Samsung Exynos 850: Tests, Performance, and Limitations

The Samsung Exynos 850 is an entry-level eight-core SoC featuring Cortex-A55 and Mali-G52 MP1. By today's standards, it is slow: the absence of high-performance CPU cores limits the system's speed, and the weak GPU is not designed for modern demanding games. The chip is manufactured using Samsung's 8-nm process technology.

CPU Performance

The Exynos 850 is equipped with eight Cortex-A55 cores clocked at up to 2.0 GHz. All cores are identical: there is no separate performance cluster here.

The eight Cortex-A55 cores help with multi-threaded tasks but do not compensate for the low speed of each individual core. Limitations are noticeable when loading heavy websites, installing applications, and multitasking.

For calls and simple messaging, the performance is still sufficient. However, in more complex scenarios, the limitations of the Exynos 850 become quite apparent.

Benchmarks in Smartphones

The Exynos 850 has been installed in several budget models from Samsung. Below are the Geekbench 6 results for real devices running this processor.

The variation between models is small and falls within the usual differences between devices, firmware, and testing conditions. These results reflect the performance level of the Exynos 850 itself, rather than the ratings of specific smartphones.

Mali-G52 MP1 and Gaming

The Mali-G52 MP1 on a Bifrost architecture handles the graphics. The GPU uses a single graphics cluster-this is one of the weakest configurations of the Mali-G52.

Less demanding games run acceptably, but heavy projects quickly hit the limits of the Mali-G52 MP1. In modern games, it is necessary to reduce graphics settings to minimum or near-minimum levels. The Exynos 850 does not provide high and stable FPS in demanding projects.

The supported display resolution does not reflect the actual power of the GPU. In terms of graphical performance, the Mali-G52 MP1 significantly lags behind more modern budget platforms.

Memory and Storage

The Exynos 850 supports LPDDR4X RAM and eMMC 5.1 storage.

eMMC 5.1 additionally slows down system performance. Due to the slow storage, applications launch and install slower, updates take longer, and file operations are slower.

Thus, two smartphones with the Exynos 850 can differ significantly in terms of system responsiveness. When purchasing, it is important to consider the amount of RAM and the condition of the storage.

Camera and Video

The built-in ISP supports a single camera with a resolution of up to 48 MP or a two-camera configuration of up to 16 + 5 MP. Basic image processing features are included, such as noise reduction and sharpening.

For video, H.264 and HEVC are available, with encoding and decoding of Full HD at up to 60 frames per second. The platform does not support 4K recording.

Connectivity

The Exynos 850 is equipped with a built-in LTE modem without 5G support. The maximum claimed download speed is 300 Mbps, and the upload speed is 150 Mbps. It also supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and satellite navigation.

LTE remains a viable option, but the lack of 5G further limits the relevance of devices on this platform.

Conclusion

By the standards of 2026, the Exynos 850 is noticeably outdated. Eight Cortex-A55 cores without performance cores, a weak Mali-G52 MP1, and eMMC 5.1 limit not only gaming but also regular system operations. Heavy websites, app installations, multitasking, and updates are executed slowly.

Purchasing a smartphone with the Exynos 850 today may only be worthwhile for a symbolic price and as a simple calling device. For a primary smartphone, the platform is already too slow. With any noticeable price difference, it is better to choose a device with a more modern SoC.