The mid-range segment of the smartphone market is where the magic happens. It’s where manufacturers try to pack the most features and performance into an affordable package, making it an extremely competitive space. Two of the most popular mid-range chipsets from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 665 and 720G, are often pitted against each other. But which one comes out on top?
The Backstory: Understanding the Snapdragon Lineup
Before diving into the comparison, it’s essential to understand the Snapdragon lineup and how it’s structured. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors are divided into three primary tiers: budget (4-series and 6-series), mid-range (6-series and 7-series), and flagship (8-series).
The Snapdragon 600 series is specifically designed for mid-range devices, offering a balance of performance, power efficiency, and features. Within this series, the 665 and 720G are two of the most popular and widely used chipsets.
Architecture and Process Node
The Snapdragon 665 is built using the 11nm process node, which is a more mature and power-efficient process compared to the 10nm process used in the 720G. This difference in process node has a significant impact on power consumption and heat generation.
The 720G, on the other hand, boasts a more modern and efficient architecture, with a higher clock speed and improved instructions per clock (IPC). This allows it to perform better in demanding tasks and games.
CPU Cores and Clock Speed
The Snapdragon 665 features an octa-core CPU with a maximum clock speed of 2.0 GHz, consisting of two Cortex-A73 cores and six Cortex-A53 cores. This configuration provides a good balance between performance and power efficiency.
In contrast, the Snapdragon 720G has an octa-core CPU with a maximum clock speed of 2.3 GHz, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores. The A76 cores offer improved performance and better power management compared to the A73 cores used in the 665.
GPU Performance
The Snapdragon 665 uses the Adreno 610 GPU, which is a capable but not exceptional performer. It’s suitable for casual gaming and general graphics tasks but may struggle with more demanding titles.
The Snapdragon 720G, on the other hand, features the Adreno 618 GPU, which offers a significant performance boost compared to the 610. It’s better equipped to handle demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks, making it a more suitable choice for gamers.
Memory and Storage
Both the Snapdragon 665 and 720G support up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of internal storage. However, the 720G has an advantage when it comes to storage, as it supports faster UFS 2.1 storage, whereas the 665 is limited to UFS 2.0.
UFS 2.1 vs UFS 2.0
UFS (Universal Flash Storage) is a type of storage technology used in smartphones. UFS 2.1 offers faster sequential read and write speeds compared to UFS 2.0, making it better suited for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Camera Capabilities
The Snapdragon 665 supports up to a single 48 MP camera or dual 16 MP cameras, whereas the 720G can handle up to a single 64 MP camera or dual 22 MP cameras. Additionally, the 720G has improved image processing capabilities and supports more advanced camera features like multi-frame noise reduction and enhanced bokeh mode.
AI Capabilities
The Snapdragon 720G has a more powerful AI engine, the Hexagon 692 Tensor Accelerator, which provides significant improvements in AI-based tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive maintenance. This enables more efficient and accurate AI-driven features like scene detection, portrait mode, and AI-powered camera enhancements.
Connectivity and Other Features
Both the Snapdragon 665 and 720G support essential features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, and USB-C. However, the 720G has an advantage when it comes to connectivity, as it supports faster Wi-Fi 6 speeds and has a more advanced LTE modem, the Snapdragon X15 LTE modem, which offers faster download speeds and better network performance.
Fast Charging
The Snapdragon 720G supports faster charging speeds, up to Quick Charge 4+, which can charge your battery from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes.
Power Management
The Snapdragon 665 is generally more power-efficient due to its more mature 11nm process node. However, the 720G’s more efficient architecture and optimized power management features help to mitigate the power consumption difference.
Conclusion: Which One Comes Out on Top?
The Snapdragon 665 and 720G are both capable mid-range chipsets, each with their strengths and weaknesses. The 665 excels in terms of power efficiency, while the 720G offers improved performance, camera capabilities, and AI-driven features.
The Snapdragon 720G is the better choice for:
- Gamers: The 720G’s Adreno 618 GPU provides a significant performance boost, making it a better option for gaming enthusiasts.
- Camera enthusiasts: The 720G’s improved image processing capabilities and support for higher megapixel cameras make it a better choice for those who prioritize camera performance.
- AI-driven features: The 720G’s more powerful AI engine enables more efficient and accurate AI-driven features, making it a better option for those who rely heavily on AI-powered features.
The Snapdragon 665 is the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: The 665 is generally more affordable and provides excellent value for its price.
- Casual users: The 665’s power-efficient design and capable performance make it a great option for casual users who prioritize battery life.
Ultimately, the choice between the Snapdragon 665 and 720G depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a more powerful and feature-rich experience, the 720G is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and prioritize power efficiency, the 665 is still an excellent option.
What are the key differences between Snapdragon 665 and 720G?
The key differences between Snapdragon 665 and 720G lie in their processing power, graphics capabilities, and modem capabilities. The Snapdragon 720G is a more powerful processor, with a higher clock speed and more powerful Adreno 618 GPU, making it better suited for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 665 has a lower clock speed and an Adreno 610 GPU, making it more geared towards mid-range devices.
Despite these differences, both processors share some similarities, such as their 11nm manufacturing process and support for up to 4GB of RAM. Additionally, both processors have similar camera capabilities, with support for up to 48MP single cameras and 16MP dual cameras. Overall, the choice between the two processors depends on the specific needs of the device and the target market.
Which processor is better for gaming?
The Snapdragon 720G is the clear winner when it comes to gaming. Its more powerful Adreno 618 GPU and higher clock speed make it better suited for handling demanding games and graphics-intensive tasks. Additionally, the Snapdragon 720G has a higher level of support for gaming-related features, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite Gaming platform, which provides a range of features and tools to enhance the gaming experience.
The Snapdragon 665, on the other hand, is more geared towards mid-range devices and may struggle with more demanding games. While it can still handle casual gaming and less demanding games, it may not provide the same level of performance as the Snapdragon 720G. If gaming is a top priority, the Snapdragon 720G is the better choice.
What are the power management differences between the two processors?
The power management differences between the Snapdragon 665 and 720G are relatively minor. Both processors have similar power management features, including Qualcomm’s PowerSave technology, which helps to reduce power consumption and extend battery life. Additionally, both processors have similar support for rapid charging, with the Snapdragon 665 supporting QuickCharge 3.0 and the Snapdragon 720G supporting QuickCharge 4.0.
However, the Snapdragon 720G has a slightly higher power consumption due to its higher clock speed and more powerful GPU. This means that devices powered by the Snapdragon 720G may have slightly shorter battery life compared to devices powered by the Snapdragon 665. However, this difference is relatively minor and may not be noticeable in most use cases.
Which processor has better camera capabilities?
Both the Snapdragon 665 and 720G have similar camera capabilities, with support for up to 48MP single cameras and 16MP dual cameras. Additionally, both processors have similar support for camera-related features, such as optical zoom, bokeh mode, and hybrid autofocus. However, the Snapdragon 720G has slightly better low-light performance and supports more advanced camera features, such as Qualcomm’s Spectra 350 ISP, which provides improved image quality and color accuracy.
In terms of video capture, both processors support up to 4K video recording at 30fps, as well as slow-motion video recording at 120fps. However, the Snapdragon 720G has better support for advanced video features, such as Qualcomm’s FilmSteady electronic image stabilization, which provides smoother and more stable video recording.
What are the modem capabilities of each processor?
The Snapdragon 665 has a more limited modem capability, with support for Cat. 11 LTE download speeds up to 600Mbps and Cat. 7 LTE upload speeds up to 150Mbps. This makes it better suited for mid-range devices that don’t require high-speed data connectivity.
The Snapdragon 720G, on the other hand, has a more advanced modem capability, with support for Cat. 15 LTE download speeds up to 800Mbps and Cat. 18 LTE upload speeds up to 150Mbps. This makes it better suited for devices that require high-speed data connectivity, such as gaming devices and smartphones that support 5G connectivity.
Which processor is more widely used?
The Snapdragon 665 is more widely used in mid-range devices, particularly in budget-friendly smartphones from manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung, and Motorola. This is due to its more affordable pricing and lower power consumption, which make it an attractive option for devices that don’t require high-level performance.
The Snapdragon 720G, on the other hand, is more commonly used in higher-end devices, particularly in gaming smartphones and devices that require advanced graphics capabilities. This is due to its more powerful performance and advanced features, which make it better suited for devices that require high-level gaming and graphics capabilities.
What is the price difference between the two processors?
The price difference between the Snapdragon 665 and 720G is significant, with the Snapdragon 665 being generally less expensive than the Snapdragon 720G. This is due to the Snapdragon 720G’s more advanced features and higher performance, which require more complex and expensive manufacturing processes.
The exact price difference will depend on the specific implementation and the volume of orders, but in general, the Snapdragon 665 can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 less than the Snapdragon 720G. This makes the Snapdragon 665 an attractive option for budget-conscious manufacturers who want to provide a reliable and efficient mid-range device without breaking the bank.