Samsung Exynos 8890
Samsung Exynos 8890: Review of the Mobile Processor in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
Smartphones in 2025 amaze with their technology: flexible screens, real-time neural networks, instant charging. Yet, even in an era dominated by 5G and 3nm chips, some devices continue to rely on time-tested solutions. One such solution is the Samsung Exynos 8890 processor, released back in 2016, but still found in budget and refurbished models. In this article, we will explore who might consider a smartphone equipped with this chip in 2025, how it handles modern tasks, and what compromises one might have to make.
1. Architecture and Technology Process: Legacy of the 14nm Era
The Exynos 8890 was among the first Samsung processors to feature a fully proprietary architecture for its cores. It is based on a hybrid big.LITTLE configuration:
- 4 high-performance Exynos M1 cores (2.3 GHz) — developed by Samsung, optimized for heavy tasks.
- 4 energy-efficient Cortex-A53 cores (1.6 GHz) — handle background processes.
The Mali-T880 MP12 GPU with 12 compute units provided decent graphics performance at its time but today falls significantly behind even budget-level Mali-G57 or Adreno 610 GPUs.
The 14nm technology process (FinFET LPP) seems outdated in 2025. In contrast, modern chips utilize 4nm and 3nm processes, which can reduce energy consumption by 30-40%. However, at the time, 14nm allowed the Exynos 8890 to balance performance and a TDP of 5W.
Cache Memory:
- L1: 64KB per core (data) + 32KB (instructions) for M1;
- L2: 2MB (shared for M1 cluster) + 512KB for Cortex-A53.
2. Performance: What Can Exynos 8890 Do in 2025?
Gaming
Modern games like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail on high settings would be beyond the chip's capabilities. However, for casual games (Candy Crush, Among Us) or streaming via Xbox Cloud/GeForce NOW, the performance is adequate. In synthetic benchmarks:
- AnTuTu 10: ~233,465 points (for comparison: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 — 1,200,000+).
- Geekbench 6: 322 (Single-Core), 890 (Multi-Core).
Multimedia
- Supports video up to 4K@30fps (encoding/decoding) — sufficient for YouTube and Netflix.
- Lacks hardware decoding for AV1 — streaming services in 4K will burden the CPU.
Artificial Intelligence
There is no NPU in the Exynos 8890. Tasks like facial recognition or photo processing are handled via CPU/GPU, impacting speed and battery life. For instance, applying filters in Instagram takes 1-2 seconds longer than on chips with NPU.
Energy Consumption and Heating
A TDP of 5W is modest even for 2025. However, due to the 14nm technology process, under prolonged load (gaming, video recording), the chip can heat up to 45-50°C. In devices with passive cooling, this leads to throttling.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity Without 5G
The Exynos 8890 is a product of the 4G era, and thus key limitations are related to communication:
- Modem: the integrated Shannon 335 supports LTE Cat.12/13 (up to 600 Mbps download). 5G is absent.
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) but lacks Wi-Fi 6E. Speed — up to 433 Mbps (5GHz).
- Bluetooth: 4.2 (no support for LE Audio or Bluetooth 5.3).
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou — sufficient for basic needs.
4. Comparison with Competitors
2016-2017 Generation:
- Snapdragon 820: Adreno 530 is 15-20% faster than Mali-T880 but runs hotter.
- Apple A10 Fusion: Best single-core performance (Geekbench 6 SC ~400) but only has 4 cores.
Modern Budget Chips (2025):
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 (6nm): AnTuTu 10 ~350,000, support for 5G, Wi-Fi 6.
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm): NPU for AI tasks, 5G modem.
Conclusion: The Exynos 8890 lags behind modern solutions in energy efficiency and support for new standards, but in devices priced under $250, it can be an alternative if 5G is not required.
5. Use Cases
Gaming
Suitable for:
- Retro emulators (PSP, GameBoy);
- Offline games on low settings (Asphalt 9, Minecraft).
Not suitable for:
- Online shooters (Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG);
- VR/AR applications.
Everyday Tasks
- Social networks, messengers, web browsing — function without lag.
- Multi-window mode — limited to 2-3 applications simultaneously.
Photos and Videos
- Maximum camera support: 28 MP (single camera) or 16 MP + 16 MP (dual).
- Lacks HDR10+ and advanced noise reduction.
6. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Low cost of devices ($200–300);
- Proven reliability (chip was widely used in Galaxy S7);
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
Disadvantages:
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6;
- Outdated GPU;
- High energy consumption under load.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
1. Cooling: Look for models with copper pipes or graphite coatings.
2. Battery: At least 4000 mAh — the chip is power-hungry during active use.
3. Updates: Ensure the device runs on Android 13/14 with promised security patches.
4. Target Models:
- Budget smartphones (Samsung Galaxy A0x 2025 Refurbished);
- Gadgets for the elderly (simple interface, non-demanding applications).
8. Final Thoughts: Who is the Exynos 8890 Suitable for in 2025?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Seek a device under $300 without paying for unnecessary features (5G, 120Hz screen);
- Don’t require top performance — for calls, messengers, YouTube;
- Value repairability — the chip is well-known, and spare parts are available.
Key Benefits: budget savings, reliable enough for 2-3 years of use, compatibility with most applications.
Afterword
The Exynos 8890 is an example of a "long-liver" among mobile chips. In 2025, it no longer impresses, but in a well-designed device, it can give a second life to past technologies. As a backup smartphone or a first gadget for a child — a great option. However, if you dream of foldable screens, holographic cameras, and instant AI — it's worth looking into modern alternatives.