Samsung Exynos 7885
Samsung Exynos 7885: Review and Analysis of the Mobile Processor for Budget Devices
April 2025
Introduction
In the world of smartphones, the balance between price and performance has always been key. Samsung Exynos 7885, released in 2018, remains popular in budget devices due to its energy efficiency and adequate power for everyday tasks. In this article, we will explore its architecture, real-world performance, compare it with competitors, and determine who it is suitable for in 2025.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Balancing the Past and Present
The Exynos 7885 is built on an outdated 14-nm process technology, which looks modest in 2025 against the backdrop of 6-nm or 5-nm chips. However, this technology has allowed for reduced production costs and maintained energy efficiency.
CPU:
- 8-core Big.Little architecture:
- 2 Cortex-A73 cores at 2.2 GHz for heavy tasks.
- 6 Cortex-A53 cores at 1.6 GHz for background processes.
This setup provides smooth operation of the OS and basic applications but is limited in resource-intensive scenarios.
GPU:
- Mali-G71 MP2 – a dual-cluster version of the graphics processor.
It supports resolutions up to Full HD+ (2280×1080) and basic APIs such as Vulkan 1.0 and OpenGL ES 3.2. For games in 2025, its capabilities are insufficient, but it can handle simple projects (like Candy Crush or Among Us).
Power Consumption:
- TDP of 8 W – a relatively low figure that positively impacts device battery life. However, under load, heating may occur due to the 14-nm process.
2. Real-World Performance: What to Expect from Exynos 7885?
Gaming:
- In Geekbench 6, the processor scores 336 (Single-Core) and 866 (Multi-Core). This is sufficient for mobile games with low to medium graphical demands. For example:
- PUBG Mobile – low settings, 30 FPS.
- Mobile Legends – medium settings, 45-50 FPS.
- Modern AAA titles (like Genshin Impact) will suffer from lag even on minimum settings.
Multimedia:
- Supports 4K video recording and playback (30 frames/sec).
- Hardware decoding for H.265/HEVC, H.264.
- Smartphones on Exynos 7885 handle streaming video (YouTube, Netflix) in Full HD.
AI Applications:
- The absence of a dedicated NPU (neural processor) limits AI processing capabilities. Camera filters or voice assistants work, but are slower compared to chips with AI accelerators.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- Batteries ranging from 4000–5000 mAh paired with Exynos 7885 provide 1–1.5 days of operation with moderate use.
- Extended gaming or 4K recording can lead to throttling (frequency reduction due to overheating).
3. Built-in Modules: Basic Connectivity
- Modem:
- 4G LTE Cat.12 with maximum speeds of up to 600 Mbps (download) and 150 Mbps (upload).
- 5G is absent – a major drawback for 2025.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) – speeds up to 433 Mbps.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE support.
- Navigation:
- GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou – standard set for budget devices.
4. Comparison with Competitors: Who is Ahead?
Exynos 7885 vs Snapdragon 660 (2017):
- Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) has similar CPU metrics, but the Adreno 512 GPU is more powerful than the Mali-G71 MP2. In gaming, the difference reaches 15-20%.
Exynos 7885 vs MediaTek Helio G70 (2020):
- Helio G70 (12 nm) outperforms in energy efficiency and graphics (Mali-G52 2EEMC2). AnTuTu 10 scores around 200k vs 183k for Exynos.
Exynos 7885 vs Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (2023):
- The modern Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (6 nm) surpasses Exynos 7885 in all respects: AnTuTu 10 scores 350k, supports 5G, and delivers stable performance in games at medium settings.
Conclusion: In 2025, Exynos 7885 is a choice for ultra-budget devices (up to $200) where price is more important than top-tier performance.
5. Use Cases: Where Does the Chip Shine?
- Everyday Tasks: Social media, messaging, web browsing – everything operates smoothly.
- Gaming: Only light games. For PUBG or CoD Mobile, settings will need to be lowered.
- Photo and Video:
- Supports cameras up to 21.7 MP (single) or 16+16 MP (dual).
- 4K@30fps recording, but without stabilization – better to shoot in 1080p@60fps.
- Night shots will be noisy due to a weak ISP.
6. Pros and Cons: Is it Worth Buying?
Pros:
- Low cost of devices ($150–250).
- Energy efficiency – long battery life.
- Support for 4K video.
Cons:
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak GPU for gaming.
- Outdated 14-nm process technology.
7. Practical Tips: How to Choose a Smartphone with Exynos 7885?
- RAM: Minimum 4 GB – sufficient for Android 13+.
- Battery: Look for models starting from 4000 mAh.
- Cooling: Devices with copper heat sinks tend to heat less.
- Examples of 2025 models:
- Samsung Galaxy A15 Lite ($170): 4 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM, 6.4" HD+ display.
- Xiaomi Redmi Go 3 ($150): 3 GB RAM, 64 GB ROM, 5000 mAh battery.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Exynos 7885 For?
This processor is a good choice for:
1. Budget Users: Those looking for a smartphone for calls, social media, and occasional gaming.
2. Secondary Devices: For example, gadgets for children or the elderly.
3. Backup Smartphones: In scenarios where battery life and reliability are needed.
Key Benefits:
- Low price.
- Stable operation in everyday scenarios.
- Up to 2 days of use without recharging.
Conclusion
Samsung Exynos 7885 in 2025 exemplifies a "workhorse" for undemanding tasks. It won’t amaze with performance but will provide basic comfort at a minimal cost. If you’re not chasing after the latest technologies and wish to save money, devices with this chip are worth considering.