Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G: A Balance of Power and Efficiency in Mid-Range Smartphones
Relevance as of April 2025
Since its release in 2021, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G has remained a popular choice for smartphones in the price range of $300–$500. Despite the introduction of new chips, this SoC (System-on-Chip) continues to provide stable performance and energy efficiency. In this article, we will explore what makes the Snapdragon 780G noteworthy, who it suits, and which devices to consider in 2025.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: 5nm and Hybrid Cores
The Snapdragon 780G is built on Samsung's 5nm process technology (5LPE), ensuring a high transistor density and optimized power consumption. Its architecture includes:
- 8-core CPU with a hybrid structure:
- 1 high-performance Cortex-A78 core clocked at 2.4 GHz;
- 3 Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz;
- 4 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.9 GHz.
This approach balances power and battery life: demanding tasks (gaming, rendering) are handled by the "big" cores, while background processes are managed by the "small" ones.
Adreno 642 GPU is a key component for gaming. It supports the Vulkan 1.1 API, OpenGL ES 3.2, and HDR10+, providing smooth gameplay at resolutions up to Full HD+ (1080p).
Cache Memory:
- L2 Cache - 2 MB (shared for the performance core cluster);
- L3 Cache - 3 MB.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming
The Adreno 642 handles most games from 2023–2024 at medium settings:
- Genshin Impact: 40–45 FPS at Medium graphics;
- Call of Duty: Mobile: 60 FPS at HD+ with high textures;
- Apex Legends Mobile: 50–55 FPS in Balanced mode.
However, by 2025, some new titles like Honkai: Star Rail or Asphalt 10 may require settings to be lowered to Low for stable 60 FPS.
Multimedia and AI
- Video: Supports 4K HDR10+ encoding/decoding (30 FPS);
- Photography: AI algorithms enhance detail retention, noise reduction, and scene recognition;
- Audio: Snapdragon Sound technology ensures low latency when using wireless headphones.
Power Consumption and Heating
With a TDP of 5W and a 5nm architecture, the chip rarely overheats even under prolonged load. In devices with passive cooling (for example, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE), the body temperature does not exceed 40–42°C. Battery life depends on the battery size:
- Smartphones with a 4500 mAh battery deliver 6–7 hours of screen time;
- With active 5G usage, the runtime drops to 4–5 hours.
3. Built-in Modules: The Future of Connectivity
- Snapdragon X53 Modem: Supports 5G Sub-6 GHz (speeds up to 3.3 Gbps) and frequency aggregation.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Operates in the 6 GHz band for minimal interference and speeds up to 3.6 Gbps.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Connects up to 7 devices simultaneously, improved energy savings.
- Navigation: GPS (L1/L5), GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou with Dual-Frequency support for accuracy within 1 meter.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Snapdragon 768G (Previous Generation)
- CPU gain: +12% (Geekbench 6 Multi Core: 2743 vs. 2450);
- GPU: Adreno 642 is 25% faster than Adreno 620;
- Energy efficiency: 5nm vs. 7nm (15% less consumption).
MediaTek Dimensity 1100
- Advantages of MediaTek: Higher GPU frequency (836 MHz vs. 700 MHz of Adreno 642);
- Disadvantages: Outdated 6nm process technology, poor game optimization.
Exynos 1280 (Samsung)
- Similar CPU performance, but the Mali-G68 GPU lags behind Adreno 642 in FPS stability;
- 5G mmWave support is only available in expensive models.
5. Use Scenarios
Gaming
Ideal for casual gamers. For maximum settings in AAA titles, an external cooler (e.g., Black Shark FunCooler 2 Pro) may be necessary.
Everyday Tasks
- Instant app launches (WhatsApp, Chrome, YouTube);
- Smooth multitasking (up to 10 tabs in a browser + streaming).
Photo and Video
- Supports cameras up to 192 MP;
- Records 4K@30 FPS video with HDR;
- AI stabilization EIS 3.0 for shooting in motion.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Optimal price-to-performance ratio;
- Support for modern connectivity standards (5G, Wi-Fi 6E);
- Low heating.
Cons:
- Limited GPU performance for 2025 games;
- Lack of support for 8K video.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
- Cooling: Look for models with copper pipes or graphite coatings (for example, Poco X4 Pro);
- RAM: Minimum 6 GB LPDDR4X;
- Storage: UFS 3.1 for fast app loading;
- Price: In 2025, devices with Snapdragon 780G range from $320–$450 (new models include Nokia G50 5G, Motorola Edge 30 Lite).
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Snapdragon 780G Suitable For?
This processor is an ideal choice for those who:
1. Do not want to overpay for flagships but demand stable performance in games and applications;
2. Value long battery life and modern connectivity standards;
3. Plan to use the smartphone for 2–3 years without significant upgrades.
Key Benefits:
- Energy efficiency of 5nm;
- Prepared for 5G networks;
- Affordable device prices.
If you’re looking for a smartphone for work, entertainment, and capturing quality photos, the Snapdragon 780G remains a reliable option even in 2025.