Qualcomm single-handedly dominates the smartphone chip manufacturing industry. We have already seen a large number of smartphones using Snapdragon processors inside. The company has launched a new chipset named Snapdragon 780G, which is an upper midrange chipset. However it is a successor to Snapdragon 765G, but it directly competes with some high-end processors.
This article will compare Snapdragon 780G with the recently launched Snapdragon 860 and Snapdragon 870 SoC. We have also added other comparable chipsets, Snapdragon 855 Plus and 865 Plus. The Snapdragon 860 comes with a boosted CPU compared to the Snapdragon 855 Plus, and similar care is with the Snapdragon 870, which has a boosted CPU over the Snapdragon 865 Plus.
Moreover, other specifications are entirely identical to Snapdragon 855 Plus and Snapdragon 865 Plus. Hence, it makes sense to compare Snapdragon 780G vs 860 vs 870 directly. Without any further ado, let’s come to the main point!
Snapdragon 780G vs Snapdragon 860 vs Snapdragon 870 Specifications Comparison
| Snapdragon 780G | Snapdragon 860 | Snapdragon 870 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | March 25, 2020 | March 22, 2021 | January 20, 2021 |
| CPU | 1x Cortex-A78 (Kryo 670 Prime) @ 2.4GHz 3x Cortex-A78 (Kryo 670 Gold) @ 2.2GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 670 Silver) @ 1.9GHz | 1x Cortex-A76 (Kryo 485 Prime) @ 2.96GHz - 2.84GHz (SD 855+) 3x Cortex-A76 (Kryo 485 Gold) @ 2.4GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 485 Silver) @ 1.8GHz | 1x Cortex-A77 (Kryo 585 Prime) @ 3.2GHz - 3.1GHz (SD 865+) 3x Cortex-A77 (Kryo 585 Gold) @ 2.42GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 585 Silver) @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 642 | Adreno 640 | Adreno 650 |
| Architecture | 5nm | 7nm | 7nm |
| Display | 1080p FHD+ @ 144 Hz HDR10+ | Up to 4K UHD HDR10+ | Up to 4K UHD HDR10+ |
| Camera | Spectra 570 Triple ISP Single: 192MP Dual: 24MP+22MP Triple: 25MP each | Spectra 380 dual ISP Single: 192MP Dual: 22MP+22MP | Spectra 480 dual ISP Single: 200MP Dual: 25MP+25MP |
| Memory | LPDDR4x | LPDDR4x | LPDDR5 |
| Modem | Snapdragon X53 Download: 3.3 Gbps Upload: ? | Snapdragon X50 Download: 5.0 Gbps Upload: 1.2 Gbps | Snapdragon X55 Download: 7.5 Gbps Upload: 3.0 Gbps |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Antutu Scores (v8) | 4,63,933 points | 491,412 points | 6,30,900 points |
| Geekbench 5 Scores | Single-Core: 862 Multi-Core: 2,209 | Single-Core: 782 Multi-Core: 2792 | Single-Core: 1,024 Multi-Core: 3,482 |
| Fast Charging | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ |
| AI | 6th gen AI Engine Hexagon 770 DSP 12TOPS | 4th gen. AI Eengine Hexagon 690 DSP 7TOPS | 5th gen. AI engine Hexagon 698 DSP 15TOPS |
Source: Snapdragon 780G, Snapdragon 860, Snapdragon 870
5Antutu-Geekbench Benchmark Scores
Antutu Scores
The Snapdragon 780G scores 4,63,933 points in the Antutu test. Moving further to the Snapdragon 860, the chipset has scored 4,91,413 points. Lastly, the Snapdragon 870 takes the lead with a massive 6,30,900 points in the Antutu v8 test. Apart from that, Snapdragon 855 Plus and Snapdragon 865 Plus have nearly identical scores similar to Snapdragon 860 and Snapdragon 870, respectively.
The newly launched Snapdragon 780G is comparable to the Snapdragon 860 if we consider the Antutu scores. Overall, all the chipsets came up with decent scoring, which is what we can expect from Snapdragon flagship processors.
Geekbench 5 Scores
Moving towards the Geekbench scores, the latest Snapdragon 780G scores 862 points in single-core and 2,209 points in multi-core results on Geekbench 5 testing. On the other hand, Snapdragon 860 scores 782 points in single-core and 2792 points in multi-core results. Lastly, Snapdragon 870 wins the game with 1024 points in single-core and 3,482 points in multi-core results.
There isn’t a significant difference in single-core results. But multi-core results are dominated by Snapdragon 860 and Snapdragon 870 SoCs due to more powerful CPU. If you want to see Snapdragon 855 Plus and Snapdragon 865 Plus Geekbench results, you can follow this article: Snapdragon 855+ vs 860 vs Snapdragon 865+ vs 870. Overall, the Snapdragon 870 is our final winner as far as benchmark scores are concerned.
4Control Processing Unit (CPU)
The Control Processing Unit is the main part of any chipset. It controls everything we can imagine in any smart device. The SD 780G comes with a tri-cluster octa-core CPU. There is one high-power Cortex-A78 core clocked @2.4GHz. Another cluster uses three Cortex-A78 cores @2.2GHz. Lastly, there are four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores @1.9GHz. Qualcomm called it Kryo 670 cores due to the company’s heavy customizations.
Furthermore, the Snapdragon 860 also comes with a three-cluster octa-core CPU with a massive 2.9GHz clock speed for Kryo 485 Prime Cortex-A76 cores. The second cluster uses three Cortex-A76 cores clocked @2.4GHz. Another four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores are clocked @1.8GHz. Moving the Snapdragon 870, it further uses an octa-core CPU with a triple cluster mechanism. The chipset is clocked @3.2GHz for the primary Cortex-A77 core. It adds three more Cortex-A77 cores @2.42GHz and four less-powerful Cortex-A55 cores @1.8GHz.
When it comes to clock speed, the Snapdragon 870 takes the lead over the other two chipsets. But Snapdragon 780G is the only chipset that comes with a highly power-efficient 5nm processing node. Both Snapdragon 860 and 870 use older 7nm architecture. Undoubtedly, Snapdragon 860 and 870 have comparatively more powerful CPUs. But Snapdragon 780G provides better power efficiency. Overall, the Snapdragon 870 is the winner in the CPU department.
3Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is another important part of any chipset. It plays an important role in processing graphics. Being a gamer, a powerful GPU is necessary. The Snapdragon 780G comes with an Adreno 642 GPU, which seems to be an upgraded version of the Adreno 640 used on the Snapdragon 860. However, the company didn’t reveal much about its design, but it is 50% more powerful than its predecessor Snapdragon 768G. It is an awe-inspiring thing the Snapdragon 7 series processor uses a potent GPU.
Furthermore, Snapdragon 870 brings the Adreno 650 GPU to handle the graphics-intensive task. There is no doubt that the Adreno 650 used on Snapdragon 870 will dominate the chart. But Snapdragon 860 and 780G are close competitors in the GPU department. The company also uses the Snapdragon Elite Gaming feature to uplift the gaming performance on all three chipsets.
2Artificial Inteligence (AI)
AI is the future of the tech industry, and Qualcomm is heavily investing in artificial intelligence. The Snapdragon 780G brings the 6th generation AI Engine with a dedicated Hexagon 770 DSP. There is 2nd generation Qualcomm Sensing Hub, which, according to the company, can offload 80% work of the AI processor when working at 1 mA power consumption. The Snapdragon 780G with Hexagon 770 can perform 12 trillion operations per second (TOPS), which is a very impressive number being a mid-range chip.
Both Snapdragon 870 arrive with a 5th generation AI engine, and 860 has a 4th gen. with a first-generation Qualcomm Sensing Hub, which is less efficient. The Hexagon 690 DSP used on Snapdragon 860 can perform up to 7 trillion tasks per second. Meanwhile, Hexagon 698 DSP supports up to 15 trillion tasks. Overall, the Snapdragon 780G brings the latest AI features with an improved dedicated AI processor. It is well beyond the Snapdragon 860 but slightly less powerful than Snapdragon 870.
1Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, most of you will ask whether Snapdragon 780G supports 5G or not. In this case, I am pleased to inform you that Snapdragon 780G comes with an external Snapdragon X53 5G modem, yet it misses the integration. It is up to the manufacturer whether it provided the 5G support or not. The Snapdragon 860 and Snapdragon 870 use Snapdragon X50 and X55 5G modems, respectively.
As far as speed is concerned, the Snapdragon 780G offers up to 3.3Gbps download speed, while the upload speed is unknown. The Snapdragon 860 delivers up to 5Gbps download and 1.2Gbps upload speed. Lastly, the Snapdragon 870 has 7.5Gbps download and 3Gbps upload speed. All the necessary connectivity options are available on all three chipsets.
Final Verdict – Which one is better?
I think after checking all the facts you have already made up your mind. But I want to give my opinion. If we talk about the Snapdragon 780G, it is an affordable chipset. So, the company has made some compromises for cost-cutting. There is no doubt that the 5nm processing node is one of the best things about the Snapdragon 780G chipset, making it a highly power-efficient chipset.
On the other hand, the Snapdragon 860 and 870 are upgraded versions of previously launched flagship chipsets Snapdragon 855 Plus and Snapdragon 865 Plus. In fact, the Snapdragon 860 owns two-year-old hardware. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 870 still arrives with the latest hardware and specifications. These two chipsets are made to deliver a flagship-grade experience.
Wrapping it up, the Snapdragon 780G is pretty much comparable with the Snapdragon 860 with some latest offerings such as 5nm processing, the latest AI engine, and enhanced graphics performance. But the Snapdragon 870 is the final winner, which dominates the chart whether it is CPU, GPU, or any other aspect. What are your thoughts? Do let us know in the comment sections!
Final Winner: Snapdragon 870 > Snapdragon 780G==Snapdragon 860
