Which Chipset is Better Than Snapdragon 855?
Introduction to Qualcomm's Snapdragon Lineup
The landscape of mobile processors has always been a competitive one, with Qualcomm's Snapdragon family being one of the most prominent players. When it comes to the flagship processors, Snapdragon 855 marked a significant milestone in 2019, followed by the Snapdragon 855 Plus and then the Snapdragon 865 for 2020. Each brings its own set of improvements and optimizations, which can make choosing the best one a challenge for consumers. In this article, we will explore whether the Snapdragon 855 Plus and 865 are truly superior to the original Snapdragon 855.
Understanding the Snapdragon 855: A Look Back
The Snapdragon 855 was Qualcomm's flagship processor for the 2019 model year. Released in December 2018, it came with a number of advancements in both performance and efficiency. The processor features a 7nm manufacturing process, which not only improved performance but also reduced power consumption, leading to better battery life. It comes equipped with a powerful Kryo 485 CPU and an Adreno 640 GPU, making it a standout in gaming and overall performance.
Unveiling the Snapdragon 855 Plus
Released in 2019, the Snapdragon 855 Plus was Qualcomm's response to audience demand for further performance optimizations. This upgrade focuses on enhancing the graphics performance and improving the AI capabilities. By increasing the clock speed to 2.96 GHz from 2.84 GHz and introducing a more efficient thermal management system, the Snapdragon 855 Plus aims to deliver more power without overheating. Additionally, it includes some minor software enhancements to improve overall efficiency and reduce power consumption.
Introducing Snapdragon 865: The Flagship of 2020
The Snapdragon 865, launched in December 2019, took things a step further with its advanced specifications. Utilizing a 7nm EUV manufacturing process, it promises even higher performance and faster connectivity speeds. The processor boasts a Kryo 585 CPU with improved clock speeds and an Adreno 650 GPU that offers up to 25 percent better performance compared to its predecessors. Other advancements include support for 5G and improvements in AI performance, with Qualcomm's sixth-generation AI engine providing up to a 4x increase in speed and efficiency.
Comparing and Contrasting
While the Snapdragon 855, 855 Plus, and 865 all belong to the same core family, there are notable differences between them. Here's a brief comparison to understand their individual strengths.
Snapdragon 855 vs. Snapdragon 855 Plus
In terms of raw performance and efficiency, the Snapdragon 855 Plus offers a slight edge over the original Snapdragon 855. The increase in clock speed and improvements in thermal management can lead to more consistent performance without overheating as quickly. However, the 855 Plus does not introduce any new features that were not originally available in the 855, except for the software optimizations.
Snapdragon 855 Plus vs. Snapdragon 865
The Snapdragon 865 presents a significant leap in performance and capabilities. It represents a more substantial upgrade over the 855 Plus, with improvements across the board, from better gaming performance to enhanced AI capabilities and 5G support. The 865's increased clock speeds, advanced GPU, and enhanced AI engine make it the preferred choice for high-performance devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether the Snapdragon 855 Plus or 865 is better than the original Snapdragon 855 depends on the context. For users looking for a slight performance boost and better overall efficiency, the Snapdragon 855 Plus is a viable option. However, if you're prioritizing cutting-edge features, advanced AI performance, and 5G connectivity, the Snapdragon 865 is the way to go.
It's important to note that while these processors are impressive, the real-world performance of any device also depends on the software optimizations and the overall system design. Always consider the full package, not just the processor, when making a decision.