Snapdragon 636 vs Snapdragon 650: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Qualcomm Snapdragon series has seen significant advancements over the years, with each new generation of processors offering improved performance, efficiency, and features. Two mid-range processors often compared are the Snapdragon 636 and the Snapdragon 650. In this article, we will delve into the differences and discuss which processor is more powerful, focusing on architecture, performance, graphics, and efficiency.
Architecture
Snapdragon 650 Architecture
The Snapdragon 650 is based on an older architecture comprising Cortex-A72 and Cortex-A53 cores. This means it uses the same architectural design that was prevalent in earlier Snapdragon processors, making it less competitive in terms of raw performance and efficiency.
Snapdragon 636 Architecture
On the other hand, the Snapdragon 636 introduces the Kryo 260 cores, which are more advanced and efficient. These cores are based on the ARM Cortex-A73 architecture, which is known for its high performance and low power consumption. The Kryo 260 cores are designed to deliver better single-core and multi-core performance, making the Snapdragon 636 a more capable processor overall.
Performance
Snapdragon 650 Performance
The Snapdragon 650 features lower clock speeds and an older architecture, leading to subpar performance in both single-core and multi-core tasks. It struggles to keep up with newer applications and multitasking, making it less suitable for high-performance demands.
Snapdragon 636 Performance
In contrast, the Snapdragon 636 offers better performance thanks to its higher clock speed and improved architecture. It excels in both single-core and multi-core tasks, delivering smoother and more responsive user experiences. With the Kryo 260 cores, the platform can handle demanding applications more effectively, making it a more reliable choice for users who need a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Graphics
Snapdragon 650 Graphics
The Snapdragon 650 comes with an Adreno 510 GPU, which is adequate for basic gaming and multimedia tasks but falls short when it comes to more demanding graphical applications.
Snapdragon 636 Graphics
The Snapdragon 636 is equipped with a more powerful Adreno 509 GPU, which offers significantly better graphics performance. This makes it capable of handling more demanding games and applications with ease, ensuring smoother and more immersive experiences for users.
Efficiency
Snapdragon 650 Efficiency
The Snapdragon 650 is built on a 28nm manufacturing process, which results in higher power consumption and heat generation. This can lead to quick overheating, especially during gaming sessions or other power-intensive tasks.
Snapdragon 636 Efficiency
In comparison, the Snapdragon 636 is built on a more advanced 14nm manufacturing process, making it more power-efficient and better at managing heat. This translates to longer battery life and more stable performance, even under heavy usage.
Conclusion
In summary, the Snapdragon 636 offers a better balance of performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 650. While the Snapdragon 650 is still a capable mid-range processor, the advancements in the Kryo 260 cores, higher performance, and better graphics capabilities make the Snapdragon 636 the more attractive choice for most users.
For those looking for the last word in mobile processor performance, the Snapdragon 636 is the better option. With its newer architecture, better graphics, and more efficient design, it delivers a superior user experience, especially when compared to the older Snapdragon 650. For a detailed performance comparison, you can refer to the following link: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 650: What is the difference.
If you need more detailed performance benchmarks, the Antutu performance tests reveal a stark difference in performance between the two processors. A Redmi Note 5 Pro with a Snapdragon 636 has an Antutu benchmark score of 112,335, while a Coolpad Cool with a Snapdragon 652 has a score of 80,000. This clearly demonstrates the superior performance capabilities of the Snapdragon 636.