Introduction to Kirin 659 vs Snapdragon 630

The ongoing discussion of which is better between Kirin 659 and Snapdragon 630 has always been a topic of interest for tech enthusiasts and smartphone users. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison between these two mid-range processors, shedding light on their performance, efficiency, and other key features.

Dissecting the Architecture

Kirin 659 is a processor developed by Huawei, known for its battery efficiency. It features two quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU clusters, operating at clock speeds of 1.7GHz and 2.36GHz. These different clock speeds allow the processor to manage tasks efficiently. The lower clocks are used for lighter tasks and idle processing, while higher speeds kick in when more power is needed. This dual-core architecture helps in extending battery life without sacrificing performance.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 630, on the other hand, is an 8-core processor. It has eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores running at 2.2GHz. At idle, all cores operate at a lower frequency, typically around 25MHz, then ramp up to approximately 550MHz for increased power. This design, although offering impressive performance, can be a drain on battery life.

Performance Metrics and Benchmarks

When comparing benchmark scores, it's essential to understand that they are not always indicative of real-world performance. According to the Antutu benchmark, the Kirin 659 scores around 65,000, while the Snapdragon 630 scores slightly higher, around 86-88,000. This difference can be attributed to the technology and fabrication process, with the Snapdragon 630 using a more recent 14nm process compared to the 16nm used by the Kirin 659.

Another key aspect to consider is the use of DDR4 RAM. The Snapdragon 630 supports DDR4, which can lead to better performance and efficiency, especially in demanding applications and games. Additionally, the Snapdragon 630 offers better support for the latest technologies, including Bluetooth, WiFi standards, and applications like Google Camera from the Pixel series.

Real-World Experience

Both Kirin 659 and Snapdragon 630 deliver excellent user experience and smooth performance. However, they differ in terms of efficiency. The Kirin 659 is better at battery efficiency due to its dual-core architecture, which can save power in idle and light tasks. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 630 offers more raw CPU power, a better GPU, and improved camera capabilities.

Despite their differences, both processors are highly regarded in the mid-range market. Users can expect a seamless experience from either chip, depending on their specific needs and use cases.

Conclusion

With both Kirin 659 and Snapdragon 630, users have to weigh their priorities. If battery efficiency is a top concern, the Kirin 659 might be the better choice. However, for those who seek more power and performance, with minimal battery drain, the Snapdragon 630 is a solid option. The decision largely depends on personal preferences and the specific model's design and optimizations.

Ultimately, the closest and most interesting fight is between the Snapdragon 629 and Kirin 659, but as of now, the battle lies between the Kirin 659 and Snapdragon 630. The winner is up to you to decide based on your specific requirements and priorities.