Samsung Exynos 7880
Samsung Exynos 7880: A Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks
April 2025
Introduction
Mobile processors are the "heart" of any smartphone, determining its performance, energy efficiency, and functionality. The Samsung Exynos 7880, released in 2023, was initially positioned as a solution for budget and mid-range devices. As of 2025, it remains relevant in smartphones priced up to $250, providing a balance between cost and basic performance. Let's explore who this chipset is suitable for and what to pay attention to.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: 8 Cores and 14 nm
The Exynos 7880 is built on a 14-nanometer process technology, which by 2025 is considered outdated (modern flagships use 4-5 nm). However, this has allowed Samsung to lower production costs and offer the chip to the mass market.
CPU:
- 8 cores configured in a 2+6 scheme:
- 2 Cortex-A73 cores with a frequency of 1.9 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;
- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A53 cores (1.6 GHz) for background processes.
This configuration provides smooth operation in everyday scenarios but is not designed for extreme loads.
GPU:
- The Mali-T830 MP3 graphics accelerator is the processor's weak point. It supports resolutions up to Full HD+ (1080p) but struggles with modern games, even at medium settings. For example, in Genshin Impact, the frame rate barely reaches 20-25 FPS on low settings.
2. Performance in Real Tasks
Gaming:
The Exynos 7880 is suitable only for casual games (Candy Crush, Subway Surfers) and older titles. The GPU's power is insufficient for rendering complex graphics. Tests of PUBG Mobile on HD settings show noticeable stuttering.
Multimedia:
- Supports Full HD+ (1920×1080) and video encoding/decoding in H.264 and H.265 formats.
- Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube) plays without issues, but HDR and 4K are not supported.
AI Applications:
The chipset lacks a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), so tasks such as facial recognition or photo processing via AI are performed slowly. For instance, applying filters in apps like Adobe Lightroom takes 30-40% longer than on processors with NPU.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- TDP of 4W — moderate power consumption. A smartphone with a 4000 mAh battery lasts up to 1.5 days with moderate use.
- Heating rarely exceeds 40°C even under prolonged load, thanks to the 14 nm process and passive cooling.
3. Integrated Modules: Communication and Navigation
Modem:
- 4G LTE Cat. 12 with maximum speeds up to 600 Mbps.
- 5G is absent — this is a major drawback for the 2025 market, where even budget devices are starting to support next-generation networks.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 — standards from 2023. For connecting wireless headphones or smartwatches, this is sufficient, but data transfer speeds are lower than with Wi-Fi 6.
Navigation:
- Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo. Positional accuracy is ±3 meters in urban conditions.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Analogous Chips from 2023-2025:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 680: Better gaming optimization (Adreno 610 vs Mali-T830), but similar CPU performance.
- MediaTek Helio G85: Performs better in GPU (Mali-G52) and supports cameras up to 48 MP.
- Samsung Exynos 850 (2020): Falls short on frequency (2.0 GHz vs 1.9 GHz) but is more energy-efficient.
Conclusion: The Exynos 7880 falls behind most chips from 2024-2025 but remains cheaper. Its main advantage is integration into affordable Samsung smartphones.
5. Usage Scenarios
Gaming:
Only recommended for undemanding games. For PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, settings will need to be reduced to a minimum.
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, messengers, web surfing — all work smoothly.
- Multitasking is limited: with 4 GB of RAM, switching between 5-6 apps causes tab reloads.
Photo and Video:
- Maximum camera support: 21.7 MP for a single camera or 16+5 MP for dual cameras.
- Video recording — 1080p@60fps. Electronic image stabilization (EIS) is present, but processing quality lags behind flagships.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low device price ($150-250).
- Stable performance in basic scenarios.
- Energy efficiency.
Cons:
- Weak GPU.
- Lack of 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- No support for AI accelerators.
7. Practical Tips When Choosing a Smartphone
- RAM: Choose models with 4-6 GB — this compensates for the CPU's shortcomings.
- Display: IPS or AMOLED with a 60 Hz refresh rate (higher is pointless due to GPU limitations).
- Battery: At least 4000 mAh for comfortable usage.
Examples of 2025 Devices:
- Samsung Galaxy A15 ($180): 6.5" HD+, 5000 mAh, triple camera 13 MP.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12E ($160): A similar model focused on a large battery.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Exynos 7880 Suitable For?
This processor is ideal for those who:
1. Do not play heavy games.
2. Value battery life and reliability.
3. Are looking for a smartphone under $250 with guaranteed updates (Samsung supports its A-series for 3-4 years).
The Exynos 7880 offers one main thing — stability within its capabilities. However, if you plan to use a smartphone for 3-4 years, it's better to consider devices with 5G and more recent chipsets (like Snapdragon 4 Gen 3).
P.S. In 2025, the Exynos 7880 is not at the pinnacle of technology but a decent compromise for those who are not ready to overpay for features they may not use.