The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 680 are mobile processors designed for budget and mid-range smartphones, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency. While both are built on a 6nm process and support advanced camera, display, and memory technologies, they are optimised for different priorities. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 provides integrated 5G connectivity and dependable everyday performance, whereas Snapdragon 680 focuses on efficient 4G performance, smooth multitasking, and extended battery life for daily smartphone use.
General
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 680 belong to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4-series and 6-series mobile platforms, respectively, but they target different smartphone segments. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 focuses on affordable 5G smartphones with a newer CPU architecture, while Snapdragon 680 is designed for efficient 4G smartphones that prioritise battery life and dependable everyday performance.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 |
|---|
| Launch date | September 2022 | October 2021 |
| Brand | Qualcomm | Qualcomm |
| Model number | SM4375 | SM6225 |
| Segment | Entry-level 5G | Mid-range 4G |
| Network support | 5G, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Process node | 6nm (Samsung) | 6nm (TSMC) |
| CPU architecture | ARMv8 | ARMv8 |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
CPU
CPU architecture determines how efficiently a processor handles multitasking, application launches, and background activities. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 combines two Cortex-A78 performance cores with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores for responsive daily usage, while Snapdragon 680 uses four Cortex-A73 and four Cortex-A53 cores to maintain stable performance across web browsing, streaming, and productivity applications.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | 2x Cortex-A78 + 6x Cortex-A55 | 4x Cortex-A73 + 4x Cortex-A53 |
| Performance cores | 2x Cortex-A78@2.0GHz | 4x Cortex-A73@2.4GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6x Cortex-A55@1.8GHz | 4x Cortex-A53@1.9GHz |
| Total cores | 8 | 8 |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.0GHz | 2.4GHz |
| 64-bit architecture | Yes | Yes |
Graphics
Graphics performance influences casual gaming, UI responsiveness, and multimedia playback. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 integrates the Adreno 619 GPU, while Snapdragon 680 features the Adreno 610 GPU. Both processors support Vulkan and OpenGL APIs, enabling smooth gameplay in titles such as Subway Surfers, Temple Run, and Candy Crush alongside Full HD video streaming.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 |
|---|
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| Vulkan support | Yes | Yes |
| OpenGL ES | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware video acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| AI-assisted graphics | Yes | Yes |
| Video playback | Up to Full HD | Up to Full HD |
Memory
Memory support affects multitasking, app retention, and overall responsiveness. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports faster LPDDR4X memory speeds than Snapdragon 680, allowing smoother switching between social media, messaging apps, and the camera while maintaining efficient background performance.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR4X | LPDDR4X |
| Maximum memory frequency | 2,133MHz | 1,866MHz |
| Memory bus | 2 x 16-bit | 2 x 16-bit |
| Maximum RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| ECC memory | No | No |
Multimedia (ISP)
The multimedia capabilities of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 680 determine image processing quality, display support, video recording, and storage compatibility. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports newer camera technologies with a higher image sensor limit and 5G-ready multimedia pipeline, while Snapdragon 680 focuses on efficient image processing and Full HD content capture for everyday photography and entertainment.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 |
|---|
| ISP | Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP | Qualcomm Spectra 346 Triple ISP |
| Maximum camera resolution | Up to 108MP | Up to 64MP |
| Multi-camera support | Triple camera | Triple camera |
| Maximum display resolution | Full HD+ | Full HD+ |
| Maximum refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 90Hz |
| Video recording | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 60fps |
| Video playback | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
| Storage support | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
Connectivity and network
Connectivity specifications determine mobile network performance, wireless communication, navigation accuracy, and everyday online experiences. Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 includes the Snapdragon X51 5G modem for Sub-6GHz 5G connectivity, while Snapdragon 680 integrates the Snapdragon X11 LTE modem for 4G smartphones. Both processors support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and global satellite navigation systems for reliable connectivity.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 680 |
|---|
| Modem | Snapdragon X51 5G | Snapdragon X11 LTE |
| Network support | 5G, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Maximum download speed | Up to 2.5Gbps | Up to 800Mbps |
| Maximum upload speed | Up to 900Mbps | Up to 150Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC |