When it comes to smartphone chip manufacturing, Qualcomm is the industry leader. However, its arch-rival MediaTek is giving some competition in the mid-range segment. But there is almost no competition in the premium segment unless Apple is there for a different audience. Qualcomm single handle is leading the Android smartphone industry. We have seen most of the flagship Android smartphones using Snapdragon 888 SoC.
The company has decided to upgrade its last-generation SoCs, such as SD 855+ and SD 865. Recently, two new chipsets from Qualcomm made their debut, named SD 860 and SD 870. As the name chipsets, both chipsets are upgraded versions of the company’s old series Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 865, respectively. In this article, we will compare Snapdragon 855+ vs 860 vs Snapdragon 865+ vs 870. Without any further ado, let’s get started!
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Snapdragon 855 Plus vs 860 vs 865 Plus vs 870 Full Specifications
| Snapdragon 855+ | Snapdragon 860 | Snapdragon 865+ | Snapdragon 870 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 15, 2019 | March 22, 2021 | July 8, 2020 | January 20, 2021 |
| CPU | 1x Cortex-A76 (Kryo 485 Prime) @ 2.84GHz 3x Cortex-A76 (Kryo 485 Gold) @ 2.4GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 485 Silver) @ 1.8GHz | 1x Cortex-A76 (Kryo 485 Prime) @ 2.96GHz 3x Cortex-A76 (Kryo 485 Gold) @ 2.4GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 485 Silver) @ 1.8GHz | 1x Cortex-A77 (Kryo 585 Prime) @ 3.1GHz 3x Cortex-A77 (Kryo 585 Gold) @ 2.42GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 585 Silver) @ 1.8GHz | 1x Cortex-A77 (Kryo 585 Prime) @ 3.2GHz 3x Cortex-A77 (Kryo 585 Gold) @ 2.42GHz 4x Cortex-A55 (Kryo 585 Silver) @ 1.8GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| Architecture | 7nm | 7nm | 7nm | 7nm |
| Display | Up to 4K UHD HDR10+ | Up to 4K UHD HDR10+ | Up to 4K UHD HDR10+ | Up to 4K UHD HDR10+ |
| Camera | Spectra 380 ISP Single: 192MP Dual: 22MP+22MP | Spectra 380 ISP Single: 192MP Dual: 22MP+22MP | Single: 200MP Dual: 25MP+25MP | Single: 200MP Dual: 25MP+25MP |
| Memory | LPDDR4x | LPDDR4x | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5 |
| Modem | Snapdragon X50 Download: 5.0 Gbps Upload: 1.2 Gbps | Snapdragon X50 Download: 5.0 Gbps Upload: 1.2 Gbps | Snapdragon X55 Download: 7.5 Gbps Upload: 3.0 Gbps | Snapdragon X55 Download: 7.5 Gbps Upload: 3.0 Gbps |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Antutu Scores (v8) | 4,97,179 points | 491,412 points | 6,29,245 points | 6,30,900 points |
| Geekbench Scores | Single-Core: 758 Multi-Core: 2,669 | Single-Core: 782 Multi-Core: 2792 | Single-Core: 975 Multi-Core: 3,346 | Single-Core: 1,024 Multi-Core: 3,482 |
Source: Snapdragon 855+/860, Snapdragon 865+, Snapdragon 870
1Antutu-Geekbench Benchmark Scores
Antutu Scores
Starting with the Snapdragon 855+, the chipset scores 4,97,179 points in the Antutu v8 test. Snapdragon 860 scores 4,91,412 in Antutu v8 testing. More or less, it is similar scores as the Snapdragon 855+ because both chipsets use similar specifications.
Moreover, the Snapdragon 865+ gets 6,29,245 points in the same test. Lastly, the Snapdragon 870 tops the chart with 6,30,900 points. There is no significant difference between the older generation and the new Snapdragon 860 and 870 SoCs. Only a minor difference in CPU, which can’t be noticed with open eyes.
Geekbench Scores
When it comes to Geekbench scores, we have used the latest Geekbench 5 scores for a fair comparison. In the Geekbench 5 scores, Snapdragon 855+ brings 758 points in single-core and 2,669 points in multi-core results. Snapdragon 860 beats the 855+ with 782 points in single-core and 2792 points in multi-core results.
Moreover, The Snapdragon 865+ carries 975 points in single-core and 3,346 points in multi-core. Like the Antutu scores, the Snapdragon 870 beats with 1,024 points in single-core and 3,482 points in multi-core results. Both Snapdragon 860 and Snapdragon 870 bring boosted CPU cores. That is the reason for scoring higher scores in the Geekbench 5 testing.
Overall, all these chipsets get decent benchmark scores. These scores may vary from device to device. We have used the OnePlus 7t Pro for Snapdragon 855+, Poco X3 Pro for 860, Asus Rog Phone 3 for Snapdragon 865 Plus, and Redmi K40 for Snapdragon 870.
2Control Processing Unit (CPU)
The Control Processing Unit, AKA CPU, is the heart of any chipset. This is the area where the company is deeply focusing on optimizing the chipset. The Snapdragon 855+, being the oldest on the list, comes with a slightly older CPU. It has a three-cluster octa-core CPU, where one bigger Cortex-A76 core is cloaked @2.84GHz.
Followed by, there are three other Cortex-A76 cores cloaked @2.42GHz and four Cortex-55 power-efficient cores @1.8GHz. The Snapdragon 860 comes with a boosted Cortex-A76 core @2.96GHz. The rest of the CPU cores are identical to the Snapdragon 855+. More or less, there is the same CPU with slightly overclocking.
Moving to the Snapdragon 865+, it was the flagship chip of 2020. The CPU of this SoC arrives with one powerful Cortex-A77 core @3.1GHz. There are another three Cortex-A77 cores @2.42GHz, followed by the four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores @1.8GHz. The Snapdragon 870 replicates the Snapdragon 860 story. The chipset arrives with a slightly overclocked CPU @3.2GHz. There is no major difference between the Snapdragon 865+ vs Snapdragon 870 other than boosted cores.
All four chipsets use the 7nm processing node. Hence, we can expect similar power efficiency. The CPU department is dominated by the Snapdragon 865+ vs 870 being the latest design. Qualcomm uses custom Kryo cores for better efficiency. That is why it is using the “Kryo” name scheme instead of “Cortex.”
3Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The Graphics Processing Unit, AKA GPU, is another important aspect of mobile SoC. It plays an important role in managing graphics performance. As time passes, mobile gaming is becoming more and more popular. This became possible only after the evolution of the GPU department. Both Snapdragon 855+ and Snapdragon 860 use the Adreno 640 GPU.
On the other hand, the latest Snapdragon 865+ and Adreno 870 duo arrive with the latest Adreno 650 GPU. The latest Adreno 650 GPU is likely to offer a 25% better graphics performance than the Adreno 640, as per its claim. It is a significant improvement where we can see the difference in day-to-day usage. Qualcomm promises to offer desktop-grade gaming performance with the latest Adreno 650.
Hence, Snapdragon 865+ and 870 wins in the GPU department, being the latest addition to the lineup. For gaming lovers, SD 865+ or SD 870 should be previously. But if your budget is tight, the Snapdragon 860 is not a bad choice either. We can see Snapdragon 860-powered devices at a much lower price compared to Snapdragon 870.
4Connectivity
First of all, it will be worth noting that All four chipsets arrive with 5G support. The only difference is that Snapdragon 865+ and Snapdragon 870 bring an integrated 5G modem. On the other hand, Snapdragon 855+ and Snapdragon 860 use an external 5G modem. Hence, it is not mandatory to have 5G support for Snapdragon 860-powered devices.
The Qualcomm X50 modem used on the Snapdragon 860 provides up to 5Gpbs download speed and 1.2Gbps upload speed. The Snapdragon 870 brings the latest Qualcomm X55 modem with up to 7.5Gbps download speed and 3Gpbs upload. On the specs sheet, X50 wins the race, but there is no significant importance of these speeds as we are nowhere near achieving that kind of internet speed on smartphones.
Both the 5G modems are external ones, so there is no restriction on having mandatory 5G support. It is up to the smartphone manufacturer whether it provides 5G or not. All the other remaining connectivity features are available on all the chipsets, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Calling, etc.
Final Verdict – Which One is Better?
As both Snapdragon 855+ and Snapdragon 865+ are older versions, we directly conclude Snapdragon 860 vs Snapdragon 870, which makes a better sense of the negligible difference between older ones. Starting with the Snapdragon 860 has good CPU and GPU performance, but it doesn’t match the specifications provided by the Snapdragon 870.
We can clearly see the difference in the latest technology. With the launch of Qualcomm’s 5th generation AI engine, Snapdragon 870 is more optimized, where we can expect more AI features. Overall, if we compare the performance, the Snapdragon 870 takes a significant lead in every department, whether it is CPU, GPU, or artificial intelligence.
But the question arises if the Snapdragon 860 comes at an affordable price, which is obvious. If we compare day-to-day usage, then there shouldn’t be any problem with Snapdragon 860. It is a flagship processor which will deliver a smooth performance. If you are getting a good deal, then you shouldn’t mind holding a smartphone with a Snapdragon 860 chipset under the hood.
If we have to decide which one is better, then Snapdragon 870 would be the clear winner. The company has also targeted the affordable price segment with the launch of the Snapdragon 860. Therefore, we have more options to choose from. What are your thoughts? Do let us know in the below comment section!
