Xiaomi is one of the most popular brands in India. Lately, the company has launched Redmi Note 10 series. The base model Redmi Note 10 comes with a Snapdragon 678 SoC. Moreover, there is a “Pro” variant with a Snapdragon 732G chipset. Samsung also launches the Galaxy M12 smartphone with Exynos 850 in the same price segment. You might be curious to know which device will do better.
This article will compare Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 678 vs Snapdragon 732G vs Exynos 850. All three chipsets are designed for mid-range devices; however, Exynos 850 seems to be an entry-level chip. It would be interesting to see how these chipsets compete against each other. Without any further ado, let’s get started!
Snapdragon 678 vs 732G vs Exynos 850
Snapdragon 678 | Snapdragon 732G | Exynos 850 | |
---|---|---|---|
Model Number | SDM678 | SDM732 | Exynos 850 |
Launch Date | December 2020 | August, 2020 | May 2020 |
CPU | 2x Kryo 460 Gold @2.2 GHz (Cortex-A76) 6x Kryo 460 Silver @2.0 GHz (Cortex-A55) | 2x Kryo 470 Gold @2.3 GHz (Cortex-A76) 6x Kryo 470 Silver @1.8 GHz (Cortex-A55) | 8x Cortex-A55 @2.0 GHz |
Cores | Octa-Core | Octa-Core | Octa-Core |
GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MP1 |
Architecture | 11nm | 8nm | 8nm |
Camera | Spectra 250L ISP Single 25MP MFNR, ZSL @30fps, 48MP, MFNR, 192MP Dual: 16MP + 16MP | Spectra 350 ISP Single 36MP MFNR, ZSL @30fps, 48MP, MFNR, 192MP Dual 22MP + 22MP | Single: 48MP or 21.7MP @30fps Dual: 16MP + 5MP |
Display | 2520x1080 pixels FHD+ HDR10 | 3360x1440 pixels QHD+ HDR10 | 2520x1080 pixels FHD+ |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X | 8GB LPDDR4X | LPDDR4X |
Modem | Qualcomm X12 LTE D/L Speed: 600Mbps (Cat12) U/L Speed: 150Mbps (Cat13) | Qualcomm X15 LTE D/L Speed: 800Mbps (Cat12) U/L Speed: 150Mbps (Cat13) | D/L Speed: 200Mbps (Cat7) U/L Speed: 150Mbps (Cat13) |
Antutu | 2,38,292 points | 2,79,037 points | 1,31,421 points |
Geekbench | Single-Core: 541 Multi-Core: 1690 | Single-Core: 548 Multi-Core: 1680 | Single-Core: 182 Multi-Core: 1106 |
NPU (AI) | Hexagon 685 DSP | Hexagon 688 DSP | Yes |
Source: Snapdragon 678, Snapdragon 720G, Exynos 850
1Antutu-Geekbench Benchmark Scores
Antutu Scores
Starting with Antutu results, the Redmi Note 10 packed with Snapdragon 678 scores 2,38,292 points. Poco X3 powered by Snapdragon 732G scores 2,79,037 points in the Antutu v8 test. Lastly, Samsung Galaxy A21s scores 1,31,421 points using the Exynos 850 chipset under the hood.
If we compare category-wise, Snapdragon 732G leads in CPU with 99,028 points, followed by Snapdragon 678 with 94,895 points and Exynos 850 with 47,291 points. SD 732G’s Adreno 618 outperforms in the GPU segment with a massive 78,778 points, which is almost twice as powerful compared to SD 678’s Adreno 612, at least in the Antutu test.
Exynos 850 with Mali-G52 MP1 graphics scores 21,386 points securing the 3rd position. Overall, the Snapdragon 732G wins the Antutu test with a slight margin over the Snapdragon 678; meanwhile, the Exynos 850 seems less powerful if we consider the Antutu results.
Geekbench Scores
Moving further to GeekBench scores, the Snapdragon 678 scores 541 points in single-cores and 1690 points in multi-core results. Snapdragon 732G gets 548 points in single-core and 1680 points in multi-core results. Samsung’s Exynos 850 positions at last with 183 points in single-core and 1106 points in multi-core results.
All these tests were collected using Geekbench 5, which is the latest version of this benchmarking platform. It will be worth noting that scores may vary from device to device, even if they are using the same chipsets. You can track these results just by using Geekbench’s official website if you want to check the scores of other devices with the same processors.
2Control Processing Unit (CPU)
The Control Processing Unit, AKA CPU, is one of the most important components of the mobile processor. In fact, it is the heart of any device while controlling multiple things to provide smooth processing. Starting with Snapdragon 678, it comes with an octa-core CPU with two powerful Cortex-A76 cores clocked @2.2GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores @2.0GHz. Furthermore, Snapdragon 732G uses two similar Cortex-A76 cores clocking @2.3GHz and six lesser powerful Cortex-A55 cores @1.8GHz.
However, these are the same Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores, but Qualcomm customized them differently with Kryo 460 for Snapdragon 678 and Kryo 470 for Snapdragon 732G. The Exynos 850 arrives with eight Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz, which is undoubtedly less powerful than Snapdragon chipsets.
Snapdragon 732G is built on an 8nm processing node if we talk about architecture, followed by Snapdragon 678 11nm and Exynos 12nm. Smaller architecture batters the power efficiently; hence, we can expect better power efficiency from Snapdragon 732G. Overall, Snapdragon 678 and 732G chipsets seem to have nearly identical CPUs with minor differences, while Exynos 850 comes with basic CPU performance, which can’t be compared with the Snapdragon Duo.
3Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Graphics Processing Unit, better known for its short-form GPU, is another important aspect of SoC. As its name suggests, it controls the graphics processing of mobile applications. Once there was a time when we were used to playing games on computers, but nowadays, mobile GPUs are very strong, even in the mid-range segment. Therefore, we can play games smoothly on the phone as well as do some other graphics-intensive tasks such as video/image editing.
Snapdragon 678 is packed with Adreno 612 GPU, whereas, Snapdragon 732G gets Adreno 618, which seems to be an upgraded version of its rival. Exynos 850, on the other hand, relies on Mali-G52 MP1. Undoubtedly, Qualcomm produces better-optimized graphics cards compared to Mali, and there is no expectation this time either.
Given the Antutu scores, Adreno 618 dominates the list, followed by Adreno 612. The Mali-G52 MP1 used on Exynos 850 is at the last position with barely 1/4 scores compared to Adreno 618. If you love to play mobile games, you should consider a Snapdragon 732G-powered device specially designed for gaming lovers.
4Camera & Display
With the increasing popularity of social media, the mobile camera is becoming more and more popular. Nowadays, people use mobile cameras more often rather than carrying heavy DSLRs. Both Snapdragon processors can support up to 192MP single cameras. When it comes to multiple camera support, Snapdragon 678 holds dual 16MP + 16MP sensors, while, Snapdragon 732G can expand up to 22MP + 22MP.
Exynos 850 supports up to 48MP single-camera and dual 16MP + 5MP. It again confirms that the Exynos chipset is designed for basic devices. We can further expect better image processing from Snapdragon chipsets. Snapdragon 732G uses 2x Spectra Spectra 350 ISP, which is an upgraded version of the Spectra 250L ISP used by Snapdragon 678. We should see the better-optimized camera on Snapdragon 732G, followed by 678 and Exynos 850.
In terms of display, Snapdragon 678 and Exynos 850 support up to Full HD+ display. The Snapdragon 732G can handle up to a QHD+ display. Both Snapdragon processors also support HDR10, while there is no mention of Exynos 850 on their official website. We can’t expect an HDR10 display in this range from Samsung phones.
5Connectivity
This is the criteria where Qualcomm is unmatchable. Snapdragon always does better in the connectivity segment than its competitors. We have seen some affordable 5G chipsets from Snapdragon. But unfortunately, none of these Snapdragon chipsets arrive with 5G support. But it’s okay; we can’t expect very cheap 5G smartphones at present. It should be there in the coming years.
Snapdragon 678 is combined with Qualcomm X12 LTE modem, which offers up to 600Mbps download and 150Mbps upload speed. The Snapdragon 732G packs an X15 modem with an 800Mbps download and 150Mpbs upload speed.
Lastly, Exynos 850’s LTE modem offers a 200Mbps download and 150Mbps upload speed. Overall, all three chipsets have adequate capabilities to drive good internet speeds on 4G networks. There might be disappointment in those expecting 5G. But still, it should be fine, given the reasonably priced devices packing these chipsets.
Final Conclusion – which one is better?
If you are reading this portion, you might have already decided which processor is doing better. All three processors are designed for different kinds of audiences. You might be already aware that Samsung, being the tear1 brand, charges more money for similar specifications. If you are getting a Samsung device in a similar price bracket, you need to compromise on specifications.
Undoubtedly, the Exynos 850 is not comparable to the other two chipsets. It is a very basic chipset; even Snapdragon 460 can beat it. But some of you might be curious to know how it positions against Snapdragon 678 and Snapdragon 732G just because you are getting a Samsung device in the same price segment. There shouldn’t be any problem with performing day-to-day tasks on any of these chipsets. But if you are thinking of buying an affordable Samsung device, you have to compromise on the specifications front.
Coming to the Snapdragon 732G, the “G” latter represents “Gaming.” Hence, it offers better graphics performance and power efficiency. Otherwise, the CPU is very similar to the Snapdragon 678. Overall, the Snapdragon 732G is the clear winner, followed by the Snapdragon 678 and Exynos 850. What are your thoughts? Do let us know in the comment section!
Winner: Snapdragon 732G > Snapdragon 678 > Exynos 850