- Support for displays with a refresh rate of 120 Hz (Full HD+).
- 4K HDR video playback (decoding).
- Hardware acceleration for H.265 and VP9 codecs.
Artificial Intelligence:
The Hexagon 686 DSP accelerates AI tasks:
- Photo processing (noise reduction, automatic white balance adjustment).
- Voice recognition (Google Assistant, voice dictation).
- Power consumption optimization based on usage patterns.
Power Consumption and Heat:
Thanks to the 6 nm process technology and task allocation among cores, the chip rarely overheats even under prolonged load. In smartphones with passive cooling (e.g., Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G), temperatures remain within 40–42°C during gaming.
Integrated Modules: The Connectivity of the Future
Modem:
- Snapdragon X51 5G provides speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps (dependent on the operator).
- Support for all key 5G bands (Sub-6 GHz), but lacking mmWave.
- Compatibility with 4G LTE Cat 24 (speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps).
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with Dual Band (2.4/5 GHz).
- Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD support for high-quality audio.
- Lack of Wi-Fi 6 is a downside for those using next-gen routers.
Navigation:
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
- No support for satellite communications for emergencies (as seen in Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
Comparison with Competitors
Snapdragon 690 vs 695:
- The 695 is 15% faster in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6: 916 vs 780).
- Adreno 619 vs 619L: GPU performance increase of 10–20%.
- Both chips have similar X51 modems.
MediaTek Dimensity 900:
- Similar CPU performance (2x A78 + 6x A55), but higher GPU clock speed (Mali-G68 MC4).
- AnTuTu 10 score around 480,000 points.
- Better camera support (up to 108 MP vs. 64 MP for SD 695).
Samsung Exynos 1280:
- Weaker in gaming performance (Mali-G68 MP2).
- Higher power consumption (8 nm process technology).
Conclusion: The Snapdragon 695 is optimal for those who value stability and 5G, but the Dimensity 900 offers slightly more power at the same price.
Use Case Scenarios
Gaming:
Suitable for casual gamers. For AAA titles, it’s better to look at Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9200.
Everyday Tasks:
- Smooth operation with social media, browsing, and office applications.
- Simultaneous launching of 5–7 applications without lag.
Photography and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 64 MP (single camera) or 16 MP + 16 MP (dual camera).
- Video recording at 1080p@120 FPS or 4K@30 FPS.
- AI enhancements: autofocus, stabilization, scene recognition.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Energy efficiency (6 nm + TDP 4 W).
- 5G support.
- Good balance of price and performance.
- Modern codecs for multimedia.
Disadvantages:
- Limitations in gaming (Adreno 619 is weaker than Mali-G68).
- Lack of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Maximum screen refresh rate of 120 Hz (competitors offer 144 Hz).
Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
1. Cooling: Look for models with copper pipes or graphene coating.
2. RAM: A minimum of 6 GB for comfortable operation.
3. Display: Full HD+ with a refresh rate of 90–120 Hz to unlock the processor's potential.
4. Battery: 5000 mAh to handle any workload.
5. Camera: Don’t expect miracles from AI processing — shoot during daylight.
Popular Devices:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G.
- Realme 9 Pro+.
- Nokia X30.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Snapdragon 695 Suitable For?
This processor is ideal for users who:
- Want to switch to 5G without overspending.
- Play moderately demanding mobile games.
- Value battery life (6–8 hours of screen time).
- Are not ready to pay for “premium” features like 8K video or eye tracking.
The Snapdragon 695 is a reliable choice for those seeking a smartphone under $300 with modern technologies and no compromises in basic scenarios. It may not set records, but it won't let you down during critical moments.