Samsung Exynos 9610
Samsung Exynos 9610: Review of a Mobile Processor for Balanced Devices
April 2025
Introduction
Mobile processors are the heart of modern smartphones, determining their performance, energy efficiency, and functionality. The Samsung Exynos 9610, introduced in 2018, became a popular solution for mid-range devices thanks to its combination of power and affordability. As of 2025, smartphones based on this chip are still found in the market, especially in the sub-$300 segment. Let's explore what the Exynos 9610 is capable of today, who it suits best, and what compromises to consider.
Architecture and Process Technology: Foundations of Efficiency
CPU: 8-Core Configuration
The Exynos 9610 is built on a hybrid big.LITTLE architecture with eight cores:
- 4 High-Performance Cortex-A73 cores with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 4 Energy-Efficient Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of 1.6 GHz for background processes.
This approach optimizes energy consumption: under light load (social media, messaging), the low-power cores are used, while high-performance cores kick in during gaming or video editing.
GPU: Mali-G72 MP3
The Mali-G72 MP3 graphics processor with three computing units provides support for mid-range gaming. It is compatible with Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs, but it lags behind modern GPUs in processing complex effects and ray tracing.
Process Technology: 10 nm FinFET
The chip is fabricated on a 10 nm process, which is considered outdated by 2025 (modern flagships use 3–4 nm). However, this technology still provides acceptable energy efficiency: the CPU's TDP is 8 W, which helps extend battery life.
Real-World Performance
Gaming
The Exynos 9610 handles most mobile games from 2022–2023 at medium settings:
- Genshin Impact: 25–30 FPS on low/medium graphical presets.
- PUBG Mobile: 40 FPS in HD mode.
Modern projects in 2025 (e.g., Honkai: Star Rail) may require lowering the resolution.
The main limitation is the Mali-G72 MP3 GPU, which is not suited for 4K rendering or high frame rates in demanding games.
Multimedia
The chip supports:
- Recording and playback of 4K@120 FPS video (thanks to its ISP).
- Output to displays with a 120 Hz refresh rate (depends on the smartphone model).
- Hardware decoding of H.265 and VP9 formats for streaming.
However, the lack of an AV1 decoder may pose a problem when watching content on services like Netflix 4K.
Artificial Intelligence
The Exynos 9610 features a third-generation neural accelerator capable of:
- Optimizing photos (noise reduction, HDR).
- Recognizing scenes and objects in real-time.
- Processing voice commands (e.g., Bixby).
However, compared to modern chips (Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, Dimensity 8300), its AI capabilities are limited.
Power Consumption and Heating
Thanks to the 10 nm process and load management through big.LITTLE, the chip exhibits moderate heating. In smartphones with passive cooling (without heat pipes), throttling may occur during prolonged gaming sessions.
Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Communication
Modem
- 4G LTE Cat. 12 with a maximum speed of up to 600 Mbps (download) and 150 Mbps (upload).
- No 5G support — this is a major drawback for the 2025 market, where even budget devices often come with 5G modems.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).
- Bluetooth 5.0 with support for AAC and aptX for wireless headphones.
Navigation
- GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou — a standard set for accurate positioning.
Comparison with Competitors
Previous Generations
- Exynos 9609: Less powerful GPU (Mali-G71 MP2) and lack of an AI accelerator.
- Exynos 9611: Improved ISP and support for cameras up to 108 MP compared to 64 MP on the 9610.
Competitors from 2019–2021
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G: Superior GPU (Adreno 618) and a more advanced 8 nm process technology.
- MediaTek Helio G90T: Higher CPU frequency (up to 2.05 GHz) and support for 90 Hz displays.
Modern Analogues (2025)
In the sub-$300 segment today, the prominent chips are:
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 3: 6 nm, 5G, AnTuTu ~350K.
- Dimensity 7050: 6 nm, 120 Hz, AnTuTu ~400K.
The Exynos 9610 falls short in energy efficiency and support for new communication standards.
Use Cases
Gaming
Suitable for casual games (Candy Crush, Among Us) and medium settings in projects like COD: Mobile. For AAA games in 2025, a reduction in graphic quality will be required.
Daily Tasks
- Smooth interface operation.
- Simultaneous use of 5–7 applications (social media, browser, email).
- FHD video playback.
Photography and Videography
The chip supports:
- Cameras up to 64 MP (single sensor) or 16+16 MP (dual camera).
- Recording video in 4K@120 FPS with electronic stabilization.
- HDR modes and portrait photography with bokeh effect.
However, it lacks the power for real-time photo processing (as seen in flagships in 2025).
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Energy Efficiency: 8 W TDP and big.LITTLE optimization.
2. 4K Video Support: Relevant for content creation.
3. Affordability: Devices based on the chip cost $200–300.
Cons
1. No 5G Support: Limits future usability.
2. Weak GPU: The Mali-G72 MP3 falls behind modern solutions.
3. Outdated Process Technology: 10 nm compared to 4–6 nm in competitors.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
1. Cooling: Look for models with heat pipes or graphite coatings.
2. RAM: At least 6 GB for comfortable multitasking.
3. Display: Full HD+ with a refresh rate of 90–120 Hz compensates for the GPU's shortcomings.
4. Battery: 5000 mAh is optimal for a 10 nm chip.
Examples of 2025 Devices:
- Samsung Galaxy A25 (2024): 6.5" AMOLED, 8/128 GB, $279.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: 6.6" IPS, 6/128 GB, $229.
Final Verdict
The Exynos 9610 in 2025 is suitable for:
- Budget Users who do not need 5G and top-tier gaming.
- Students and Teenagers for studying, communication, and light gaming.
- Travelers who value battery life and a good camera.
Main Benefits:
- Low device prices.
- Reliability and time-tested architecture.
- Quality photo and video processing in 4K.
If you're looking for a no-frills "everyday" smartphone, the Exynos 9610 remains a viable option. However, for future-proofing (5G, AI capabilities), it is better to consider models with more modern chips.