Qualcomm Snapdragon 712
Qualcomm Snapdragon 712: Balance of Performance and Affordability in 2025
(As of April 2025)
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 is a mobile processor that has become a classic in the budget and mid-range smartphone segment since its release several years ago. Despite its age, it remains relevant due to its optimized architecture and energy efficiency. In this article, we will explore what makes this SoC noteworthy, how it handles modern tasks, and who it suits in 2025.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: The Foundation of Stability
The Snapdragon 712 is built on a 10nm process technology—by 2025 standards, this is no longer cutting-edge (5-7 nm are currently dominant), but it provides an acceptable balance between performance and heat generation.
CPU:
- 8 Kryo 360 cores, divided into two clusters:
- 2 Cortex-A75 cores with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 6 Cortex-A55 cores with a frequency of up to 1.7 GHz for background processes.
- L2 Cache—384 KB, which accelerates the processing of frequently used data.
GPU:
- Adreno 616 with support for Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs. Peak frequency—750 MHz.
Features:
- Support for displays with resolutions up to QHD+ (3360×1440) and HDR10.
- Quick Charge 4+ technology for fast charging.
What Does This Mean?
The processor is aimed at smooth operation in everyday scenarios, but its 10nm architecture may limit peak performance under prolonged loads due to heat.
2. Real-World Performance
Gaming:
The Adreno 616 handles mobile games at medium settings. For example:
- Genshin Impact—30-40 FPS at 720p resolution.
- PUBG Mobile—stable 40 FPS in HD mode.
Important: prolonged usage over 30 minutes may result in throttling due to heat.
Multimedia:
- 4K streaming video (with HDR support) plays smoothly.
- The Aqstic audio chip delivers clear sound through headphones.
AI Applications:
- AI processing is handled by the Hexagon 685 DSP. This allows for basic functionalities:
- Photo enhancement (e.g., automatic retouching in Google Photos).
- Real-time face and object recognition.
However, it lacks the power for complex tasks (neural translation, AR navigation).
Power Consumption:
- TDP 5W—smartphones with batteries of 4000-5000 mAh provide 6-8 hours of screen time.
- In power-saving mode, the processor disables the "large" cores to extend battery life.
3. Integrated Modules: Connectivity and Communication
Modem:
- The Snapdragon X15 LTE supports speeds of up to 800 Mbps (4G Cat.15).
- No 5G support—this is the main limitation in 2025 when fifth-generation networks have become standard.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – speeds up to 1.2 Gbps, stable connections in crowded areas.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support for Hi-Fi audio.
Navigation:
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou—location accuracy within 3 meters.
Conclusion:
The Snapdragon 712 is suitable for regions where 4G coverage is still predominant, but in countries with developed 5G infrastructure, it feels outdated.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Previous Generations:
- Snapdragon 710: About 10% weaker in AnTuTu tests (around 290,000 points), slower GPU.
- Snapdragon 720G: More modern 8nm process technology, higher GPU frequency (750 vs 600 MHz), but more expensive.
2025 Competitors:
- MediaTek Dimensity 700: 7nm process technology, supports 5G, but weaker GPU (Mali-G57 MC2). Device prices starting from $250.
- Unisoc Tiger T616: Cheaper but 20% lower performance.
Key Advantage of Snapdragon 712: Software optimization. Many applications (especially games) are better adapted to Adreno than to Mali or PowerVR.
5. Usage Scenarios
Gaming:
Suitable for casual games (Angry Birds, Clash of Clans) and medium settings in AAA titles. A stable Wi-Fi connection is required for streaming via Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now.
Everyday Tasks:
- Smooth operation with social media, messaging apps, and browsers.
- Running 2-3 apps in the background without noticeable slowdowns.
Photo and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 32 MP (or 20 MP with dual ISP).
- 4K video recording at 30 fps with EIS (electronic image stabilization).
- AI scenarios: automatic white balance adjustment, scene recognition.
Limitations:
8K or HDR10+ video recording is not supported.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good energy efficiency.
- Stable performance in basic scenarios.
- Fast charging support.
Cons:
- No 5G support.
- Outdated 10nm process technology.
- Limited GPU performance for modern games.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
What to Look For:
1. Cooling System. Preferably with a copper pipe or graphene layer.
2. RAM. Minimum 6GB for comfortable multitasking.
3. Battery. At least 4500 mAh to compensate for heating.
4. Current OS. Devices with Android 14/15 and promises of updates until 2026.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Lite ($220): 6.5" AMOLED, 6/128GB, 64MP camera.
- Realme 10 Pro ($250): 90Hz display, 5000mAh battery, 8GB RAM.
Prices:
Smartphones based on the Snapdragon 712 currently fall into the budget segment ($200-300).
8. Final Conclusion: Who is Snapdragon 712 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are not willing to pay extra for 5G. If you live in an area with an underdeveloped 5G infrastructure, its LTE modem is sufficient.
- Value battery life. The 10nm process and 5W TDP ensure long battery operation.
- Use their smartphone for basic tasks. Social media, video, casual gaming—Snapdragon 712 will not disappoint here.
Main Benefits:
- Low-priced devices.
- Proven reliability and optimization.
- Sufficient performance for everyday use.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 712 in 2025 is an example of a "workhorse" that handles basic tasks but requires compromises in advanced scenarios. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone for work, studies, or entertainment without excesses, this processor is a good choice. However, for gamers or enthusiasts of experimental technologies (AR, 8K video), more modern SoCs should be considered.