Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 vs 855+ vs 855: What’s New?

December, Qualcomm released its new chipset Snapdragon 865 in Hawaii. Android users want specific hardware details and improvements over last-gen chipsets. This article compares Snapdragon 865, 855+, and 855 with a detailed analysis. We also compare Snapdragon 865 and Apple’s A13 Bionic. Let’s explore Snapdragon 865 vs 855+ vs 855 to discover what’s new.

Raw Numbers: Snapdragon 865 vs 855+ vs 855

Let’s look at the specs of all three processors.

Performance and Features: Snapdragon 865 vs 855+ vs 855

Performance and AI

With the release of Snapdragon 855 last year, it marked a significant improvement over 845 by 45% in mobile computing. This advance in the A76 core cluster garnered praise from the tech industry. However, this year’s performance boost isn’t as substantial, though still notable. Qualcomm asserts that Snapdragon 865’s CPU offers a 25% performance increase over Snapdragon 855, while the Adreno 650 GPU shows a consistent 25% enhancement over the previous generation. In summary, the CPU and GPU upgrades are commendable, yet fall short of Apple’s silicon.

Elite Gaming

Last year, Qualcomm integrated Elite Gaming into its SoC with Snapdragon 855, aiming to elevate gaming performance by incorporating HDR and robust graphics rendering. This year, with the launch of Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm has further enhanced the Elite Gaming experience. Through a new tool called Desktop Forward Rendering, Qualcomm aims to deliver desktop-quality lighting and post-processing effects to mobile gaming effortlessly. Notably, Snapdragon 865 enables HDR gaming on a 144Hz display panel seamlessly. Additionally, starting this year, Qualcomm will distribute Adreno graphics driver updates via OEM channels such as Play Store or System Updates.

Image Signal Processor

Regarding ISP performance, the Snapgradong 865 demonstrates a significant improvement over the last-gen Spectra 380, thanks to Qualcomm’s Spectra 480. The Snapdragon 865 captures 8K video at 30FPS and images up to 200 megapixels, an impressive feat accomplished in a fraction of a second. For comparison, the Snapdragon 855 only supported shooting up to 4K HDR videos at 60FPS. Qualcomm dubs this advancement Gigapixel Speed technology, enabling the ISP to operate at up to 2 gigapixels per second. Consequently, users can now capture 960FPS slow-motion videos at 720p resolution. Overall, the Snapdragon 865 represents a substantial advancement in image and video capturing capabilities compared to the 855.

What’s New?

Above, we discussed standard SoC features, but does Snapdragon 865 introduce anything new? Indeed, the Snapdragon 865 platform features an all-new Qualcomm Sensing Hub, absent in previous chip generations. This hub enables contextual awareness without excessive resource consumption. For instance, it ensures clear and accurate voice commands, employing multiple sensors and intelligent sound recognition for contextual AI on devices.

In addition to WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 support, Qualcomm is upgrading its mobile connectivity subsystem with Snapdragon 865, known as FastConnect 6800. It synchronizes with WiFi and Bluetooth to offer superior speed and reliability in crowded spaces. Unlike FastConnect 6200 on Snapdragon 855+ and 855, Qualcomm has obtained WiFi 6 certification this year from the Wi-Fi Alliance. This ensures much better wireless fidelity and performance for consumers.

Conundrum: 5G?

Amidst numerous speculations surrounding 5G integration and Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm definitively addressed concerns last night. According to The Verge, Qualcomm stated, “the Snapdragon 865 will exclusively power 5G phones and necessitate the X55 modem as its companion.” Clearly, the Snapdragon 865 is tailored for 5G connectivity, regardless of whether the modem is integrated with the SoC. Additionally, reports suggest Qualcomm may release the Snapdragon 865 sans modem— not even LTE— to incentivize OEMs towards the 5G modem.

However, what about regions without 5G, like India? The 5G modem will be compatible with LTE, 3G, and 2G networks, so if 5G is unavailable, it will revert to LTE or other networks. Despite this, many users doubt the X55 modem’s frequency management. Will it efficiently switch between LTE and 5G frequencies without sacrificing battery life? Regardless, you’re receiving a 5G phone with Snapdragon 865.

The Verdict: Snapdragon 865 vs 855+ vs 855

After considering all points, it’s evident that the Snapdragon 865 has significantly improved upon last-gen chips. Particularly in image processing and AI, it surpasses the Snapdragon 855 and 855+. Additionally, when devices launch next year with the Snapdragon 865 chipset, they’ll include 5G capabilities. Whether you want to adopt this technology early is your decision. What are your thoughts on Qualcomm’s new flagship chipset? Can it compete with Apple’s A13 Bionic chip? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Pritam Chopra

Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.